Can you Smell The Humulene?
Have you ever had a pint of a real “Skunky” beer and thought to yourself “whoa is someone smokin’ in here?”, that is the terpene known as Humulene. Named after the Humulus lupulus plant, better known as hops one of the main ingredients in beer. Humulene has been found in many aromatic plants and is a fundamental element in the overall aromatic profile of cannabis.
In the plants, Humulene acts as the insecticide helping to deter pests and prevent fungal infestations. So, it’s no surprise it has been used for centuries in many holistic Eastern medicinal practices. Ancient apothecaries used Humulene rich plants topically to fight against mosquitos and other disease caring insects.
More recently Humulene is being studied for potential in many amazing areas. As an anti-inflammatory, a 2009 study this terpene is found to have such a strong anti-inflammatory effect it is compared to the steroid drug dexamethasone. In other studies from as recently as 2016 that it may help terminate cancer cells by apoptosis, a process of stimulating or suppressing the DNA of the cell to destroy itself. When combined with phytocannabinoids has an analgesic property making it a powerful painkiller. According to this study, Humulene in small amounts works actively to fight against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, known to sometimes be the deadly staph infection.
Although no official studies have been conducted it is believed that humulene works in a similar fashion to the cannabinoid THCV by suppressing appetite, “anti-munchie” cannabis? I think a few people would be into that.
While we still have much to learn, Humulene seems to have a strong (scented) future in natural medicines.
Terpene concentration varies from strain to strain. A few Humulene dominate strains include:
Charlotte’s Wife
Mandarin Pie
Lifter
Tokyo Joe
Be sure to check our labs on all of the flower we sell. We provide complete terpene reports that will help guide you in to choosing the right hemp flower for you.