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Terpene Isolates 101: Humulene

Updated: Feb 21, 2020

If you're just getting started with terpenes, odds are you're wondering how each isolate can be used. Terpene isolates can be used in hemp, CBD, and cannabis products as well as concentrates, vapes, and even in foods, beverages, and aromatherapy infusions. This week, we're diving deeper into the earthy terpene isolate, Humulene - known best for its anti-inflammatory and pharmacokinetic effects.

Terpene Isolates 101: Humulene

Humulene Isolate Terpenes

Humulene terpenes are responsible for the earthy, spiced herb and wood aromas commonly associated with cannabis strains and similar plants, including hops, cloves, and basil. Plants with high concentrations of Humulene have been used for centuries in traditional forms of Eastern medicine. Hundreds of years of anecdotal evidence, along with countless biomedical studies have proven that plants high in Humulene (like black pepper, hops, and ginseng) can act as effective anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant, and anti-bacterial agents.


Humulene is found in cannabis plants in abundance. However, it doesn't appear as much as more common cannabis terpenes like Myrcene and Caryophyllene. Odds are, if you're smoking a strain high in b-Caryophyllene, Humulene is also available in small quantities. In fact, Humulene and Caryophyllene share a complex relationship and similar health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-bacterial properties. You can find Humulene in high concentrations in caryophyllene-dominant strains, such as Do-Si-Dos, Pink Kush, and Candyland.


Before recently, Humulene used to go by alpha-Caryophyllene since Humulene and b-Caryophyllene share the same chemical formula. The difference between the two is that they differ slightly in structure. Many plants that contain high amounts of b-Caryophyllene - such as sage, basil, and cloves - also contain high amounts of Humulene. The two terpene isolates even smell nearly identical, offering up notes of earthy herbaceousness and floral aromas.


Benefits of Humulene Isolate Terpenes

Like most terpenes, Humulene offers its own brand of therapeutic benefits. For starters, Humulene is a known appetite-suppressant, which can help with weight loss. Choosing strains high in Humulene can make it easier to avoid the notorious munchies associated with weed.


Studies into the benefits of Humulene have shown that the terpene can help to terminate cancer cells when taken with other terpenes and cannabinoids. Humulene is present in Balsam Fir oil, which has been used as an anti-cancer agent for centuries. It's believed that Humulene is an active mechanism in fighting tumors since it's capable of producing Reactive Oxygen Species, including peroxides and superoxides.


In a similar study, Balsam Fir oil also exhibited anti-bacterial properties. It can kill the harmful bacteria that cause Staph infections in small quantities, though too much can upset the natural balance of healthy bacteria. It may also kill airborne bacteria and reduce the number of fungal spores.


Another study found that Humulene reduces inflammation, including within the airways and lungs. This makes it possible for the terpene to help alleviate allergic reactions and soothe airways, making it easier for people with asthma to breathe.


Humulene has shown to boost the immunity of cannabis plants and is responsible for helping the plant to synthesize trichomes. During the plant's life cycle, Humulene also helps the plant to prevent fungal infections and deter pests.


Most interestingly, Humulene can also make it possible to increase the absorption rate of drugs. It can be distributed through the body near-instantly and absorbed both topically and through the mouth. This special role in pharmacokinetics with Humulene shows the potential for pharmaceuticals to use Humulene during delivery to improve distribution, absorption, and metabolic rates of prescription drugs.


Natural Sources of Humulene Isolate Terpenes

Humulene is present in tons of different plant species, including hops, cannabis, basil, and cloves. Strains containing Humulene terpenes include White Widow, Headband, Death Star, and Sour Diesel, among several others.

Natural Sources of Humulene Terpene Isolate

TLDR; Humulene Benefits

  • Anti-bacterial

  • Anti-fungal

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Anti-Tumor

  • Pharmacokinetic

  • Immune-Boosting

  • Appetite-suppressant

  • Breathing aid

Humulene Terpene Isolate by Peak Supply Co

Common uses for Humulene Isolate

Whether through your favorite herbs and spices or through a diffuser, Humulene smells and tastes great and works wonders within your body.


Humulene terpenes can be safely added to all sorts of products to encourage relaxation and calm. It can safely be eaten, drank, infused, and inhaled with a little bit of mixing. It can also be used to improve cannabis products like vapes and concentrates that may have lost cannabinoid potency or terpene content during extraction.


Add Humulene Terpenes to foods and beverages to enjoy the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and drug-absorption boosting properties within the whole body. A few drops in your morning coffee tastes fresh and herbal and can help you start your day with a boost of benefits that nourish the entire body.


Add Humulene to essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy infusions to enjoy an herbal, piney smell that kills airborne bacteria and fungal spores.


Add Humulene terpenes to concentrates and hemp oils made from strains with higher Humulene content like Original Glue (Gorilla Glue #4) Skywalker OG, and Girl Scout Cookies. Humulene can make them smell and taste better and boost the potency of THC/CBD effects.


Just keep in mind that not all terpenes are created equal. Different terpenes will always have different effects, but they're not all made the same. We know you have a choice when it comes to terpene providers, but no other choice comes close to our level of quality.


At Peak Supply Co, our Humulene terpene isolates are extracted from all-natural food-grade fruit, flower, and nut oils in our state-of-the-art facility. With our proprietary extraction and refinement method, we remove plant materials and any leftover impurities, leaving behind the purest terpene isolates on the market. Best of all, we even offer sample packs so you can try them all.

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