Myrcene: One of the most common terpenes in cannabis
Cannabis plants produce more than 100 different terpenes. Terpenes are substances that naturally occur in various plants, including cannabis, and give them their characteristic aroma. At the same time, they influence some potential therapeutic effects of cannabis. In this article, we will focus on one of these terpenes, specifically myrcene. Are you interested in what myrcene exactly is, its health effects, and which cannabis varieties contain high amounts of this terpene? We will answer all these questions in this article.
What is myrcene?
Myrcene represents one of the most important terpenes in many cannabis varieties. In the late 90s, one study even showed that myrcene forms more than 60% of the terpenes contained in cannabis. Cannabis varieties with higher myrcene content often have a peppery, spicy, earthy, or musky terpene profile.
Myrcene is not found only in cannabis. We can also find it in:
- mango,
- thyme,
- lemongrass,
- parsley,
- bay leaf,
- hops,
- cardamom,
- ylang-ylang essential oil,
- West Indian bay leaf.
What are the healing effects of myrcene?
Myrcene has many therapeutic effects. Here are some of them:
Myrcene as an Anti-Inflammatory
Myrcene has been shown to reduce inflammation in the human body at high concentrations. Due to this property, it may be useful in fighting many inflammation-related diseases, including autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's disease.
The first published claim about myrcene's pain-suppressing properties dates back to 1990 by Brazilian scientists. It was found that myrcene increases TRPV1 activity, leading to increased pain-suppressing effect. Moreover, it has been confirmed that myrcene reduces inflammation and swelling through these interactions, making it a potential treatment for arthritis and joint pain.
However, further research is needed to confirm myrcene's potential anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence of myrcene's impact on reducing inflammation primarily comes from animal studies.
Myrcene as a Pain Reliever
According to scientific study results, myrcene can significantly alleviate pain. In this study, rats were given oral injections of myrcene in the form of lemongrass leaves. Although the study was conducted on animals, scientists pointed out that lemongrass tea containing myrcene has a long-standing tradition in folk medicine. This confirms herbal practitioners' stories that lemongrass tea (containing myrcene) is suitable for pain relief.
Myrcene as an Antioxidant
A study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine revealed that myrcene protects skin from aging. The results suggest that myrcene can specifically act as a protection against skin damage from ultraviolet radiation. Based on these findings, myrcene could become a cosmetic product or an ingredient in sunscreen.
Myrcene as a Sedative
Research published in Phytomedicine indicates that myrcene may act as a sedative. According to this mouse study, test subjects became lethargic and less mobile after high doses of myrcene. However, animal study results often do not manifest the same effect in humans, so more extensive research is needed to clarify whether myrcene can act as a sedative, especially in amounts commonly found in commercial cannabis products.
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