The medicinal potential of humulene in cannabis: A comprehensive guide

What is humulene?

Humulene (α-humulene), formerly classified as α-caryophyllene, is found in various plants and herbs. It is recognisable by its earthy, woody and spicy aroma, but is probably best known for being the major component in hops (Humulus lupulus), contributing to the distinctive aroma of beer. 

But Humulene is also found in a wide variety of herbs and spices, such as sage, ginseng — and of course, cannabis.

Hops and cannabis both belong to a small family of flowering plants, known as the Cannabaceae or hemp family. It is humulene which provides the aromatic notes that can be detected in both plants.

What makes humulene unique?

Humulene shares many similarities with its close relative, β-caryophyllene, including the same chemical formula (C15H2), and many plants containing β-caryophyllene also contain humulene, giving off very similar aromas.

However, the two have different structures. Humulene is a cyclic terpene, characterised by three isoprene units, forming a 15-carbon ring structure.

How does humulene interact with the endocannabinoid system?

Although humulene does not directly bind to the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the way that cannabinoids (and β-caryophyllene) do, it is thought that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in such a way that it can complement and even enhance their effects. 

It can indirectly influence the ECS by modulating receptor activity. Some studies suggest that humulene can activate the CB1 receptors, which are involved in immune response regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research is needed to confirm this. 

While more research is needed to fully understand these interactions, humulene plays a significant role in the ‘entourage effect’, working synergistically with other terpenes and cannabinoids to enhance the therapeutic effects, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

What are the therapeutic benefits of humulene?

Humulene is generally known for its anti-inflammatory effects, with some evidence that it may have analgesic (pain-relieving) and antibacterial properties. It is also one of the few terpenes thought to be an appetite-suppressant, making it of interest to those investigating potential treatments for weight management and obesity. 

Despite the fact that humulene is a major terpene component in cannabis, one review paper found that relatively few studies have reported its therapeutic properties in isolation from other terpenes, making it difficult to determine its specific role.

The researchers say that due to its “strong antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties” humulene “deserves more attention” and “significantly more in vitro mechanistic and in vivo basic studies” to explore its full potential.

Anti-inflammatory properties: How it aids in reducing inflammation.

Numerous studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of humulene, highlighting that it can help reduce inflammation when taken both orally and topically. 

Researchers have previously suggested that it has potential as a “promising natural alternative” to pharmaceuticals for the treatment of “chronic inflammation in humans”. 

One study evaluated the effects of humulene in an experimental model of airways allergic inflammation, concluding that given either orally or by aerosol, it “exhibited marked anti-inflammatory properties”.

While another, examining the effects of humulene and caryophyllene, stated: “The anti-inflammatory effects of α-humulene and (−)-trans-caryophyllene were comparable to those observed in dexamethasone-treated animals, used as positive control drug….All these findings indicate that α-humulene and (−)-trans-caryophyllene, derived from the essential oil of C. verbenacea, might represent important tools for the management and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases.”at α-humulene and (−)-trans-caryophyllene, derived from the essential oil of C. verbenacea, might represent important tools for the management and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases.”

Appetite suppression: Potential benefits for weight management.

Unlike other cannabinoids and terpenes that stimulate appetite, such as THC, humulene is believed to act as an appetite suppressant and therefore may have potential therapeutic applications for conditions related to overeating or obesity.

But so far the evidence for this is anecdotal, and the exact mechanism by which humulene suppresses appetite is not fully understood—although it is likely due to its interaction with the ECS and the role this plays in hunger and satiety.

Further research is needed to explore these possibilities and understand the optimal use of humulene for these purposes.

Antibacterial effects: Role in fighting infections.

Humulene has also been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity, indicating that it could have potential in defending against bacterial infections.

One study explored the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of humulene against the enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, which causes inflammatory bowel disease.

According to the results, it “significantly reduced the expression of bmeB1 and bmeB3 genes, with researchers concluding: “This study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of α-humulene for inhibiting the growth of B. fragilis cells and biofilms.”

Humulene has also been shown to “increase secretion of IL-8, a chemokine with various functions, including promoting angiogenesis, helpful in wound healing”. 

FAQs

What are the effects of Humulene on appetite?

Humulene is known for its potential appetite-suppressing effects, which sets it apart from other terpenes and cannabinoids found in cannabis. 

In cannabis strains where both humulene and THC are present, humulene might help mitigate the appetite-stimulating effects of THC, offering a balanced approach that can be useful for those looking to manage appetite.

How does Humulene compare to other anti-inflammatory terpenes?

Humulene is one of several terpenes known for their anti-inflammatory properties, each of which has unique characteristics and mechanisms of action. It works synergistically with other anti-inflammatory terpenes such as caryophyllene, myrcene, linalool, limonene and pinene, to enhance the therapeutic effects. 

However, while humulene is effective in reducing inflammation, other terpenes like myrcene and linalool also provide additional benefits, such as sedation and muscle relaxation, which humulene is not prominently known to offer.

Can Humulene be used topically?

Yes, humulene can be used topically and is often included in skincare products, such as creams, lotions, and balms designed to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and provide general therapeutic benefits.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for reducing inflammation and swelling when applied to the skin and research has shown it can also be an effective analgesic when used topically.

Final thoughts 

The promising anti-inflammatory effects of humulene suggest it could have a role to play as a natural alternative in the treatment of chronic inflammation and the many auto-immune conditions which are characterised by this.

Its analgesic, antibacterial, and appetite-suppressing properties also indicate that it has potential in pain reduction, bacterial infections, and weight-management.  

At the moment studies examining humulene on its own are limited, with researchers advocating for further exploration into its mechanisms and applications. We do know, however, that humulene plays an important role in the entourage effect and can help enhance the therapeutic benefits of other terpenes and cannabinoids to potentially improve symptom management and treatment outcomes. 

To learn more about medical cannabis, including the other terpenes found alongside humulene, visit our blog and education sections, where you will find evidence-based information and insights. And always consult with your cannabis clinician before making any changes to your treatment plan.