Myrcene is a universal terpene that is present in a number of cannabis strains. An aromatic hydrocarbon, terpene is responsible for the presence of oils in some plants. In addition, it also gives cannabis strains their typical scent.
Nevertheless, it is important to mention here that terpene is not only responsible for the pleasant smell in some plants, but the "entourage effect" of particular cannabis strains cause the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana to interact with various chemicals and generate added consequences.
In fact, myrcene is among the several hundred varieties of terpenes that are found in quite large quantities and they offer a number of therapeutic benefits.
Different from the floral profile of several terpenes, the scent of both alpha and beta myrcene is earthy and spicy. They also have a semi-sweet essence.
Myrcene is the most commonly occurring terpene and, at the same time, it is most potent among all terpenes. More precisely, myrcene is classified as a monoterpene, which are actually dimmers of iisoprenoid antecedents. In addition, myrcene is among the most imperative. Myrcene is an element of the essential oils found in several plants, which include cannabis, bay, parsley, wild thyme, hops and ylang-ylang.
Mainly semi-synthesis of myrcia results in production of myrcene. In fact, myrcene gets its name from myrcia. This terpene is a vital intermediate in the making of a number of fragrances. The name for the structural isomer 2-methylene 1,7-octadiene is α-Myrcene. In fact, α-Myrcene is not present in nature and also used very little.
Myrcene naturally occurs in numerous common plants such as eucalyptus and lemongrass. In addition, basil, hops, thyme and mangoes also contain some quantities – albeit very little, of myrcene. On the other hand, this terpene is present in high concentrations in cannabis. It is possible to isolate as well as extract myrcene from cannabis to improve specific strains, enhance their flavours as well as heighten their effects.
This terpene primarily works to soothe the body as well as the mind. Perhaps, myrcene is responsible of "couch-lock", a condition wherein an individual experiences deep relaxation that is associated with several indica strains. In fact, myrcene is so powerful that it is able to make up for about half of all the other terpenes found in the cannabis plant. On the other hand, Sativa strains generally possess the least amounts of this terpene.
It may seem incredible, but mangoes also contain significant amounts of myrcene. Subjective evidence hints that consuming a ripened mango before consuming cannabis may heighten or prolong the psychoactive consequences of cannabis. Some people have even suggested that this is mainly owing to the high concentration of this terpene in mango. The elevated amount of myrcene in this fruit is naturally synergistic with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that make cannabinoids to bridge the blood-brain barrier more easily.
As discussed earlier, this terpene has an important role in the perfumery industry where it is a vital intermediate. Although the odour of myrcene is very pleasing, it is seldom used directly. Moreover, this terpene is not stable in the air and has a propensity to polymerize. The samples of myrcene are stabilized by adding tocopherol or alkyl phenols. Hence, this terpene is highly valued in the form of an intermediate in the process involved in preparation of fragrant and flavourful chemicals like citral, citronellal, citronellol, menthol, nerol, linalool and geraniol.
Treating myrcene with hydrogen chloride produces geranyl chloride, linalyl chloride and neryl chloride. Subsequently, when these chemicals are treated with acetic acid produces geranyl acetate, neryl acetate and linalyl acetate, in that order. Then these esters are hydrolyzed to form corresponding alcohols. Moreover, myrcene can also be converted into another fragrance present in lavender and known as myrcenol through uncatalyzed hydroanimation of 1.3-diene which is followed by Pd-catalyzed and hydrolysis of the amine.
Myrcene in the form of monoterpene also works as an antecedent for manufacturing various other terpenes. The levels of myrcene in cannabis have a propensity to determine whether or not a certain strain will have indica or sativa effects when it is administered. While the sativa effects are primarily elevating and motivate creativity, the indica effects are generally more relaxing and deadening. It is worth mentioning here that when the levels of myrcene are more than 0.5 percent it leads to indica consequences. Generally, the levels of this terpene is the lower than 0.5 percent in sativa strains and, hence, its effect is basically uplifting.
There is scientific evidence of the fact that myrcene offers us a variety of therapeutic benefits. In fact, it has been established that myrcene possesses very strong anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties. At the same time, findings of several studies have shown that this terpene helps to get sound and rejuvenating sleep.
When this terpene was paired with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it demonstrated great results. It was found that when myrcene was paired with cannabidiol, it helped to reduce pain and, at the same time, lessened inflammation. Then again, when this terpene was paired with THC, it helped to diminish pain and also demonstrated sedative properties.
It has been established that myrcene helps to promote rejuvenating sleep. In fact, this terpene possesses sedative properties which are responsible for making you fall asleep. This is indeed good news of millions of people worldwide who are struggling to deal with insomnia. What is important is that myrcene is a natural remedy that helps us to fall asleep and remain in sound sleep.
A study undertaken on mice showed that this terpene was helpful in enhancing duration of sleep by about 2.6 times. In fact, myrcene possesses the aptitude to alleviate the effects of insomnia as well as various other sleep disorders. Findings of several studies have revealed that myrcene is capable of helping in reducing sleep disturbances and extend deep and rejuvenating sleep.
All through history, people across the globe have used myrcene in the form of an analgesic. Myrcia Sphaerocarpa, a namesake of myrcene, is a therapeutic shrub that has been traditionally used by people in Brazil to cure hypertension, diabetes, diarrhea and dysentery.
Findings of several studies have shown that myrcene has pain-killing effects and this is the reason why it is suggested for people who are struggling with headaches, migraines, arthritis and chronic pain. It is interesting to note that a number of studies undertaken on mice have demonstrated better effects when myrcene was working with other terpenes in a complex situation rather than working as a solitary molecule.
Findings of one research undertaken on mice demonstrated that injecting the animals with myrcene slowed down the perception of pain significantly in the peripheral as well as the central nervous system (CNS).
Myrcene has the ability to alleviate pain and uneasiness. This terpene possesses potent muscle-relaxing abilities. In addition, many studies have also examined the anti-inflammatory effects of this terpene. One study in particular utilized myrcene in the Papalo quelite (Porophyllum ruderale) - a plant found in Mexico and whose main monoterpene is myrcene - essential oil. This essential oil was administered orally to mice that were enduring inflammation in the lining of their lungs - a condition known as pleurisy, and this terpene demonstrated immunoregulatory effects.
Findings of one study involving this terpene demonstrated that myrcene possesses anti-mutagenic attributes. In other words, this terpene works to naturally diminish the toxic as well as mutagenic effects related to chemotherapy. At the same time, myrcene also decreased the formation of sister chromatid exchange, which is believed to be a probable indicator for cancer.
Myrcene is useful in treating diabetes. It has been established that this compound works excellently with people enduring diabetes, particularly together with another terpene known as thujone. Moreover, this terpene may also restrain cancer from progressing. Myrcene may also have a role in inhibiting or completely prevent the development and growth of tumours.
Myrcene is considered to be an extremely powerful terpene. Since this terpene possesses a wide variety of medicinal properties such as analgesic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and sedative properties, it can be utilized as a medicine in various ways and to treat various health issues.
