What are the uses and benefits of Humulene?

Cannabis plants contain multiple active ingredients in addition to pure cannabinoids. Depending on the variety you select, you will see a different terpene composition. Terpenes are a chemical substance that can be found in various plant and animal species. Indeed, they are responsible for the aromas and flavours of plants. Among the 200 terpenes found in plants, find humulene.

Terpenes are located in the trichomes and have various functions, also affecting the effects generated.

What is humulene?

Humulene belongs to the terpenes present in cannabis plants. Although it does not normally appear in large quantities like limonene or myrcene, it is considered one of the main components.

This compund is commonly known as α-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene found in essential oil extracted from the lupulus plant (humulus lupulus), hence the term terpene.

Humulene shares the same formula as β-caryophyllene, both have similar aromas and structural arrangements. However, they act differently because humulene, unlike beta-caryophyllene, does not bind to cannabinoid receptors

What does humulene smell like?

Besides being present in cannabis plants, it is possible to find this terpene in basil and sage. Similarly, humulene’s essence exists in various natural environments. These include pine forests and sunflowers or oranges fields.

On the other hand, many herbs and species contain humulene, like ginseng or coriander, very tasty and often used in asian kitchen.

Humulene is responsible for characteristic aromas that offer a pungent, herbal or woody touch, reminiscent of beer due to its high lupulus content. Generally, it is not present in large quantities, it is not the smell that dominates but rather a slight nuance that provides earthy contracts.

Humulene’s properties and benefits

Humulene has recently been studied for its biomedical properties and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. The effectiveness of many medical herbs is due to the presence of humulene. This component is released by soaking the lupulus and can act as an effective sedative.

Indeed, some herbs such as chilli or ginseng are useful to prepare natural antibiotics. Here are some of the benefits of this component:

Anti-inflammatory properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of humulene were discovered by isolating alpha humulene from the essential oil Varronia curassavica. This causes various anti-inflammatory effects for oral treatments. In fact, research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology shows that these properties are similar to dexamethasone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug recommended for certain inflammatory conditions.

Anti-tumour and anti-cancer

A study published in 2003 in Planta Medica revealed that humulene may have the ability to kill cancer cells. Thus, the combination of phytocannabinoids and terpenes such as humulene is able to eliminate cancer cells, preventing their proliferation and reducing tumour growth.

Antibacterial properties

In 2019, research found that humulene has antibacterial properties against many harmful bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis and Staphylococcus Aureus (which cause skin infections).

Analgesic

A 2019 study suggests that humulene, in combination with the medicinal plant Pterodon pubescens, acts synergistically to reduce pain in animals. However, it’s essential to do more research in order to learn more about this property and its potential uses.

Weight loss

Humulene is known to contribute to the entourage effect when working with THCV, by reducing appetite. As such, it is thought to have the potential to reduce consumption, resulting in weight loss. However, these results are anecdotal and you should do further testing .

On the other hand, it has anticoagulant properties when combined with THC or antifungal properties when combined with CBC or CBG.

Humulene-rich strains

Humulene is present in a wide variety of cannabis strains. It is usually found in those with a slight peppery note. Find below some seeds to take advantage of this terpene:

Auto Tropicanna Cookies XXL by GB Strains

Auto Tropicanna Cookies XXL has a high percentage of THC and a balanced indica-sativa composition, altering sensory perceptions and creating a powerful feeling of well-being. This strain is enhanced by a terpene profile that includes humulene and caryophyllene, leaving light earthy undertones that mingle with spicy notes. Notes inherited from Girl Scout Cookies.

Gorilla Sherbet F1 Fast Version de Sweet Seeds

This indica-dominant strain offers great mental relaxation and therapeutic properties. The flavour and aroma offered by this strain is very pleasant with woody undertones and hints of fresh humus in the background. Gorilla Sherbet F1 Fast Version is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies x Pink Panties and Gorilla Girl XL Auto.

Sweet ZZ Automatic de Royal Queen Seeds

This autoflowering seed is among the extensive catalogue of Royal Queen Seeds. Sweet ZZ Automatic stands out for its citrus, caramel and hop aromas, which arise from limonene and humulene. It also has large amounts of caryophyllene, which acts as an anti-inflammatory.

To sum up, we can find humulene in many strains of cannabis, giving them a characteristic aroma and certain therapeutic properties. However, further research is needed to learn more about its benefits.