If you are a fan of spicy, woody, and earthy notes coming from hoppy beers, it’s worth noting that there is a terpene at work known as humulene. This is precisely the same terpene that is present in cannabis and gives it the characteristic smell or aroma. With a medical marijuana card in Moreno Valley, you can access strains rich in humulene and dive into their benefits.
Honestly, there is more to this terpene than its characteristic herbaceous charm. Humulene is present in a lot of plants and has been an important part of Eastern medicinal practices. Plus, it’s an active part of modern biological research. This includes studies on hops, ginseng, and black pepper that point to its effectiveness as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and appetite suppressing properties.
A Bit More About Humulene
Humulene is basically a sesquiterpene which is a part of compounds that plan an important role in safeguarding the cannabis plants against disease and pests. Carrying a chemical formula of C₁₅H₂₄, the humulene molecule is an isomer of beta-caryophyllene. This means that we have two terpenes with the same chemical formula but different structures and hence different properties. That’s why humulene is also known as alpha-caryophyllene.
The Effects of Humulene
Humulene has various beneficial effects which can be best described as follows:
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Just like many other cannabis compounds, humulene features strong anti-inflammatory properties. A 2007 study mentions that humulene was effective in reducing inflammation and paw swelling in rats and mice. The anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to corticosteroid, dexamethasone. Plus, a 2008 study for Planta Medica mentions that alpha-humulene shows anti-inflammatory properties in both topical and oral doses.
Antibacterial Properties
One of the primary jobs of terpenes is to protect plants from any danger of infections and diseases. As you would guess, humulene possesses the necessary antibacterial properties. In a 2006 study conducted for Phytotherapy Research, there is evidence that balsam fir essential oil is effective against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The oil was rich in terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, and alpha-humulene.
Anti-Oxidant Effects
A 2016 study analyzed the effect of alpha-humulene on diabetic rats. Results showed that the terpene was very effective in reducing oxidative stress and displayed anti-diabetic properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Humulene plays an important role in pharmacokinetics. It’s the study of how your body distributes, absorbs, metabolizes, and excretes drugs. This means that it can be rapidly distributed throughout the body. This leads to quicker effects and you are able to derive the necessary benefits for the body. Along with this, humulene also plays a major role in the life-cycle of the plant where it improves the defense capabilities of plants by battling pests and fungus.
All these effects definitely combine to show promising effects for cancer. In the future, we expect more research into the same.
Strains Containing Humulene
Humulene is a rather abundant terpene and is present in decent quantities in almost every strain. It’s mainly responsible for imparting spicy, earthy, and herbaceous aroma to the strain. Just like pinene and myrcene, humulene is an integral part of the aromatic profile of the cannabis plant. However, humulene is still present in lesser quantities than other terpenes. Well, there are certain strains where humulene is the third abundant strain. The strains include Death Star, Candy Land, Headband, Original Glue, Thin Mint GSC. Humulene is particularly more abundant in the caryophyllene dominant strains.
Undergo 420 Evaluations in Moreno Valley
If you want to see how cannabis affects your body, it’s a good idea to undergo a 420 evaluation. This allows you to interact with a certified cannabis doctor that screens your health to check your symptoms. The main aim is to check if you have a qualifying medical condition that can be managed with the help of cannabis. Additionally, you can even ask the doctor about the possible effects of humulene on your health. If you are looking for specific strains, the doctor can suggest the same.
Plus, if you qualify, you get the right to own an MMJ card. With a medical marijuana card in Moreno Valley, you can access your favorite strains from state-certified dispensaries. With its cancer-killing potential, the strain is surely the one you should look forward to.
