You may not associate the woody earthy fragrance of Humelene with cannabis, but rather its cousin in the Cannabaceae family – hops, humulus lupulus.
While hops, is where humulene received its name and was first discovered it is found in cannabis and a variety of other plants.
Read on to discover more about this unique compound.
Terpenes encompass a diverse group of organic compounds present in various plants, with notable occurrences in conifers and cannabis.
These compounds are accountable for the distinctive fragrances and flavors that characterize different plants, fruits, and flowers. In nature, terpenes serve a dual purpose as they function both as a defense mechanism against herbivores and as an attraction for pollinators.
Terpenes exhibit promising potential for therapeutic use. Extensive research has explored the possible health benefits of numerous terpenes, highlighting their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and antibacterial properties.
These compounds work in synergy with other elements — such as cannabinoids in cannabis — resulting in the “entourage effect,” where combined components amplify each other’s effects. This phenomenon has led to increased interest in terpenes, not just within traditional herbal medicine, but also in emerging fields like aromatherapy.
The entourage effect refers to a phenomenon observed in the interaction between various compounds — predominantly cannabinoids like THC and CBD — present in the cannabis plant. It suggests that the combined effects of these compounds — along with other natural components like terpenes and flavonoids — are greater than the effects of individual components in isolation.
In other words, the synergistic interaction among these diverse compounds results in a more comprehensive and potent impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
This phenomenon has significant implications for the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based products. When multiple compounds work in tandem, they can modulate each other’s effects, enhancing benefits while potentially reducing adverse effects.
For instance, terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis strains, can influence how cannabinoids are absorbed and interact with receptors in the body.
The entourage effect has prompted researchers and medical professionals to explore whole-plant or full-spectrum formulations of cannabis products, as they aim to harness the collective power of these compounds for more effective and well-rounded therapeutic outcomes.
Humulene terpene – also known as alpha-humulene or alpha-caryophyllene – is most notably known for its presence in hops, where it contributes its flavor to the beer and craft ale industry.
Humulene’s aroma and flavor profile has been described as earthy, woody, spicy, bitter, and herbal. Blends crafted with noble hops, or varieties that are described as having a particularly hop-like flavor, typically have higher levels of humulene. However, humulene’s use isn’t only limited to the alcohol industry. It is also widely used in the flavor and fragrance industries due to its unique profile.
Humulene terpene is found in lower concentrations in the cannabis plant, typically only comprising up to 6% of its essential oil.
Its presence in cannabis is associated with appetite suppressant strains, which do not cause the stereotypical munchies that can coincide with cannabis use.
Humulene is typically found in sativa varieties but is also present in indica strains. While it is not yet known if humulene contributes to the entourage effect, using it with other terpenes will likely be more beneficial.
Humulene is a monocyclic sesquiterpene with a molecular formula of C15H24. It contains an 11-membered ring with three isoprene units and three nonconjugated C=C double bonds. Humulene is an isomer of beta-caryophyllene.
This means that it has the same molecular formula with a distinct arrangement. This affects the way molecules interact with each other and within the body. The most notable difference is that unlike beta-caryophyllene, humulene does not directly interact with the endocannabinoid system.
While the structure of sesquiterpenes often makes them more stable, humulene is an exception with a high reaction rate coefficient compared to most monoterpenes. Like other terpenes it is considered a Biogenic Volatile Organic Compound (BVOC), which means that humulene can be emitted into the atmosphere easily where it is oxidized and can create secondary organic aerosols.
As humulene has three double bonds it can create three different generations of these oxidized compounds. Of the BVOCs sesquiterpenes only contribute 2.4% of emissions to the atmosphere, while major contributors are isoprenes 62.2%, followed by terpenes 10.9%.
While humulene lacks CB2 activity it is an effective anti-inflammatory systemically and topically and has properties equal to dexamethasone according to one study.
It is also beneficial for pain when taken orally, topically, and by aerosol. It has also been found effective as an insecticide for mosquitoes that carry yellow fever.
Other benefits include:
While Humulene naturally occurs in lower concentrations within the cannabis plant, some cultivars will have high concentrations (around 0.5% in flower) of this terpene. If you want to benefit from this terpene in your cannabis consumption, it is best to use strains with a higher concentration.
Humulene can be found in:
You will likely find concentrations in beta-caryophyllene strains as well, since these terpenes often occur together.
Besides cannabis, humulene terpene is also found in a variety of other plants – typically alongside beta-caryophyllene. It is most commonly known for its presence in hops comprising up to 40% of this essential oil.
Humulene is also found in:
Humulene is a sesquiterpene found in cannabis and a variety of other plants. Its presence in hops makes it widely used in the alcohol, flavor, and fragrance industries. Its appetite suppressing properties create a stark contrast to the stereotypical effects of cannabis use that seasoned connoisseurs know and love.
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