Terpene Profile: Humulene, the Anti-Inflammatory Terpene
The terpene humulene, also known as α-humulene and α–caryophyllene, is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of plants from hops to cannabis sativa strains. In addition to their health benefits, terpenes also give cannabis (and other plants) flavor. Humulene’s terpene profile is what gives hops its distinct aroma and taste. It’s also found in ginseng and sage.
Humulene can claim a wide array of health benefits. It’s considered to inhibit tumor and bacterial growth and is an anti-inflammatory. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating conditions like arthritis, bursitis and fibromyalgia.
These properties are enhanced further by combining humulene with β–caryophyllene, another terpene found in cannabis. A 2007 study found the anti-inflammatory properties of humulene were comparable to dexamethasone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory.
Like the cannabinoid THCv, humulene also acts as an appetite suppressant.
Strains rich in humulene include Skywalker OG and Sour Diesel.