HYOO-myoo-leen
The appetite-suppressing terpene. Earthy, hoppy, anti-inflammatory — and the only terpene that reduces hunger.
Humulene is found in hops, sage, and ginseng and produces an earthy, woody, hoppy aroma. Uniquely among cannabis terpenes, it suppresses appetite — making it valuable for weight management and a counterbalance to THC's munchies effect.
Humulene (alpha-humulene) is a sesquiterpene found abundantly in hops — giving beer its characteristic hoppy aroma — as well as in sage, ginseng, and many cannabis strains. It is closely related to caryophyllene and shares some of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Humulene's most distinctive property is appetite suppression. Unlike most cannabis terpenes (and THC itself, which stimulates appetite), humulene reduces hunger. This makes it particularly interesting for weight management applications and as a counterbalance to THC's appetite-stimulating effects in strains where both are present.
Research has demonstrated humulene's anti-inflammatory properties, which appear to be mediated through prostaglandin inhibition similar to NSAIDs. It has also shown anti-tumor properties in preclinical studies, inhibiting tumor growth through reactive oxygen species generation.
In cannabis, humulene is often found alongside caryophyllene, and the two terpenes appear to work synergistically. High-humulene strains tend to produce focused, clear-headed effects without the appetite stimulation associated with high-myrcene strains.
To maximize Humulene in your vapor, set your vaporizer to just above its boiling point:
Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes; higher temperatures extract more cannabinoids.
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