Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Myrcene is a monocyclic monoterpene found naturally in mangoes, hops, lemongrass, and cannabis, where it contributes to characteristic aromas and flavors. It undergoes cytochrome P450-mediated hepatic metabolism and has been studied primarily for its chemical properties, though robust human clinical evidence for health benefits remains absent.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordmyrcene benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Myrcene — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Myrcene is a naturally occurring acyclic monoterpene (C₁₀H₁₆) primarily found in the essential oils of hops, mangoes, lemongrass, and various herbs. It is biosynthesized in plants through condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, and commercially extracted via methods including hydro-distillation, solvent extraction, and supercritical CO₂ extraction.
“No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented in the available research. The sources emphasize chemical, biosynthetic, and industrial applications rather than ethnomedical contexts.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on myrcene were identified in the available research. The provided sources focus exclusively on chemical properties, biosynthesis, extraction methods, and polymerization rather than human health studies.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized forms have been established for myrcene supplementation. The research does not provide human dosing data, safety parameters, or therapeutic recommendations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Myrcene (β-myrcene, C₁₀H₁₆) is a monoterpene hydrocarbon, not a nutrient per se, so it lacks macronutrients, vitamins, or minerals. It is a major bioactive volatile compound found at high concentrations in hop essential oil (up to 29-50% of total oil), mango flesh (contributing to aroma), lemongrass (~12-25% of essential oil), bay laurel, and cannabis. Typical dietary exposure from foods is trace-level (microgram to low milligram range). As a lipophilic terpene (log P ~4.17), it has moderate oral bioavailability but is rapidly metabolized via hepatic CYP2B enzymes to hydroxylated metabolites (e.g., myrcene-10-ol, myrcene-1,2-diol). It is classified as a secondary plant metabolite with no caloric or micronutrient value.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Myrcene is metabolized in the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP2B and CYP3A isoforms identified in rat liver microsome studies, producing epoxide and hydroxylated metabolites. Preclinical animal and in vitro studies suggest it may interact with GABA-A receptors and opioid signaling pathways, which could partly explain sedative-like observations in rodent models. It also demonstrates inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes including COX-1 and COX-2 in isolated cell assays, though no confirmed receptor-binding affinity data from human tissue is available.
Clinical Evidence
No published randomized controlled trials or peer-reviewed human clinical studies have evaluated myrcene as an isolated supplement for any health outcome. The available evidence consists of animal studies, including rodent models showing analgesic and sedative effects at doses of 200 mg/kg — doses not directly translatable to humans — and in vitro cell-culture experiments. A pharmacokinetic study using rat liver microsomes confirmed CYP450-mediated metabolism, establishing a metabolic pathway but not a therapeutic indication. The overall evidence base is preclinical and insufficient to support any health claim for human supplementation.
Safety & Interactions
Human safety data for isolated myrcene supplementation is essentially nonexistent, as no formal phase I or phase II clinical safety trials have been conducted. Because myrcene is metabolized by CYP2B and CYP3A enzymes, theoretical drug interactions exist with medications sharing these pathways, including certain statins, benzodiazepines, and immunosuppressants, though no interaction studies in humans have been published. Myrcene is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA at the low concentrations present in food flavorings, but concentrated supplemental doses have not been evaluated for safety in pregnant or lactating individuals, and use should be avoided in those populations until data exist. Individuals taking CNS depressants should exercise caution given preliminary rodent data suggesting potentiation of sedative effects.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
β-Myrcenebeta-Myrcene7-Methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene2-Methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadieneMyrcene terpene
Frequently Asked Questions
What is myrcene and what foods contain it naturally?
Myrcene is an acyclic monoterpene with the molecular formula C10H16, present naturally in mangoes (up to 0.5% of essential oil), hops (Humulus lupulus), lemongrass, thyme, and cannabis. It is one of the most abundant terpenes in hops and contributes significantly to the earthy, musky aroma of many plants. At these naturally occurring concentrations in food, it is considered safe by the FDA under GRAS classification.
Does myrcene have any proven health benefits in humans?
As of the current scientific literature, no clinical trials in humans have demonstrated proven health benefits for isolated myrcene supplementation. Animal studies in rodents suggest potential analgesic and mild sedative properties at doses of approximately 200 mg/kg body weight, but these findings have not been replicated in human subjects. The evidence is strictly preclinical, meaning any claimed health benefits in supplement marketing are not supported by clinical data.
Can myrcene interact with prescription medications?
Myrcene is processed by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2B and CYP3A in the liver, which also metabolize a wide range of prescription drugs including atorvastatin, cyclosporine, midazolam, and certain antiretrovirals. Theoretically, high supplemental doses of myrcene could compete with or inhibit the metabolism of these drugs, altering their plasma concentrations and increasing the risk of side effects. No formal human drug-interaction studies exist, so individuals on CYP3A or CYP2B substrates should consult a physician before using concentrated myrcene products.
Is myrcene the same as the myrcene found in cannabis?
Yes, myrcene found in cannabis is chemically identical to the myrcene in mangoes, hops, and other plants — it is the same monoterpene molecule (beta-myrcene, C10H16). In cannabis, myrcene is often the dominant terpene, sometimes comprising over 50% of a strain's terpene profile, and is popularly associated with the 'entourage effect' hypothesis. However, the entourage effect itself lacks strong human clinical evidence, and myrcene's specific contribution to cannabis pharmacology in humans has not been isolated in controlled trials.
What is the difference between myrcene and other terpenes like limonene or linalool?
Myrcene (C10H16) is an acyclic monoterpene with no ring structure, distinguishing it structurally from limonene, which has a single cyclohexene ring, and linalool, which is an acyclic monoterpenoid alcohol containing a hydroxyl group. These structural differences produce distinct metabolic fates: limonene is primarily metabolized to perillic acid via CYP2C19, while linalool undergoes glucuronidation and oxidation through different CYP isoforms than myrcene. In terms of evidence, limonene has slightly more human pilot data (small phase I trials in breast cancer contexts), whereas myrcene research remains almost entirely animal- and cell-based.
How is myrcene extracted and concentrated for use in supplements?
Myrcene is typically extracted from natural sources like hops and mango using steam distillation or solvent extraction methods, which isolate the compound from plant materials into essential oils or concentrated forms. The extraction process affects purity and yield, with steam distillation being the most common method for obtaining food-grade myrcene. However, myrcene's volatile nature means it can degrade during extraction and storage, requiring careful handling to maintain stability and concentration levels.
Is myrcene safe to consume as a dietary supplement, and are there any known side effects?
Myrcene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a flavoring agent in foods, and it naturally occurs in many common dietary sources without adverse effects. However, safety data specific to concentrated myrcene supplementation in humans is limited, as most safety studies have been conducted in animal models. Individual sensitivity varies, and people with allergies to myrcene-containing plants like hops or mangoes should exercise caution with concentrated forms.
How does myrcene's metabolism in the human body differ from what has been studied in animals?
Animal studies show that myrcene undergoes CYP450-mediated hepatic metabolism in the liver, but this metabolic pathway has not been conclusively established in humans through clinical research. The bioavailability and metabolic fate of myrcene in human subjects remains largely unknown, making it difficult to predict how the body processes concentrated supplemental forms. Current evidence is insufficient to determine whether human myrcene metabolism mirrors animal models or follows different pathways.
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