What is carene?

Carene, or delta-3-carene, is one of the many terpenes that can be found in the cannabis plant. It is present not only in different marijuana genetics but also in other plants throughout the vegetation. This terpene, like the rest, acts in synergy with the other components of the plants to provide organoleptic qualities. Do you want to know more about carene? Here is all the information about this terpene!

Purpose of terpenes

Plant protection is the main goal of terpenes, with carene acting as a natural insecticide, preventing fungi and pests, among other unwanted external agents. Even so, it is important to know everything about terpenes and how, when isolated individually, they are used for different purposes. Specifically, carene is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and perfumery.

Carene structure

It is a monoterpene, meaning it consists of a combination of two isoprene units, which means that 10 carbon atoms make up delta-3-carene.

Regarding its appearance, carene is liquid and colorless to yellowish. Its boiling point is 170 °C. Although it is among the most common terpenes, it is not one of the most abundant. However, the qualities of carene act in synergy with those of other terpenes and plant components, providing each variety with particular and exclusive properties.

Carene flavor and aroma

The aroma of carene is reminiscent of cedar, pine, and wood, with sweet and slightly spicy notes. Meanwhile, its flavor is quite citrusy. It can be found in various plants in the plant kingdom:

• Grapes
• Oranges
• Rosemary
• Cedar
• Pine
• Limes
• Lemons
• Cannabis Sativa L.

These are just a few examples of plants from which carene can be extracted. In isolation, it is part of the ingredient list for various essential oils due to the effects provided by its consumption.

Effects and benefits of carene

The effects provided by carene are quite unique, as it is responsible for eliminating excess liquids or fluids in our body. For example: tears, nasal congestion, and saliva. In fact, it is likely the terpene responsible for the dry mouth and eye irritation that occurs when we smoke.

Benefits of carene

Among other benefits, it is a great insecticide. A study observed that Brazilian pepper oil, which has delta-3-carene as its main component, is an ideal repellent for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that carries dengue and Zika, among others.

The cosmetic industry also uses carene as a substance to scent products, as does the perfume industry. In food, it is used as a flavor enhancer.

Where can carene be found?

In aromatherapy, this terpene can be found in cypress oil, juniper oil, and valerian oil. The purpose of this type of complementary therapy with carene is to reduce and eliminate excess fluids from our body.

Although the toxicity of this terpene is ruled out, it is true that it can cause irritation through inhalation.

We have already seen its effects and benefits, but what we like and find most surprising about this terpene are its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Keep reading to discover them.

What are the medicinal properties of carene?

The medicinal properties of marijuana plants began to be studied and discovered starting in the 1960s. Those of carene in particular became known from the 1980s.

Specifically, it was in 1989 when a study titled Comparative study of different essential oils of Bupleurum Gibraltaricum Lamarck was published, which highlighted the anti-inflammatory qualities of this terpene. Above all, it is very useful for combating acute inflammation. A different study on traditional Chinese medicine confirmed this quality. The study, which was conducted with the essential oil of Gynura procumbens on rodents, demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects on them.

The oil, which is a combination of pinene, limonene, and carene, has served to reduce inflammation and chronic joint pain. Thus, research is underway to include delta-3-carene in pharmacological treatments for diseases such as arthritis.

Carene helps bone growth

Without a doubt, the most exclusive therapeutic property of this terpene is the following: it promotes bone growth and health. The study Low concentration of 3-carene stimulates the differentiation of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Subclone 4 cells, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2007, confirmed that carene could treat bone diseases.

In this study, the action of 89 natural compounds on bone formation was compared, discovering that carene was the best at boosting both mineralization and bone cell growth. Based on this finding, the scientific community is trying to incorporate this terpene into nutritional supplements, as it could be very useful for combating bone loss.

Other studies conducted

There are studies that have demonstrated its incredible antifungal potential. Especially against Candida, Aspergillus, and other dermatophyte fungi that cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails. Juniper oil is especially useful for these conditions, where carene is a main ingredient. Thus, this oil is ideal for treating fungal infections.

Delta-3-carene could also be very beneficial for memory retention. Acting on the central nervous system of our body, it would be a perfect terpene to combat diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Other studies have also pointed out that carene can be a good antihistamine.

Cannabis varieties rich in carene

Skunk XL

The Skunk XL is a classic hybrid; it leaves us with a combination of typical sativa and indica effects. Thus, while you quickly experience the first high, it will become physical and relaxing as the minutes pass. The flavor and aroma of this cross of Afghan, Mexican, and Colombian landrace varieties will be quite sweet and fruity.

Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is a sativa-dominant strain with quite high levels of THC (up to 21%), which will be noticeable in the effect. This will be quite lucid and energizing, perfect for daytime smoking. It was created in the 1990s and has since won multiple awards. This variety, perfect for hash extractions, has a sweet Skunk aroma, intense and even a little spicy. At a therapeutic level, it is ideal for combating headaches, migraines, and anxiety.

Super Silver Haze

(5)

25,50 €30,00 €15%

Arjan’s Ultra Haze

Arjan’s Ultra Haze 1 is the cross between Cambodia x Neville’s Haze x Laos. It has THC levels of 16%. It was the winner of the 2006 High Times Cannabis Cup for its strong and invigorating effects, which are very intense and cerebral. As for its flavors and aromas, they are citrusy, sweet, and fresh. This whole special combination makes it a perfect variety for meditation with purposes of introspection, reflection, spiritual contemplation, or for relaxing.

AK47

A sativa-dominant strain whose high THC levels (over 20%) offer a perfect sociable and very pleasant effect, but which will knock out beginners if they smoke too much. In fact, this is where this variety got its name; the AK47 is a type of Russian Kalashnikov. It is one of the most awarded varieties in all of cannabis history and is the result of a cross of Colombian x Mexican x Afghani x Thai developed in 1992. Regarding its smell and flavor, it is spicy, with hints of pine, citrus, and nuances of Skunk.

Moby Dick

In our catalog, we have this nationally popular variety. The Moby Dick, a cross between White Widow x Haze, has resulted in this sativa-dominant strain with very intense flavors and smells of lemon, spices, incense, and cedar. For its part, the effect that will hit you is typically sativa, quite psychoactive, and even psychedelic. Even so, you will see that these are very clean and lucid effects, although they can also become narcotic. At a therapeutic level, this variety is perfect for stimulating the appetite.

Moby Dick 100% feminized

(64)

3,00 €

We remind you that there are more than 200 terpenes in cannabis plants. Imagine the number of qualities they provide, not just individually, but also in synergy with other terpenes. Keep reading!