Humulene: The Cancer Killing Anti-Inflammatory Terpene


Smell that sage with its earthy, woody aroma? It’s your olfactory senses perceiving a particular molecule called humulene. This special chemical (sometimes dubbed α-Humulene), is one of the 20 major terpenes that may appear in a particular strain of cannabis. It often conveys the smell of beer hops (depending on the other terpenes present). That’s right: The aroma of craft beer sometimes also permeates a variety of strains of cannabis because it results from the same molecule.

If killing cancer wasn’t enough, humulene also possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties. It is a helpful treatment for arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia and any condition that benefits from a reduction in systemic inflammation.

Research has revealed that humulene is most effective as an anti-inflammatory when combined with BCP (β-caryophyllene), another terpene that is sometimes categorized as a cannabinoid.

Like the cannabinoid THCv, humulene has also been shown to act as an appetite suppressant (anorectic). In addition, it has been shown to decrease edema formation resulting from histamine injections. Humulene has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for a wide variety of applications.

A 2003 study, published in the biochemistry journal Planta Medica found humulene to be an anti-cancer agent. The research discovered that humulene helps produce Reactive Oxygen Species, which are chemicals that help destroy cancer cells through apoptosis, a process by which cells kill themselves in a pre-programmed death ritual.

A 2007 study, published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology discovered that the terpenes BCP and humulene work together to kill cancer cells. In simple terms, BCP amplifies the anti-cancer effects of humulene.

This is an example of the entourage effect, a theory that explains the interactive dynamics of cannabinoids and terpenes in which they enhance or buffer one another.

Another 2007 study, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology illustrated the anti-inflammatory properties of humulene. It found humulene to be as effective as a popular steroidal anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone.

A 2009 study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology again examined the anti-inflammatory characteristics of humulene. It found this terpene to be effective against inflammation when consumed either orally or by aerosol. Concluded the researchers, Humulene, given orally or by aerosol, exhibited marked anti-inflammatory properties.


Read More at Herb

Treatibles Full Spectrum CBD for Pets

Treatibles Full Spectrum CBD for Pets
Get 10% OFF at Checkout with Code: PAWSABLE

Brain Forest Subscription Boxes and More

Session Goods

Session Goods
Get 10% OFF at Checkout eith Code: CJ10

Shine 24k Gold Rolling Papers

WYATT PURP THCA Delta 9

WYATT PURP THCA Delta 9
Get 15% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ15

Get 15% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ15

Get 15% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ15

Get 15% OFF at Checkout with Code CJ15

Get 15% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ15

CIPHER Electronic and Combustion Vaporizres

CIPHER Electronic and Combustion Vaporizres
Get 10% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJohns10

UNDURCUVUR Smell-Proof and Break Resistant

UNDURCUVUR Smell-Proof and Break Resistant
Get 10% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ10

Invincibowl Bowl-Pieces and Down-Stems

Invincibowl Bowl-Pieces and Down-Stems
Get 15% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ15

Build Your Own Bong with Transformer Tubes

Build Your Own Bong with Transformer Tubes
Get 25% OFF at Checkout with Code: HOT25

TastyPuff The Grandaddy of Flavor

TastyPuff The Grandaddy of Flavor
Get 10% OFF at Checkout with Code: Tasty10

Moose Labs MouthPeace and MouthPeace Mini

Moose Labs MouthPeace and MouthPeace Mini
Get 10% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ10

Leafwize Naturals CBD CBG CBN Delta8

Leafwize Naturals CBD CBG CBN Delta8
Get 10% OFF at Checkout with Code: CJ10