Humulene

α-Humulene (also called α-caryophyllene; (1E,4E,8E)-2,6,6,9-tetramethyl-1,4,8-cycloundecatriene; C₁₅H₂₄) is a monocyclic sesquiterpene isomer of β-caryophyllene, abundant in hops (Humulus lupulus, hence the name) and contributing the "hoppy" note to some cannabis cultivars. Unlike β-caryophyllene, α-humulene does not bind cannabinoid receptors at physiologically relevant concentrations. Preclinical studies report anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity, in part through inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1β release (Fernandes et al., 2007, European Journal of Pharmacology 569:228) and COX/5-LOX modulation. Popular claims that humulene is appetite-suppressing in humans are unsupported by controlled data. Evidence level: rodent only. → See also: Caryophyllene, Terpene.