Sesquiterpene
Humulene (Alpha-Humulene)
Humulene is the dominant aroma compound in hops and a common cannabis terpene with an earthy, woody, hoppy character. Unlike most cannabis compounds, humulene is associated with appetite suppression. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in research models.
Aroma
Hops, earthy, woody, herbal
Boiling point
198°C / 388°F
Associated effects
anti-inflammatory, appetite suppression
Also found in
hops, sage, ginseng, ginger
Humulene is closely related structurally to caryophyllene but with distinct pharmacology. It is the dominant aroma in beer hops and contributes the hoppy, earthy back-end to many cannabis cultivars — particularly the original Skunk family and several modern gas hybrids. Humulene is unusual among cannabis compounds in being associated with appetite suppression rather than stimulation, and has documented anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in research models.
Related terpenes
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