Understanding camphene, a terpene in cannabis

Camphene is a type of plant compound known as a terpene. It can be found in certain plants, including cannabis, nutmeg, and conifer trees.

Camphene contributes to the smell and taste of these plants. It may also offer some health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

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What is camphene?

Camphene can be found in some plant species, including:

• Conifer trees
• Nutmeg
• Cypress
• Bergamot
• Valerian
• Cannabis

Camphene has an earthy, pine-like taste and aroma. In plants, it helps repel insects and attract pollinators.

Camphene can found in certain types of household products, including:

• Bug sprays
• Foods and drinks
• Cleaning products
• Cough medications

Camphene benefits

Research shows that camphene may offer certain health benefits. But most studies on camphene have been done in animals or cells. More studies are needed to confirm its effects on humans.

Lowers pain and inflammation

Findings from a study in mice suggest that camphene may help lower inflammation and ease pain.

Another mouse study found that camphene helped reduce both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Protects heart health 

Camphene may play a role in preventing heart disease. In a rat study, the terpene was found to help lower levels of fats in the blood, such as triglycerides and cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Prevents cancer tumor growth

One cell study suggests that camphene may be effective against the growth of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. The study found that the terpene helped reduce cancerous cells and tumor size.

Offers antiviral effects

Camphene helped treat certain viruses, including influenza and Ebola, in a cell study.

A study in guinea pigs also shows that inhaling camphene may help treat upper respiratory infections by reducing cough.

Improves metabolic health

Camphene may help aid weight loss, reduce fat in the liver, and improve insulin sensitivity according to evidence from a mouse study.

Camphene terpene in cannabis

Camphene is one of over 150 terpenes found in cannabis. It can make up anywhere from about 0.002% to 0.48% of the plant.

Cannabis users have anecdotally reported that high-camphene strains may help:

• Promote relaxation
• Ease pain

Strains high in camphene

Some strains of cannabis contain above-average amounts of camphene:

• ACDC is commonly recommended to help ease pain.
• OG Kush may offer calming and mood-lifting effects.
• Banana Kush may promote euphoria and sleep.
• Ghost OG is commonly used to help with pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Strawberry Banana may help improve focus and creativity.
• Ghost OG is said to promote relaxation and pain relief.
• Mendocino Purps can feel heavily sedating, making it a popular strain to use at night.

To learn about these and other high-camphene strains, ask a budtender at your local dispensary or a Leafwell provider for more guidance.

Camphene side effects

Camphene is generally considered safe to ingest or apply to your skin. However, it is highly flammable, so avoid using pure camphene near an open flame.

The bottom line: Camphene may play a role in the health benefits of cannabis

Camphene brings a pine-like aroma to many cannabis strains. It may also contribute to the plant’s health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

To learn more about the potential health benefits of camphene in cannabis, get in touch with a provider at Leafwell.

Resources

• Antinociceptive activity and redox profile of the monoterpenes (+)-camphene, p-cymene, and geranyl acetate in experimental models. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23724298/
• Camphene, a plant-derived monoterpene, reduces plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperlipidemic rats independently of HMG-CoA reductase activity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3207810/
• Camphene isolated from essential oil of Piper cernuum (Piperaceae) induces intrinsic apoptosis in melanoma cells and displays antitumor activity in vivo. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X15307415
• Dietary camphene attenuates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in mice. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.20554
• Secondary terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: Synthesis and synergy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9775512/
• Synthesis and antiviral activity of camphene derivatives against different types of viruses. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/8/2235
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — From plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190
• The antitussive effects of menthol, camphor, and cineole in conscious guinea-pigs. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0952060084710210
• The terpenes camphene and alpha-bisabolol inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain via Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13041-021-00876-6

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