ABOUT DELTA-3 CARENE
Delta-3-carene (carene) is a bicyclic monoterpene. Carene occurs naturally as a component of turpentine, with content as high as 42% depending on the source. It is also found in rosemary, basil, pepper, cedar, and cannabis. Carene has a sweet and woodsy odor, sometimes with a subtle hint of lemon. It is miscible with fats and oils, but not soluble in water.
Carene is found in many essential oils used in aromatherapy. It is also used in cosmetics, perfumes, and foods as a flavoring agent. You have also likely encountered carene's sweet aroma if you've ever spritzed on a citrus perfume or cologne. Any citrus peel oil you can imagine, from mandarin to kumquat, likely has a healthy dose of carene as well.
Medicinal Benefits
Though further research is needed to identify all of carene's medicinal properties, the terpene has shown the most promise in fighting inflammation and contributing to bone health.
Anti-inflammatory
Carene may be beneficial in the reduction of edema, an inflammatory condition that occurs when the body retains too much water. Edema is a common threat to patients with congestive heart failure and liver failure. Sedentary individuals without the ability to exercise (and thus regulate the circulatory system) also may suffer from edema.
Bone strengthener
It appears to increase the incorporation of calcium into bones (mineralization), improving overall bone health. These bone-strengthening properties make carene a potential treatment for osteoporosis
In animal and cell-culture models, carene has shown potential to increase improve bone health by increasing mineralization (the incorporation of calcium into bones). Scientists from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology discovered that when essential oils containing carene were incorporated into the diets of animals, bone health improved. Scientists remain interested in further studying carene for its potential application as an osteoporosis medication.
Beyond the repair of bones, the terpene is unique due to its power to draw out liquids (one of its chief applications within the cosmetics industry). This drying effect makes it a candidate for use as an antihistamine and in products targeting excessive menstruation or mucus production. This quality is also responsible for anecdotal reports of dry mouth (cottonmouth) and red-eye among cannabis smokers and vapers.
Role of carene in cannabis
Arjan's Ultra Haze #2, Super Silver Haze, and Lemon Haze are among the varieties of cannabis that contain carene.The terpene's aromatic profile, which includes both woody and tangy elements, is a likely contributor to the earthy-citrus flavors and aromas typical found in these strains.
