If you don’t know much about terpenes, you will find that these unique compounds are naturally found in living plants. They contribute to a plant’s smell and taste. If you use CBD or THC products, the terpenes give different cannabis strains their unique aromas, plus various therapeutic properties.
Today we’ll break down the cannabis terpene called Humulenem and really figure out what humulene is and its benefits, such as therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties and its involvement in beer.
Main Keypoints:
- Humulene, a terpene commonly found in hops and pine trees, tobacco, spices, and herbs, is also identified in high concentrations in the cannabis plant.
- The predominant aroma of Humulene is an earthy, woody, spicy scent and might already be in an essential oil you use at home.
- Preliminary research reveals that Humulene delivers positive therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammation, and other antibacterial properties and possible weight management benefits.
What is Humulene?
Humulene is an important terpene abundant in hops plant and cannabis plants. Humulene also occurs in a wide range of everyday herbs and spices.
But it doesn’t stop there. Humulene is a dynamic terpene with positive therapeutic potential for your health and wellness.
Humulene (pronounced hyüm-yü-lēn) is a terpene commonly found in hops and in high concentrations in the cannabis plant. Since hops are the main component in most beers, it should be no surprise to learn that Humulene brings together the scents of beer and marijuana. It produces an earthy, woody, spicy aroma.
Also found in various types of wood, pine trees, and tobacco, Humulene appears in herbs and spices often found in holistic eastern medicinal practices.
As researchers explore the benefits of terpenes, they find that Humulene may play a role in providing therapeutic effects to help optimize your health.
In the scientific world, you will find Humulene under the terms alpha-humulene or α-caryophyllene. Humulene shares a close relationship with another beneficial terpene found in cannabis, namely β-caryophyllene (beta), which delivers additional health-promoting properties.
What Has Humulene In It?
This terpene primarily comes from hops, where its’ essential oils are obtained in high concentrations. Located in various types of wood, pine trees, and tobacco, Humulene also appears in coriander, ginseng, sage, black pepper, and clove.
And, of course, cannabis naturally contains Humulene, which contributes to that pungent earthy scent in many marijuana products. Humulene is one of the most frequent terpenes naturally occurring in hemp.
What is the Prominent Aroma of Humulene?
Humulene has a woody, spicy, even refreshing smell. Due to significant amounts in the hops plant, people say this terpene brings together the scents of beer and marijuana. Others say Humulene delivers a peppery, warm aroma, which you’ll find to be the case in many cannabis strains.
What Are The Benefits Of Humulene?
Researchers have already documented many health benefits of Humulene. Here are a few of the most promising opportunities for this terpene for your well-being.
What Does Humulene Do? Does It Have Any Anti-Inflammatory Effects?
Humulene appears to have a role in providing these therapeutic effects to help optimize your health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, Humuleneshowed anti-inflammation properties.[1] Additionally, science suggests that the essential oils from alpha-humulene may support the management of anti-inflammatory concerns. A published study in the European Journal of Pharmacology confirmed the essential oil from Humulene delivers anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antibacterial properties. More than one study has revealed evidence that Humulene has the potential to slow bacterial growth.[2],[3] The future of Humulene for its antibacterial properties seems promising as scientists discover more and more advantages. Recently, Humulene demonstrated it fights Staphyloccocus aureus, a strain of bacteria.[4]
- Season allergy support. The authors of the study discovered that Humulene has the potential to combat allergies.[5] Published research concluded that Humulene could benefit allergy and asthma health issues. [6]
- Antioxidant effects. An investigation into alpha-humulene on diabetic rats indicated that the terpene had antioxidant effects.[7] Humulene decreased levels of oxidative stress and displayed potential anti-diabetic properties.
- Gastritis. Stress-induced gastritis is a stomach condition triggered by emotional issues such as anxiety and nervousness. It can lead to many unwanted health issues, including heartburn, burning sensation, and a full stomach feeling. Experimental research has shown that Humulene is a potential compound for helping with stress-induced or alcoholic gastritis.[8]
- Weight management and weight loss. Unlike THC, which can give you the munchies, Humulene may help suppress activity in the appetite pathways in your body and promote weight loss. In this way, it acts as an appetite suppressant instead of a stimulant, so if you find any cannabis strains with high levels of Humulene, you now have another reason to get it.
Is Humulene Safe To Use?
On their own, terpenes like Humulene do not have significant psychoactive properties. There have been no significant incidents or reports on the adverse use of this terpene.
Is It Legal?
In general, Humulene and all terpenes are legal on their own. However, when terpenes come from marijuana, they may be illegal in certain areas under federal law and regulations.
As a result, derived cannabis terpenes operate in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, including hemp-derived CBD and terpenes.
And some states have legalized cannabis and its terpenes. You will always want to check to understand the regulations in your state to assure you are using a legal substance.
How Does Humulene Play a Role in Cannabis Strains?
Terpenes and cannabis go hand in hand. If it weren’t for terpenes, all the various cannabis strains would not have the unique flavor and smell of the particular strain. Without terpenes, cannabis might not have the same benefits for your body’s well-being.
Terpenes, like Humulene, are part of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a term to describe the synergistic effect. The same goes for other terpenes like ocimene and myrcene.
This enhanced result occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce more significant results than any one of them can alone.
As a result, you can often elevate your cannabis experience when choosing a strain that combines marijuana and terpenes. So keep an eye out for any humulene-rich strains.
Final Thoughts
Humulene is a natural, aromatic terpene found in live plants. Its scent is similar to hops with woody, earthy overtones.
At BioWellnessX, we recognize that Humulene terpene may offer therapeutic benefits with medical applications.
We invite you to visit our website to learn more about how our wide range of quality products can support your physical and mental health.
References:
- https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00177.x
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878535211001559
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16619365/
- Ibid
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785529/
- Ibid.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol9no2/the-response-to-oxidative-stress-%ce%b1-humulene-compounds-hibiscus-manihot-l-leaf-on-the-activity-of-8-hydroxy-2-deoksiquanosin-levels-pancreatic-%ce%b2-cells-in-diabetic-rats/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34064830/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878535211001559
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16619365/
- Ibid
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By reading this legal information, you agree to release the author of any liability related to or arising from your use of this data. This post contains no legal advice. The legal status surrounding Delta 8 THC is new and constantly changing. We continuously work hard to do our best to give you the most updated information. We recommend checking your current state’s laws or federal hemp laws before purchasing any industrial hemp-derived products (CBD, THC). The data in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or give any medical advice. Do your due diligence and seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you are in doubt or are currently taking any prescription medications. Safer than sorry is always a great idea when consuming new products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Humulene may play a role in providing therapeutic effects to help optimize your health. Preliminary research reveals that Humulene delivers positive medicinal potential, including anti-inflammatory effects, anti-inflammation, and weight management benefits.
More than one study has revealed evidence that besides humulene’s anti-inflammatory properties, it also has the potential to slow bacterial growth. [9],[10]. More specifically, it was shown to fight Staphyloccocus aureus in scientific research. [11]
Humulene has mildly sedative effects that tend to create a relaxing effect.
Humulene, classified as a monocyclic sesquiterpene, is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. It is also known as alpha-humulene or a-humulene.
Humulene has mildly sedative effects and does not produce stimulating properties. It tends to create a relaxing effect that may help calm your mind.
Primarily found in hops, basil, sage, clove, black pepper, and other herbs and spices are also sources of Humulene. It appears in cannabis in high concentrations.
