Carene- What Is It? All You Need To Know About Carene

Carene

Carene

ˈkaˌrēn | noun

Delta-3-carene is a monoterpene naturally found in hemp. It presents a sweet, woodsy odor with a subtle hint of lemon. Also occurring in rosemary, pepper, basil, and cedar, this terpene exhibits anti-inflammatory and bone-strengthening properties.

Carene is a hemp terpene that’s also used as a perfume ingredient.”

“Did you know that carene is a hemp terpene that assists the plant in its fight against inflammation?”   

What is it? 

It’s a terpene (an organic compound) naturally occurring in turpentine, rosemary, basil, allspice, and cedar. Turpentine can contain up to 42% of this terpene, depending on the source. Its aroma and benefits serve as an ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. Despite its beneficial uses, overexposure may lead to skin, eye, and lung irritation. 

Everyday uses of carene

Commonly present in orange and grapefruit juice, you have probably tasted the citrusy aroma and scent of this terpene. One of the most interesting things about carene terpene is that its scent extends to its flavor, often described as fresh pineapple. People use this terpene as a flavor enhancer in salads, teas, or even mineral water. All citrus peels, from oranges to kumquat, contain a dose of carene. If you’ve ever used a citrus perfume or cologne, you’ve worn this terpene’s sweet aroma on your skin.  

How does carene terpene smell?

This terpene displays a sweet, hearty, pungent smell resembling citrus fruits (mostly lemon), musk, and pine.  

Is it safe?

Carene is a monoterpene frequently present in industrial settings it’s a component of wood dust used to produce wood pellets. Research shows that monoterpenes cause irritation in the eyes and upper airways and may even reduce lung function. The study revealed that monoterpenes can cause non-allergic and allergic contact dermatitis. Another study found that prolonged exposure to this terpene may result in allergic contact dermatitis or chronic lung function impairment. 

Therapeutic properties of carene

We need further research to identify carene’s medicinal properties. So far, we know of its primary effects in fighting inflammation, promoting healthy bones, and antifungal properties. 

Anti-inflammatory effects

Research shows that delta-3-carene acts as a potential agent against acute inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects were also investigated in an animal study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. The study revealed that this terpene might offer considerable anti-inflammatory activity against edema in rats. Edema is an inflammatory condition created when the body retains too much water. 

Antifungal properties

One study tested the antifungal effects of juniper essential oil, which mainly consists of pinene and carene. Researchers found that the oil has antifungal activity with carene acting as the fundamental component against Candida, Aspergillus, and dermatophytes fungi. Based on current studies, researchers keep on investigating therapeutic alternatives against fungal resistance to treatment. Further research may uncover more encouraging results in this field. 

Promotes healthy bones

Animal and cell-culture models show that it could potentially improve bone health by increasing mineralization. Mineralization is the process of calcium incorporation into the bones. According to research conducted by the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, low doses of carene incorporated into animals’ diets through essential oils improved bone health. Due to this terpene’s possible application as an osteoporosis medication, scientists continue to study it further.

Where to find it in hemp 

Strain varieties like Strawberry Jam CBD Hemp Flower, as well as some Kush and Haze hemp strains, contain this terpene. Despite it not being the most prominent terpene in hemp, you can recognize it as a contributor to these strains’ earthy-citrus flavors and aromas. 

Final thoughts

This terpene offers a pleasant flavor and shows promise as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent that promotes bone strengthening.