Humulene: Therapeutic Effects of This Cannabis Terpene
Humulene is a terpene that can be found in a wide range of plants and has been used for centuries in holistic Eastern healing practices. Humulene is among the terpenes that commonly occur in cannabis plants. Although not the most dominant terpene, it is frequently studied in modern biomedical research. In this article, we will clarify what we know about humulene and its potential therapeutic effects.
What is Humulene?
Humulene is, along with caryophyllene and myrcene, one of the most common cannabis terpenes. However, it usually occurs in slightly smaller quantities than its terpene counterparts. The terpene profile of humulene is earthy, woody, and slightly spicy.
Hops is a plant in which humulene occurs in very high concentrations. It is also named after common hop (Humulus lupulus). Besides hops and cannabis, it can be found in many other plants, such as:
- black pepper,
- basil,
- ginseng,
- sage,
- clove,
- ginger.
Therapeutic Effects of Humulene
Humulene is a very important terpene that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries for its extensive applications. It is also the subject of many recent biomedical studies. Its significant therapeutic effects include:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Many terpenes in cannabis, including limonene, have shown promising effects in treating inflammatory conditions. Humulene is also among the terpenes that may have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study where alpha-humulene was extracted from sage essential oil, significant anti-inflammatory effects were found upon oral administration.
In Chinese medicine, humulene in sage oil is used for various therapeutic purposes. It is also contained in ginseng, which is used in Chinese medicine to increase energy and as a natural antibacterial agent.
Anti-Tumor and Anti-Cancer Effects
Humulene has been studied for its potential benefits in fighting cancer cells, and the results were very promising. A 2003 study revealed that humulene in fir tree oil has the potential to destroy cancer cells by stopping their antioxidant processes, thus halting tumor growth.
Anti-Allergic and Anti-Asthmatic Effects
A 2018 study found that humulene, along with several other terpenes, has anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic effects.
Antibacterial Effects
In another study, it was discovered that essential oil containing humulene has antibacterial properties and effectively fights against Staphylococcus aureus (also known as golden staph) in small quantities.
Analgesic Effects
A 2019 study suggests that humulene combined with the medicinal plant Pterodon pubescens works synergistically in reducing pain in animals. This needs further investigation, but the results are very promising.
To confirm the positive effects of humulene in clinical human studies, more research is needed. It is therefore important to continue studies to verify its alleged effects.
Cannabis Strains with High Humulene Content
Cannabis contains a large number of terpenes, and humulene is one of them. Most cannabis strains with high humulene content come from the sativa genus, but it can also be found in indica-dominant strains. Cannabis strains with high humulene content include:
- Girl Scout Cookies,
- Super Sour Diesel,
- White Widow,
- Super Lemon Haze.