By Luke Sumpter


Humulene doesn’t just add flavours of earth, wood, and spice to certain cannabis strains. The compound also targets the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system—the same network that underpins the cannabis high. Learn everything you need to know about this fascinating compound below, including the latest scientific research.

Humulene

What Are Terpenes, Exactly?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that underpin the flavours and aromas of different plants and their anatomical parts. These fragrant chemicals are rooted in the unmistakable tastes of mango and apple and the aromas of mint, pine, and orange. Around 30,000 known terpenes exist in nature across several distinct molecular groups. While structurally different, these compounds share the same building blocks—isoprene units.

Isoprene units are building blocks that enable plants to manufacture various constituents, including essential oils, pigments, and hormones. Terpenes are categorised based on the number of isoprene units they contain. Simple monoterpenes such as limonene and myrcene contain just two isoprene units. In contrast, more complex sesquiterpenes, such as humulene beta-caryophyllene, contain three. Elsewhere in nature, large polyterpenes contain over forty isoprene units.

Aside from smelling and tasting, terpenes play an essential role in the health and survival of many plant species, including cannabis.

The Role of Terpenes in Nature

As secondary metabolites, terpenes aren’t directly involved in the growth and reproduction of cannabis plants. You can look at them more like chemical weapons and shields. Weed plants invest resources into creating terpenes to help manage stress and increase their chances of survival. Volatile in nature, terpenes are able to defend plants against a range of pests. Terpenes such as humulene, pinene, and eugenol are directly toxic to some pests, whereas the likes of limonene can repel and deter aphids from laying eggs. Other terpenes act as growth inhibitors and influence the development of certain pest species.

Terpenes also help to shield plants from abiotic or nonliving sources of stress. The production of these phytochemicals offers a line of defence against fluctuations in temperature, drought, and UV radiation from the sun.

Plants also use terpenes to impact their environment. These chemicals act as signalling molecules between plants that enable them to alert each other to predators and pests, giving their neighbours a chance to ramp up the production of more defensive compounds. Certain tree species also emit higher levels of terpenes into the atmosphere, impacting weather patterns.

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatory
Bronchodilator
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial

Also found in pine needles


A-Pinene

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Analgesic
Anti-anxiety

Also found in lavander

Linalool

Beta-Caryophillene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects Cells Lining the Digestive Tract

Also found in black pepper

Beta-Caryophyllene

Myrcene

Contributes to Sedative Effect of Strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in hops

Myrcene

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in citrus

Limonene
 

The Chemistry of Humulene

Cannabis plants produce upwards of 150 unique terpenes. Among these, a handful stand above the rest. These compounds are more valuable to consumers because of their preferred flavours and aromas and have, therefore, received more attention from scientific researchers. Humulene, also known as alpha-humulene, has become particularly popular owing to its pleasant earth aromas and soothing properties.

Humulene, with a chemical formula of C15H24, comprises three isoprene units. It is classified as a sesquiterpene alongside beta-caryophyllene. The additional isoprene unit that sets it apart from monoterpenes makes this molecule larger and more stable, meaning it is less volatile than terpenes such as pinene.

How Is Humulene Extracted?

Humulene has very low water solubility in its natural form. Many manufacturers use steam distillation to extract humulene and other terpenes from plant material. This process uses hot steam to vaporise terpenes before condensing them into a liquid solution. The oily terpenes sit atop the water, making them easier to separate and isolate.

Where to Find Humulene

Humulene occurs in a range of different plants, including:

  • Cannabis
  • Hops
  • Black pepper
  • Ginseng
  • Basil
  • Tobacco
  • Sage
  • Ginger

In some plants, such as pine trees, sage, and ginger, the terpene occurs in various tissues. However, in the case of cannabis and hops, it’s produced in specialised glands called trichomes. Both cannabis trichomes and the lupulin glands of hops biosynthesis humulene and churn it out (alongside over phytochemicals) as a viscous resin.

Humulene in cannabis

The Aroma and Taste of Humulene Terpene

Humulene features a distinctive flavour and aroma that is popular among many cannabis users. This terpene infuses buds with savoury hints of earth, wood, herbs, spices, and hops. These flavours are apparent when smoking but really stand out during vaporisation. These tastes also make humulene-rich strains preferable to cannabis chefs when cooking up infused savoury dishes.

Humulene Effects: What to Expect

Strains high in humulene vary in their effects depending on other phytochemicals present. Each variety features a complex cocktail of compounds, with humulene playing an important role. Whether a cultivar is high in THC or CBD, humulene adds a soothing and physically relaxing effect.

Humulene: A Look at the Research

While the effects of humulene on the human body remain relatively unknown, a selection of cell and animal studies have revealed its potential mechanisms of action. Check out some of the studies below to see how scientists could use the terpene in the future.

Cannabimimetic Properties
Much like beta-caryophyllene, humulene acts as both a terpene and a cannabinoid. Research[1] conducted at the University of Arizona demonstrated that several common cannabis terpenes, including humulene, activate the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system. Because this signalling network impacts so many areas of the body, future research into humulene’s impact could have far-reaching consequences. This research also suggests that humulene synergises with other compounds that affect the endocannabinoid system, including cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Antiproliferative Properties
A host of studies[2] have examined the effects of humulene on cell models of tumours. While this research remains in the early stages, the authors of a review examining the terpene stated, “Across these studies, α-humulene consistently demonstrated cytotoxic activity against tumour cells..”.
Antimicrobial Properties
The results of cellular studies[3] show humulene exhibits promising antimicrobial properties. Researchers have tested the compound against bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, where “Formulations with 10% and 20% α-humulene reduced bacterial growth..”. Studies have also pitted the chemical against the fungus Peronophythora litchii, where it “exhibited weak inhibitory effects”.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation plays a crucial role in many modern chronic health conditions, leading researchers to hunt for new ways to combat the physiological condition. Many plant compounds, including humulene, show promise in addressing inflammation. An extensive scientific review[4] on the terpene documents studies in both cell and animal models, with results showing humulene’s inhibition of inflammatory markers.
Antiparasitic Properties
Researchers from the University of Campinas, Brazil, tested humulene[5] and other sesquiterpenes on the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, a water-borne parasite responsible for Katayama fever. Humulene showed promise in the study, with researchers concluding: “..the present study results contribute to an understanding of alpha-humulene and trans-caryophyllene effect over these targets, contributing for the development of schistosomicidial drugs.

Humulene: A Powerhouse Cannabis Compound

Humulene contributes pleasant earth, wood, and spice flavours to many cannabis strains. On top of this, it also impacts the subjective effects of these varieties, imparting a relaxing and soothing sensation. Ongoing investigations are probing the compound's potential role in various diseases, including bacterial infections, tumours, and parasites. While the research remains far too early to draw any conclusions, we could see humulene gain a lot more focus in medical marijuana programs as more human studies emerge in the future.

External Resources:
  1. Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. The Clinical Translation of α-humulene – A Scoping Review https://www.thieme-connect.com
  3. Specific properties of α-humulene https://www.thieme-connect.com
  4. Sesquiterpenes evaluation https://www.thieme-connect.com
  5. Sesquiterpenes evaluation on Schistosoma mansoni: Survival, excretory system and membrane integrity https://www.sciencedirect.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

Cookies settings

We are requesting your permission to use your data for the reasons stated below:

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data from a particular website that get stored on a user’s computer while they’re surfing the internet. Cookies have several different functions. Some of them track browser activity that enables businesses to deliver targeted advertisements. Other cookies serve to remember user login details to different websites to make jumping on social media, or other sites, a more fluid process. Because each cookie has its own unique ID, these pieces of data allow website owners to measure the unique traffic coming into their site.

Why do we use cookies?

Cookies come in handy when you visit our website. They ensure you stay logged in, that you can shop safely, and that the items you add to your cart stay there before you make a purchase. But cookies also help us. The data they provide allow us to improve our website and enable us to present you with targeted advertisements that are compatible with your interests.

What kind of cookies do we use?

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

How can I disable or delete cookies?

Not a fan of cookies? No worries. You can disable them (with the exception of necessary cookies) in your browser settings. However, blocking cookies may impact your browsing experience and prevent you from enjoying all of the technical features of our site.

Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: