What is Myrcene? Cannabis Terpene Explained
Introduction
Terpenes, as discussed in our articles on caryophyllene and limonene, are very important compounds in nature. They are responsible for the aromas and pigments of many plants including cannabis.
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in nature, on a similar level to caryophyllene but not quite as common as pinene. It is found in hops, mango, lemongrass and a number of other herbs. There is a distinct pleasant fresh “green” aroma to myrcene that is comforting as simply aromatherapy. It is also known for being natures’ sleepy terpene as well as being incorporated into various cosmetic and wellness products.
Myrcene is actually the most abundant terpene found in modern cannabis plants across the globe. It has a pleasant earthy herby odour that has fresh fruity notes. Myrcene is often described as one of the more sedative terpenes and is thought to have a notable influence on the character of a cultivar. Below is the percentage of strains dominant in each terpene.
Myrcene in nature and culture
Myrcene is found in over 200 plant species producing a sweet, earthy pleasant smell. It, like most terpenes, has many natural purposes such as antimicrobial support and to help regulate the stress of the plant with shifting environmental conditions.
Lemongrass is a common source of naturally occurring myrcene, it has been a large part of the diet where it is native and now is used world wide. It also was used in traditional medicine for purposes such as traditionally helping with stomach pain and infections.
Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley are all sources of myrcene and they are integral to many cultures’ cuisine and are also used worldwide. These herbs are sought after by chiefs around the world and are household necessities for families where they locally grow.
Myrcene is also present in mangos, melons and guava. Many fruits are nutritious, and they also carry their own spectrum of compounds. Fruits that contain myrcene have been studied in connection with gut health, cholesterol and blood pressure, though the research is still developing.
Myrcene is also responsible for much of the taste of beer. This is due to its synergistic effect with essential oils in hops such as linalool, another terpene also found in cannabis. Hops are actually a very close relative to cannabis, they are both in the cannabaceae family and both have myrcene as their most abundant terpene.
Myrrh, the ancient traditional medicine, is where the terpene actually gets its name. It has a long history of traditional use in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, going back thousands of years. It is derived from the commiphora genus of plants that grow naturally from the south Pacific to tropical Africa. Myrrh’s aromatic character comes from the combined effects of other terpenes such as caryophyllene, limonene and pinene among others.
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Myrcene in detail
The myrcene usually referred to is actually beta-myrcene. There are two distinct isomers of myrcene with beta-myrcene having a bit more research done on it. They are both a-cyclic monoterpenes, meaning they have no ring of particles and no oxygen molecule in its chemical structure
Alpha-myrcene is also found in hops, mangos and others but has more of an earthy spicy aroma. Alpha-myrcene is also studied in its own right, but is not as widely isolated as its counterpart. There is still much more scientific research to be done on all terpenes!
When isolating myrcene for industrial use, manufacturers can extract myrcene from pinene. A process called pyrolysis is used to break apart the pinene. Pyrolysis is a process to break down particles with heat, for example wood into charcoal. There are intentions for the future to produce microbial extraction methods for large scale production of myrcene.
Myrcene in research
Myrcene is highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs it readily into the bloodstream. Some users report noticing its effects within a few minutes of inhaling its aroma.
Also myrcene reaches the blood without breaking down which increases its effectiveness. These biological functions are thought to be responsible for a lot of myrcene’s potency and prevalence in the food, beverage and wellness industries.
Myrcene, like many terpenes, is often discussed in relation to inflammation, discomfort and relaxation in wellness writing. These are some of the topics people most commonly look into.
Inflammation can be caused by many things and have many different expressions. Stress or exhaustion can cause inflammation that can be more chronic than an allergic reaction for example. This can express itself through various conditions like arthritis and heart problems. Myrcene is one of the terpenes researchers have examined in studies of inflammation, though the findings so far are early.
Anxiety is a widespread concern, and it can contribute to stress, disrupted sleep and other effects on physical health. Myrcene is one of the terpenes that researchers have looked at in early studies of the nervous system. The science here is still at an early stage, and much of it comes from laboratory rather than human research.
Myrcene is also discussed in research on antioxidant activity and the digestive system. Antioxidants are a broad area of nutritional science in general. As with the areas above, the research on myrcene specifically is still developing.
Myrcene used in wellness
For aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil, which is about 15 to 20% myrcene, is a popular choice. It can be used topically when diluted, or inhaled for its aroma.
Myrcene can be implemented into your diet quite easily, especially in places like Thailand where lemongrass is a very common culinary ingredient and traditional medicine. Keeping a varied spice rack is an easy way to include more of these aromatic compounds in everyday cooking.
Fruits containing myrcene are a tasty part of a varied diet. Beer is not a wellness product, though hoppy beers are naturally high in myrcene, which is part of where their aroma comes from.
When consuming myrcene in cannabis it is helpful to understand the quantity of myrcene in the strain as it will have a strong influence on the relaxing nature of the experience. A strain with more than 0.5% myrcene is said to be sedative and a myrcene content below 0.5% will allow the other terpenes and cannabinoids more influence on the experience.
Therefore, high myrcene cultivars are often described as pro-anabolic, meaning they are thought to support anabolic states of the body more associated with sleep and the rebuilding of tissue and neurons. This means that myrcene may not be ideal for morning consumption as it could potentially reduce energy levels for some users. Lower myrcene content, and a higher limonene content for example will produce a pro-catabolic strain meaning it is more suitable to waking and alertness.
High Myrcene Cultivars
Northern Lights is a myrcene-heavy strain known among cannabis consumers for its relaxing reputation. It was produced by breeding Afghani indica and Thai sativa landraces, while keeping a heavy resinous indica character.
Permanent Marker has become a modern classic hybrid and is high in myrcene. It is known for being gassy and pungent with its spicy flavoursome additions of pinene and caryophyllene. The dominant myrcene is often associated with an overall calming and “tingly” character.
Conclusion
Myrcene is a very powerful terpene and we still have more to learn about its applications. From ancient painkillers to beer to modern smoothies, myrcene has been connected to human life for milenia.
Now with modern cannabis genetics and a global spice and wellness trade, myrcene is as abundant as it’s ever been on our planet. Scientists and botanists are evolving cannabis cultivars and our understanding of the compounds they produce in order to enhance our lives.
This opening up of cannabis science has allowed us to learn about how to optimize our own lives with pleasurable tastes, smells and experiences of not just cannabis but all the plants that share terpenes. There is far more to learn, but finding myrcene as the connection between mangos, beer and cannabis is a great illustration of how holistic wellness can be very pleasant and delicious!