Are you looking for a natural way to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects? Or a way to reduce inflammation and pain? Look no further than β-myrcene!
This powerful antioxidant compound found in many essential oils has numerous benefits, including reversing skin damage caused by UVB radiation, reducing inflammation, and providing pain relief. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits of β-myrcene and how you can use it to improve your health and wellbeing.
Key Points
- Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis and is usually present at a level of over 20%.
- Breeders have the potential to create novel terpene profiles by selectively breeding for certain terpene-dominant plants.
- Consumers can customize their own terpene profiles with cannabis concentrates.
- Myrcene has potential as an adjuvant therapy for neurological disorders.
- Myrcene has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
Myrcene in Cannabis: How Common Is It?
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis, and it is also the most likely terpene to be dominant in cannabis flower. When Leafly looked at samples of cannabis flower tested by their lab partners, they saw that myrcene is usually present at a level of over 20% of the total terpene profile in modern commercial strains. This makes myrcene the dominant terpene in many of the cannabis strains currently available in legal states.
This dominance of myrcene in modern commercial cannabis has led to a relative lack of chemical diversity. In a legal state, you can expect about 40% of flower products to be myrcene-dominant. This statistic shows that there is still potential for breeders to experiment with increasing the chemical diversity of strains. The average terpene profile of modern commercial cannabis can vary greatly depending on the individual strain and genetics. While myrcene will usually be the dominant terpene, other terpenes, such as limonene, humulene, and caryophyllene, can also be present in significant amounts. While some strains are more dominated by one terpene, others may have more even distributions of multiple terpenes.
Breeders have the potential to create novel terpene profiles by selectively breeding for certain terpene-dominant plants. For example, a breeder could breed two plants that are high in limonene to create a strain that is limonene-dominant or breed two plants that are high in humulene to create a strain that is humulene-dominant. This selective breeding process can be used to increase the chemical diversity of modern commercial cannabis, and create unique terpene profiles that are tailored to the individual.
In addition to the potential for breeders to create novel terpene profiles, there is also the potential for cannabis consumers to customize their own terpene profiles. With the rise of cannabis concentrates, consumers now have the ability to combine different terpene-rich cannabis extracts to create their own unique terpene profiles. This allows consumers to experiment with different terpene combinations in order to find a profile that works best for them. Overall, myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis and it is also the most likely terpene to be dominant in cannabis flower. While the dominance of myrcene in modern commercial cannabis has led to a relative lack of chemical diversity, breeders and consumers alike have the potential to increase the diversity of cannabis terpene profiles by selectively breeding for certain terpene-dominant plants and creating custom terpene profiles.
High Myrcene Cannabis Strains
High myrcene strains are extremely popular among cannabis consumers due to their potency, flavor, and effects. Myrcene is an aromatic terpene found in many cannabis strains and has been known to produce a variety of effects, ranging from energetic and euphoric to relaxed and tranquil. This blog section will explore some of the best high myrcene cannabis strains and their effects.
Pain-Relieving Effects of High Myrcene Strains
One of the most sought-after effects of high myrcene strains is the pain-relieving properties they can provide. Strains like Blue Dream and Bubba Kush have a high myrcene content, which can help to reduce pain and make them a favorite among medical patients. Blue Dream is a hybrid strain that produces a euphoric, energetic head high while providing a mild, soothing body high. Bubba Kush is an indica-dominant strain with a high myrcene content that can provide a relaxing, tension-melting body high.
Sweet and Skunky Flavor Profiles with Tropical Fruit-Flavored Terpenes
In addition to their pain-relieving effects, high myrcene strains also offer a wide array of flavorful terpenes, including tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and citrus. Strains like Mango Kush and Blue Cheese have a high myrcene content with a sweet and skunky flavor profile. Mango Kush has a tropical fruit flavor and can produce a talkative, stoney, indica-dominant body high. Blue Cheese has a dank, funky aroma, sweet and savory taste, and produces a mellow sensation that can bring a sense of happiness.
Relaxing and Tranquil Effects that can Help Reduce Stress, Fatigue, and Chronic Pain
High myrcene strains can also provide a relaxing and tranquil effect that can help to reduce stress, fatigue, and chronic pain. Strains like Granddaddy Purple and Critical Mass have a high myrcene content and can impart a sedated body high. Granddaddy Purple is a popular indica-dominant strain that can be used to treat insomnia, while Critical Mass can help to clear the mind. Other strains like Mango Puff and Purple Urkle have a high myrcene content with a sweet and skunky flavor that can be used to treat fatigue, chronic pain, and headaches, as well as insomnia and anxiety.
Mellow Mindset and Clear-Headed Perspective with Anti-Inflammatory Properties
High myrcene strains can also provide a mellow mindset and clear-headed perspective that can help to reduce inflammation and joint pain. Strains like Jillybean and Harlequin have a high myrcene content and can provide a sense of happiness and relaxation. Jillybean is a sativa-dominant strain with a high myrcene content that tastes like mango and pineapple jelly beans and can be used to relieve mild aches and pains. Harlequin is a high-CBD strain with a high myrcene content that has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce joint pain, arthritis, neuralgic pain, and other chronic conditions.
Euphoric, Energy-Filled Rush of Euphoria with a Mild, Soothing Body High
Finally, high myrcene strains can provide an energetic rush of euphoria with a mild, soothing body high. Strains like Blue Dream and Mango Kush are known for their energizing and uplifting effects that can help to combat fatigue and stress. Blue Dream is a hybrid strain that can provide a euphoric, energetic head high, while Mango Kush has a tropical fruit flavor and can produce a talkative, stoney, indica-dominant body high.
Myrcene’s Effects On The Nervous System
Myrcene is known for its calming and sleep-inducing effects, which can be beneficial, but also pose risks. Scientists use the “rota-rod test” with rodents to measure the effects on motor coordination. When given a high dose of myrcene (200 mg/kg body weight), the rodents stayed on the bar for 48% less time than usual. The same dose also made barbiturate sleep time last 2.6 times longer.
A study with 5 human participants also found that myrcene had a positive effect on the central nervous system. The subjects inhaled a cannabis essential oil (containing 22.9% myrcene) for five minutes, and reported feeling more relaxed, calm, and in a better mood. An electroencephalogram (EEG, a test measuring brain activity) showed increased activity in the posterior brain region, which is similar to the brain waves of people who are meditating.
Myrcene has also been studied for its anticonvulsant abilities. It has been shown to increase the latency of convulsions, increase the survival rate in mice, and attenuate seizures with moderate sedation in rats. However, other studies have not been able to demonstrate the protective effects of myrcene on seizures, anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
Despite the limited research in humans, it appears that myrcene has potential as an adjuvant therapy for neurological disorders. It is important to conduct more studies with larger sample sizes and different forms of administration to further understand the potential benefits of myrcene.
Myrcene As An Antioxidant
Antioxidants are important for preventing aging and diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and brain illnesses. In recent years, scientists have been looking at ways to use natural antioxidants, like monoterpenes, to preserve food.
Studies have shown that monoterpenes, like myrcene, can have antioxidant effects in animals. In one study, rats were exposed to a pollutant and then treated with myrcene, which decreased their risk of liver damage by protecting their antioxidant and radical scavenger properties.
Myrcene also had a protective effect on mice with brain injury and rats with stomach ulcers, increasing their levels of antioxidants like glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. It’s important to note that the doses of myrcene used in these studies were very large, and more research needs to be done to understand the recommended dosage for humans. Additionally, scientists should use tests that are more relevant to human health rather than just chemical tests.
Myrcene Helps Reverse Damage Caused By The Sun
Beta-myrcene, an antioxidant compound found in many essential oils, has been studied for its potential role in preventing skin damage caused by exposure to UVB radiation. UVB radiation can create an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) – molecules that can cause oxidative damage to the skin. This can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, which provide skin with its structure and flexibility.
One study tested the effects of beta-myrcene on human dermal fibroblasts – cells found in the skin – exposed to UVB radiation. The study found that beta-myrcene decreased the production of ROS, and decreased the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. It also decreased the production of cytokines – molecules released by cells to communicate with other cells – and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) – molecules that help regulate cell growth, development, and death. The study concluded that beta-myrcene might have a role to play in protecting the skin from age-related damage caused by UVB radiation.
Myrcene As An Anti-Inflammatory
β-Myrcene is a compound in certain plant oils with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In studies, it has been shown to help reduce inflammation, cell migration, and nitric oxide production in mice. A study with rats found it to protect against cardiac failure and reduce the expression of proteins that cause inflammation.
Myrcene has also been found to have an anticatabolic effect in an in vitro osteoarthritis model, meaning it helps to slow down cartilage degradation and the progression of osteoarthritis. This may be due to its ability to interact with cytokines and transcription factors. Plant oils rich in β-myrcene may help to alleviate inflammatory diseases and their symptoms.
Myrcene Helps Relieve Pain
β-Myrcene, a chemical found in lemongrass essential oil, has been shown to have pain-relieving properties. Tests on mice showed that 10 mg/kg of β-myrcene was able to reduce pain experienced in an acute situation. The pain-relieving effect was found to be due to the release of opioid and noradrenergic systems (chemicals responsible for regulating pain).
Furthermore, the same pain-relieving effect was observed in rats when lemongrass essential oil was given, but with no tolerance developing after five days of repeated dosing. Recent research suggests that β-myrcene may also be able to interact with TRPV1 channels, which are involved in detecting noxious heat and pain. However, further study is needed to confirm this.
Conclusion
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis, and it can have a variety of effects on the body. From pain-relieving and antioxidant properties to its ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, myrcene has a wide array of potential applications.
Breeders and consumers alike have the potential to increase the diversity of cannabis terpene profiles by selectively breeding for certain terpene-dominant plants and creating custom terpene profiles. With its wide range of potential benefits, myrcene is an exciting and unique terpene to explore!
