The carene, or delta 3-carene, is one of the numerous terpenes that we can find in the cannabis plant. Not only in the different marijuana genetics, but also in other plants in the vegetation. This terpene, like the others, acts in synergy with the other plant components to provide organoleptic qualities.
The protection of the plant is the main objective of terpenes, so that the carene acts as a natural insecticide avoiding fungi and pests, among other unwanted external agents. Even so, and as you have already seen in the rest of our posts on terpenes, when terpenes are isolated individually they are used for different purposes. Specifically, carene terpenes are used in aromatherapy, cosmetics and perfumery.
In addition, you will learn more about the therapeutic properties of carene, which are several and very important. Its incorporation in the medicinal field will not be long in coming for its pharmacological use.
Do you want to know more about carene? Here you will find all the information about this terpene!
Structure of carene
It is a monoterpene, that is, it has the combination of two isoprenes, which means that there are 10 carbon atoms that make up the delta 3 carene.
As for its appearance, carene has a liquid form and is colorless to yellowish. Its boiling point is 170ºC. Although it is among the most common terpenes, it is not one of the most abundant. However, the qualities of carene enter in synergy with those of the rest of the terpenes and other components of the plant, providing each variety with particular and exclusive properties.
Taste and aroma of carene
The aroma of carene is reminiscent of cedar, pine and wood, with sweet and slightly spicy touches. Meanwhile, its flavor is quite citric. It can be found in various plants of the vegetable kingdom:
Grapes
Oranges
Rosemary
Cedar
Pine
Limes
Lemons
Cannabis Sativa L.
These are just some examples of the plants from which carene can be extracted. In isolation, it is part of the list of ingredients of various essential oils, due to the effects that its consumption provides us.
Effects and benefits of carene
The effects provided by carene are quite particular, since it is in charge of eliminating the excess of liquids or fluids in our organism. For example: tears, nasal congestion and saliva. In fact, it is probably the terpene responsible for providing the dry mouth and eye irritation that occurs when we smoke.
Among other benefits, it is a great insecticide. One study found that Brazilian pepper oil, which has delta 3-carene as its main component, is an ideal repellent for Aedes aegypti, which is the mosquito that carries dengue and Zika, among others.
The cosmetics industry also uses carene as a substance to flavor products, as does the perfume industry. In food it is used as a flavor enhancer.
In aromatherapy this terpene can be found in cypress oil, juniper oil and valerian oil. The purpose of this type of complementary therapy with carene is to reduce and eliminate excess fluxes from our body.
Although the toxicity of this terpene is ruled out, it is true that it can cause irritation through inhalation.
We have already seen its effects and benefits, but what we like and surprise us most about this terpene are its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Read on to discover them.
What are the medicinal properties of carene?
The medicinal properties of marijuana plants began to be studied and discovered in the 1960s. Those of carene in particular became known in the 1980s.
Specifically, it was in 1989 when a study entitled Comparative study of different essential oils of Bupleurum Gibraltaricum Lamarck was published, which showed the anti-inflammatory qualities of this terpene. Above all, it is very useful in combating acute inflammation. A different study on traditional Chinese medicine confirmed this quality. The study, which was conducted with the essential oil of Gynura procumbens on rodents, showed anti-inflammatory effects on them. The oil, which is a combination of pinene, limonene and carene, has been shown to reduce inflammation and chronic joint pain. Thus, research is underway to include delta-3-carene in drug treatments for diseases such as arthritis.
Carene helps bone growth
Undoubtedly the most unique therapeutic property of this terpene is the following: it promotes bone growth and health. The study Low concentration of 3-carene stimulates differentiation of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Subclone 4 Cells, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2007, confirmed that carene could treat bone diseases. This study compared the action of 89 natural compounds on bone formation, finding that carene was the best at boosting both mineralization and bone cell growth. Based on this finding, the scientific community is trying to incorporate this terpene into nutritional supplements, as it could be very useful in combating bone loss.
Studies have shown its incredible antifungal potential. Especially against Candida, Aspergillus and other dermatophyte fungi that cause skin, hair and nail infections. Juniper oil is especially useful for these conditions, where carene is a main ingredient. Thus, this oil is ideal for treating fungal infections.
Delta-3-carene could also be very beneficial for memory retention. Acting on the central nervous system of our organism, it would be a perfect terpene to combat diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Other studies have also pointed out that carene can be a good antihistamine.
Cannabis varieties rich in carene
If you want to enjoy all the advantages we have detailed above, try some of the varieties below that are available in our online Grow Shop:
Skunk XL
This classic hybrid leaves us with a combination of typical sativa and indica effects. So, while you’ll quickly experience the initial high, it will turn into a body-centered and relaxing sensation over time. The flavor and aroma of this cross of native Afghan, Mexican, and Colombian varieties will be quite sweet and fruity.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is a sativa-dominant strain with fairly high levels of THC (up to 21%), which will be noticeable in the effect. This will be quite lucid and energizing, perfect for daytime smoking. It was created in the 90s and has since won multiple awards. This variety, perfect for hash extractions, has a sweet aroma of Skunk, intense and even a bit spicy. Therapeutically, it’s ideal for combating headaches, migraines, and anxiety.
Arjan’s Ultra Haze
Arjan’s Ultra Haze 1 is a cross between Cambodia x Neville’s Haze x Laos, with THC levels of 16%. It was winner of the 2006 High Times Cannabis Cup for its very intense and cerebral effects. As for its flavors and aromas, they are citrusy, sweet, and fresh. This special combination makes it a perfect variety for meditation with purposes of introspection, reflection, spiritual contemplation, or for relaxation.
AK-47
The predominantly sativa, with high THC levels (over 20%), offers a sociable and very enjoyable effect, but will knock out beginners if smoked too much. In fact, this variety gets its name from here, the AK-47 is a type of Russian Kalashnikov. It is one of the most awarded varieties in all of cannabis history and is the result of a cross of Colombian x Mexican x Afghani x Thai made in 1992. As for its smell and taste, it is spicy, with hints of pine, citrus, and Skunk.
Moby Dick
In our catalog, we have this popular nationally-known variety. The Moby Dick, a cross between White Widow x Haze, has left this dominant sativa with very intense flavors and aromas of lemon, spices, incense, and cedar. As for the effect you’ll experience, it will be typically sativa, quite psychoactive and even psychedelic. Nevertheless, you’ll see that these effects are very clean and lucid, although they can also be narcotic. Therapeutically, this variety is perfect for stimulating appetite.
We remind you that there are over 200 terpenes in cannabis plants. Imagine the number of qualities they bring, not only individually but also synergistically with other terpenes. Keep reading!
