Camphene Terpene and Its Medicinal Uses
Camphene terpene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon found in the camphor tree and the essential oils of various other plants, including the cannabis plant. It has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its diverse range of potential medicinal properties.
Camphene is characterized by its distinctive aroma and crystalline structure and has been traditionally used in aromatherapy and perfumery. Modern scientific research has unveiled camphene’s therapeutic potential for addressing a variety of health conditions and problems.
Where Is Camphene Found in Nature?
Camphene is a common constituent of many essential oils including camphor oil, cypress oil, and tulsi essential oil. It is also a common food additive. Camphene can be found in a variety of plant species, including:
Conifers: Pine, fir, spruce, cypress, and camphor
Citrus: Lemon, orange, and grapefruit
Herbs: Lavender, rosemary, and sage
Other plants: Ginger, nutmeg, valerian, and cannabis
Terpenes, the organic compounds that give plants their aroma and flavor, also offer a range of therapeutic benefits. Terpenes have been used throughout history as natural remedies for various ailments. These days, scientists are working to pinpoint each terpene’s specific therapeutic and medical benefits and how these could help with various conditions.
Camphene's Benefits
Camphene is less known than many other terpenes found in the cannabis plant like limonene or myrcene terpene. However, camphene also packs a punch when it comes to the potential benefits it offers:
Gastroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
A study discovered that the essential oil of the Piper aleyreanum tree (including camphene) has gastroprotective properties and demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and neurogenic activity. Another study about “plant-derived antioxidants” showed that camphene and geraniol have the potential to reduce oxidative stress in rat alveolar macrophages, with potential applications for inflammatory lung diseases.
Antibacterial and Antifungal
A 2010 study into essential oils revealed that camphene, along with other compounds, can combat three types of bacteria. A different study also showed camphene’s antifungal potential. This could have practical applications for the development of topical aids for conditions like dermatitis or athlete’s foot in the future.
Lowers Cholesterol
Animal studies indicate that camphene could help with cardiovascular disease (and/or its prevention) as it lowers “bad” cholesterol by reducing lipid counts in cells.
Camphene for Qualifying Conditions
MMJ patients in certain states like Arizona can purchase medical marijuana to treat qualifying conditions. Strains rich in camphene could be helpful for the following AZ qualifying conditions:
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is the most commonly reported reason for consuming MMJ. A 2021 study investigated the analgesic effects of two terpenes found in cannabis: camphene and bisabolol. It was found that both terpenes had significant capabilities to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice.
Cancer
A 2023 study into the effect of camphene and limonene on human metastatic melanoma cells reported that the two terpenes demonstrated a significant ability to inhibit cell growth.
Symptoms and Side Effects of Additional Qualifying Conditions
Some qualifying conditions like cancer and HIV/AIDS come with a host of symptoms and side effects to treatment. Camphene in MMJ strains could help relieve some of the discomfort caused by these symptoms and side effects, for example:
Camphene, in conjunction with menthol and essential oils, may help to reduce coughing fits and make mucous expulsion more efficient. This has practical applications for HIV/AIDS patients who often suffer from respiratory symptoms.
Using pain-relieving, camphene-rich cannabis for glaucoma or cancer could reduce pain caused by the conditions.
Camphene as an anti-inflammatory has the potential to improve symptoms of inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease.
High-Camphene Strains
Camphene is a less-commonly occurring terpene in weed, meaning it's found in lower concentrations than more well-known terpenes like pinene or beta-caryophyllene. The following strains contain at least some camphene:
ACDC
Hybrid, CBD 13%/THC 1%
ACDC is a favorite strain in the MMJ community due to its high CBD content. Many turn to this strain for pain management, appetite stimulation, and to calm anxiety.
Mendocino Purps
Sativa-dominant, 22% THC
Mendocino Purps combines fruity, berry tones with a skunky, piney kick that offers a complex taste and aroma. Perfect for kicking back in the evening, you'll enjoy relaxing and calming feelings with an unforgettable body buzz.
Ghost OG
Hybrid, 20% THC/0% CBD
Ghost OG is high in camphene and myrcene and offers calming and relaxing effects. This strain is renowned in the MMJ community for its pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, and uplifting effects (which may be helpful for improving symptoms of depression).
Camphene: Your New Favorite Terpene
Camphene will hopefully become more well-known as information about its many benefits emerges. Ask the staff in your local MMJ dispensary to point out their favorite camphene-rich strains to complement your treatment plan.
Camphene strains are perfect for patients looking for a range of therapeutic benefits. However, if you don’t have a condition that is likely to benefit specifically from camphene, you can simply sit back and allow this terpene’s piney and earthy aroma profile to sweep you off your feet.
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