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.1 It is also used in cosmetics, perfumes, and foods as a flavoring agent.
Carene has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, specifically in the reduction of edema.2 It also 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.3
Popular cannabis strains containing carene include Lemon Shining Silver Haze, Skunk XL, Arjan’s Ultra Haze #2, Super Silver Haze, and Lemon Haze.
Delta-3-carene, often known simply as 3-carene, is one of many terpenes found in the cannabis plant. It has many different therapeutic effects. One mouse study showed its ability to work on acute inflammation, while another revealed that it could be helpful in treatments to maintain bone health. Further, 3-carene has been noted in clinical trials to have a nociceptive effect, reducing transmissions from sIPSCs, which are signals of pain from the nerves to the brain.
Lab Effects is a trusted source for all categories of terpenes (CDTs, BDTs, flavors, therapeutics, water-soluble, flowable powders, etc.) available in every format suitable for various manufacturing processes. Delta-3-carene has shown much therapeutic potential for medical applications in experimental studies. Isolated terpenes purchased from Lab Effects are guaranteed pure, 100% botanically-derived, and free from chemical adulterants such as synthetic flavorants, industrial odorizers, solvents, pesticides, and metals.
Delta-3-carene is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, a fragrance ingredient in the perfume industry, and a deterrent for insecticidal activity in the agricultural industry. It is also being researched for its potential therapeutic effects thanks to its antifungal activity, antioxidant activities, and ability to work on various forms of inflammation.
Like many organic compounds, delta-3-carene can have many possible effects on the human body depending on the type of exposure. In its purest form extracted from the source material (often leaf oil from plants like pine, basil, or rosemary), it's known to be a dermal irritant or skin sensitizer (an agent that can cause skin irritation, an allergic skin reaction, or an outbreak of the skin disease known as dermatitis). If pure vaporized 3-carene is inhaled, it can cause an allergic reaction. That's why industrial organizations that work with regulated EPA chemicals tag it with hazard codes such as "Warning: Skin Corrosion" label. Mild exposure typically has no lasting effects, and a minor incident wouldn't be expected to pose a long-term hazard. However, it is very flammable, and raw material must be kept away from ignition sources. This terpene should also not be leaked into natural water sources, as it can have adverse effects on aquatic life.