Cannabis & Cannabinoids · Terpenes · A common aroma compound in cannabis, hops, mango and lemongrass
Myrcene
7-methyl-3-methylideneocta-1,6-diene (beta-myrcene), C10H16 · also called Myrcene, beta-myrcene, 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene, beta-geraniolene
Myrcene is a small, aromatic plant molecule (a monoterpene). It is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis flower and is also found in hops, lemongrass and some mango and thyme types. Most research is in animals and cells. The popular ideas that it causes "couch-lock" or that eating a mango first strengthens cannabis have not been tested in people.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Myrcene
Myrcene (beta-myrcene) is a common aroma molecule in cannabis, hops, lemongrass and some mango and thyme types. Almost all research is in animals and cells. The only study of pure myrcene in people is a 10-person driving pilot suggesting impairment. The "couch-lock" and "mango first" claims have no good human evidence. In very high daily doses, rodents developed kidney and liver tumours, and FDA removed it from its flavouring list in 2018 while saying this was not a safety concern.
What it is
Myrcene is a monoterpene: a small molecule of ten carbon atoms with the formula C10H16 (PubChem compound 31253). Cannabis makes it in the resin glands of the flower, and a review says it is one of the most common terpenes in the plant. In a study of 33 cannabis samples, beta-myrcene was about 18 to 20 percent of total terpenes.
It is also found in hops (the NTP report calls it the major constituent of hop and bay oils), in lemongrass oil, in some mango cultivars (58.93 percent of the aroma volatiles in one, but not in others) and in some thyme types.
What the lab numbers show
Our data hold 266 myrcene measurements for 199 named strains, including 24 of the 28 strains that have a profile page on this site. Most are from three kinds of source, each in a different unit. A Nevada regulator dataset gives, for 65 strains, one median per strain in percent by weight (the source does not label the unit per column); these medians run from 0.0375% (Apple Fritter, 271 samples) to 1.3838% (Headcheese, 457 samples). A study of one California dispensary (2015 to 2016) and a hemp field trial report means in mg/g, from 0.9 to 15.9 mg/g. A few papers report single batches in ug/g, ppm or in a table printed as percent dry weight with much smaller numbers; because the units and what is being averaged differ, we do not compare numbers across units.
The same strain name varies a lot. Blue Dream appears as 0.3853% (Nevada median of 340 samples), as 7.5 mg/g (mean of 19 samples, SD 2.8) and as 1,400 ug/g (one batch, SD 900), and these are not comparable with each other. Gorilla Glue #4 appears at 0.2135% (660 samples) in one Nevada row and at 0.06% (89 samples) in another row listed under a variant name. In the California set, Chemdawg averaged 3.0 mg/g with a standard deviation of 3.2. These numbers are measurements of flower content from regulator and published datasets, not from our own testing. They say nothing about effects.
Examples within the same unit and source type (Nevada medians, percent by weight): lowest among our profile strains were Girl Scout Cookies (0.05%), Trainwreck (0.0588%) and White Widow (0.09%); highest were Chemdawg (0.68%), AK-47 (0.44%) and Blue Dream (0.3853%). Sample counts differ a lot (from 18 to 363), so small groups are less certain.
The popular claims
"Myrcene causes couch-lock." No study tested this in people. A 2025 analysis of 140 German medicinal cannabis flowers found terpene profiles did not line up with indica, sativa or hybrid labels or with estimated effects.
"Eat a mango before cannabis." No study tested this. The mango study measured fruit aroma only.
What the research shows
In mice and rats, high doses of myrcene lowered movement, lengthened barbiturate sleep, raised pain thresholds and lowered inflammation signals. In human cartilage cells it reduced inflammatory signals. In people, one trial of a CBD plus eight-terpene mixture gave a small gain on a wearable sleep measure, and two small trials of myrcene-containing mixtures reported less pain than comparison products. None of this isolates myrcene.
Regulatory status
In October 2018 the US FDA removed myrcene from its list of permitted synthetic flavouring substances because of a law (the Delaney Clause) that applies once a substance causes cancer in animals. FDA said the action was not based on a safety concern and judged it unlikely to cause tumours in humans at its current exposure. IARC evaluated beta-myrcene in 2019; a review reports Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). This is not legal advice.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Hop preparations used as a sedative remedy (according to a 2014 paper)
- Lemongrass tea used in folk medicine as a "sedative" (according to a 1991 paper)
- Flavouring and fragrance ingredient in food, drinks, soaps and cosmetics (NTP report)
Studied for research
- Sedation and driving skills, one 10-person pilot, very low
- Sleep (mouse studies; one human trial of a mixture), very low
- Anxiety-like behaviour in animals, very low and mixed
- Pain, in animals, and in two small human trials of mixtures, very low
- Inflammation in cells and rodents, very low
Main compounds
- Beta-myrcene (C10H16)
- Related terpenes found with it in cannabis: pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, ocimene
Common forms
- Natural part of cannabis flower and extracts
- Pure compound in capsules (pilot driving study)
- Topical gel with CBD (one trial)
- Hop, lemongrass, mango and thyme as natural sources
Research links: PubChem: beta-Myrcene · US National Toxicology Program report (PubMed) · FDA final rule, 9 Oct 2018 · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Name
- beta-Myrcene
- Chemical name
- 7-methyl-3-methylideneocta-1,6-diene
- Other names
- 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene; beta-geraniolene; myrcene
- Common names
- Myrcene (English); beta-Myrcene (English)
- Formula
- C10H16
- Molecular weight
- 136.23
- CAS number
- 123-35-3
- PubChem ID
- 31253
- Chemical class
- Monoterpene: a small aromatic hydrocarbon built from ten carbon atoms, with no oxygen (formula C10H16, molecular weight 136.23)
- How the plant makes it
- Cannabis makes terpenes in the resin glands (trichomes) of the female flower. Terpene synthase enzymes make them; in the hemp variety Finola, beta-myrcene was among the main products of nine synthase enzymes. Terpenes and cannabinoids share a common precursor, according to a review.
- Where it is found
- Cannabis resin: a major terpene; about 18 to 20% of total terpenes in a 33-sample headspace study (CBD-dominant 18.2%, THC-dominant 20.0%).; Hops: the NTP report calls beta-myrcene the major constituent of hop and bay oils, and a food-occurrence review found the highest content in hops.; Lemongrass: a 1991 rat study identified myrcene as the major analgesic component of the leaf essential oil.; Mango: in a 25-cultivar study, beta-myrcene was 58.93% of the aroma volatiles in the cultivar Xiaofei and a major terpene in some others, but other cultivars were dominated by terpinolene, 3-carene, caryophyllene or alpha-pinene.; Thyme: myrcene was a main headspace volatile (12.1% and 23.2%) in Thymus praecox subsp. jankae and defined a myrcene chemotype of wild thyme (T. serpyllum). Many thyme types are dominated by thymol instead.
- Related or similar compounds
- Name: Other cannabis monoterpenes; Note: Limonene, alpha- and beta-pinene, ocimene and terpinolene are separate molecules with different properties; labels can list several together.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Folk medicine (lemongrass tea) | A 1991 paper says its finding that myrcene is the analgesic part of lemongrass oil supports the folk use of lemongrass tea as a "sedative". | Lorenzetti et al. 1991 (PubMed 1753786) |
| Hop preparations | A 2014 paper says hop preparations have been used as a sedative remedy for several years, and that the active principle is still unclear. | Heinlein et al. 2014 (PubMed 24977259) |
| Food additive, United States | Myrcene was an approved synthetic flavouring in the US food additive list (21 CFR 172.515) until FDA removed it in October 2018 under the Delaney Clause, saying it was not based on a safety concern. | FDA, 83 Federal Register 50490 (9 Oct 2018) |
| Cancer testing | The US National Toxicology Program tested myrcene in rats and mice because of its high production volume and wide human exposure; the report was published in 2010. | NTP technical report (PubMed 21415873) |
| Cannabis science | A 2011 review proposed that cannabis terpenoids, including myrcene, might act together with cannabinoids (the "entourage effect") and noted this is unproven; it also said terpenoids were designated Generally Recognized as Safe by the US FDA and other regulators. | Russo 2011 (PubMed 21749363) |
| Wikipedia-only claims | Other historical claims about myrcene (for example naming or first isolation) are NOT verified here because no source read supports them. | not read |
History shows how a substance was used or discovered. It does not show that a product works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| beta-Myrcene PubChem 31253 | Monoterpene (acyclic hydrocarbon) | Cannabis flower resin, hops, lemongrass oil, some mango and thyme types Varies by plant and batch; see "What the lab numbers show" on the Overview tab for measured cannabis values. | Studied for effects on sedation, pain and inflammation in animals and cells; one pilot in people on driving skills. 32 17 5 40 18 31 27 8 25 | Animal research |
| Linalool (breakdown product in rats) | Monoterpene alcohol | n/a | 10-hydroxylinalool and 10-carboxylinalool were among the urinary metabolites of myrcene in rats. 20 | Animal research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRPV1 pain channel | TRPV1 | Myrcene opened TRPV1 in cells, blocked by capsazepine, and may compete with CBD at overlapping sites. 15 | Laboratory research |
| CB1 receptor (indirect) | CNR1 (CB1) | A CB1 blocker reduced myrcene's pain effect in mice and rats, but myrcene did not directly activate CB1 or change responses to CP 55,940, anandamide or 2-AG in cells. 1 21 | Animal research |
| Serotonin and GABA signalling | 5-HT1A, GABA-A receptor gamma2, GAD65/67, PKA | In sleepless mice, myrcene raised GABA, serotonin and glutamate and increased 5-HT1A and PKA signalling, inhaled or injected. 7 36 | Animal research |
| NF-kB and MAP kinases | NF-kB, JNK, p38 | Lowered inflammatory signalling in cartilage cells and in the colon of colitis mice. 28 2 | Laboratory research |
| Liver drug-metabolising enzymes | Cytochrome P-450 2B (rat) | A high-dose rat study suggested induction of the barbiturate-inducible P-450 2B enzymes after 14 days; other rat work found no significant effect on liver drug-metabolising enzymes after 4 days. 11 20 3 | Animal research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- No human blood-level data were found. In a human intestinal cell model (Caco-2), beta-myrcene showed a flat absorption profile; the paper reports high permeability for hydroxylated hop compounds in general.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- In rats, myrcene is converted by liver enzymes to 10-hydroxylinalool and other metabolites that appear in urine; phenobarbital-treated liver microsomes convert it faster.
- Elimination
- Rat urine metabolites were identified; no half-life data were read.
- Bioavailability
- Not established in people.
6 very low certainty1 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 7 benefits and uses checked for Myrcene, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Sedation and the "couch-lock" ideaVery low certainty
- The "eat a mango before cannabis" claimNot enough evidence
- Sleep and insomniaVery low certainty
- Anxiety and calmVery low certainty
- Muscle relaxation and reduced movementVery low certainty
- PainVery low certainty
- Inflammation (joints, gut)Very low certainty
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Driving simulator performanceShare of the night in slow-wave plus REM sleepBarbiturate sleeping time (animals)Sleep onset and duration in insomnia miceMechanical pain threshold (von Frey)Nitric oxide made by cartilage cellsColon length and disease activity in colitis micePain and swab-test score (0 to 10)Knee pain (NRS) and function scores (KOOS, OKS)
What is Myrcene good for?
The uses people ask about and how strong the evidence is for each. For myrcene, almost all of it is from animals or cells, and the human studies are small or test mixtures.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Sedation and the "couch-lock" idea
Very low certaintyMany people say myrcene makes cannabis sleepy and heavy. In people, only one tiny pilot study has tested pure myrcene, and it found worse simulated driving, not proof of "couch-lock". The animal studies show sedation mostly at high doses.
6 studiesPure myrcene in a capsule in the pilot. Not a cannabis product, not a…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One double-blind pilot crossover study gave 10 people 15 mg of pure beta-myrcene in a capsule or a canola oil capsule and tested them on a driving simulator. Myrcene was linked to worse speed control and more errors on a divided-attention task; other measures were not significant but pointed the same way. The abstract describes no sleepiness measure, and no study read tested whether myrcene makes cannabis more sedating. A 2025 analysis of 140 German medicinal cannabis flowers found terpene profiles did not line up with indica, sativa or hybrid labels or with the estimated effect.
Results
Pilot (n = 10): statistically significant reductions in speed control and more divided-attention errors after myrcene than after placebo. The abstract gives no numbers.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in the abstract.
Why this rating
One 10-person pilot, one dose, simulated driving rather than sleepiness, numbers not shown. The popular "myrcene makes cannabis sedating" claim has not been tested in people.
Form and dose studied
Pure myrcene in a capsule in the pilot. Not a cannabis product, not a food.
Who was studied
10 volunteers (details not in the abstract).
Limits
Tiny sample; no sleepiness measure described; the authors themselves call it proof-of-principle. It says nothing about myrcene inside cannabis, where THC and other compounds are also present.
Why researchers looked
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis and in hops, and hops and lemongrass tea have long been used as calming remedies. Cannabis sellers often say that more myrcene means a more sedating strain.
Traditional use
Hop preparations have long been used as a sedative remedy, and lemongrass tea as a "sedative" in folk medicine in the papers read. These are history, not proof for myrcene.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
In mice, myrcene lowered movement and relaxed muscles at high injected doses, and in insomnia mice it changed GABA and serotonin signalling. None of this has been shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not drive or use machinery if you feel impaired. See the Safety tab.
The "eat a mango before cannabis" claim
Not enough evidenceA popular idea says eating a mango before cannabis makes the high stronger or come on faster because mango contains myrcene. No study we read tested this.
1 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study read tested mango, or any food, taken before cannabis. The mango study analysed fruit aroma only: across 25 cultivars there were 127 volatiles, terpene hydrocarbons were the main group, and the dominant ones were terpinolene, 3-carene, caryophyllene or alpha-pinene depending on the cultivar. In one cultivar (Xiaofei, Philippines) beta-myrcene was 58.93% of the total aroma volatiles. That is a share of the aroma, not an amount a person would swallow.
Results
No outcome data on effects. Only fruit aroma chemistry.
Why this rating
No study of the claim; the only evidence is that some mangoes contain myrcene in their aroma.
Limits
Mango aroma varies a lot by cultivar and ripeness; the sources read give no amounts of myrcene in a serving.
Why researchers looked
Mango aroma contains terpenes, and one lab study of 25 mango cultivars found myrcene was a major aroma compound in some of them.
Traditional use
This is a modern word-of-mouth idea, not a documented traditional use.
Proposed mechanism No evidence
The idea is that myrcene from the fruit adds to myrcene in cannabis. No source we read shows that mango raises blood or brain levels of myrcene or changes the effects of cannabis.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Eating mango is an ordinary food. The claim itself is untested.
Sleep and insomnia
Very low certaintyIn mice, myrcene shortened the time to fall asleep and lengthened sleep. In people, one trial of a mixture (CBD plus eight terpenes, myrcene among them) gave a small gain on a wearable sleep tracker. Myrcene alone has not been tested for sleep in people.
5 studiesHuman trial: oral CBD plus terpene product. Mouse work: injected or i…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A double-blind crossover trial in 125 adults with insomnia gave an oral product with CBD (300 mg) plus eight terpenes at 1 mg each, including myrcene, at least 4 days a week for 4 weeks. Compared with placebo, time in slow-wave plus REM sleep rose by 1.3 percentage points (standard error 0.60, 95% CI 0.1 to 2.5, P = .03), as measured by a wrist-worn tracker. Total sleep time did not change. No adverse events were reported. Myrcene cannot be credited with this: it was one of nine ingredients. Mouse studies: a 2024 injection study and a 2026 inhalation study in insomnia mice (PCPA model) both found shorter time to fall asleep and longer sleep.
Results
Human mixture trial: +1.3% (SE 0.60%) slow-wave plus REM sleep versus placebo. Mouse studies: shorter sleep latency, longer sleep duration.
Effect sizes as reported
Small (1.3 percentage points) in the human trial.
Why this rating
For myrcene itself, mouse work only. The human trial tested a mixture, used a wearable device, and the gain was marginal.
Form and dose studied
Human trial: oral CBD plus terpene product. Mouse work: injected or inhaled myrcene.
Who was studied
125 adults with insomnia (mixture trial); mice with a drug-induced low-serotonin insomnia model.
Limits
Mixture cannot be split; wearable device; mouse model made by a drug; the 2026 inhalation paper says "associated with".
Why researchers looked
Lavender oil, hops and cannabis are used for sleep, and myrcene is one of their terpenes.
Traditional use
Hops are an old sleep remedy, according to a 2014 absorption paper.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
In sleepless mice, myrcene raised GABA, serotonin and glutamate and changed serotonin-pathway genes, including 5-HT1A and PKA. Inhaled myrcene also changed gut bacteria. These are mouse results.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Sedatives, alcohol and other sleep medicines can add up. See the Safety tab.
Anxiety and calm
Very low certaintyResults in animals point in different directions. Some mouse and fish studies found less anxiety-like behaviour; an older mouse study found none and a slight rise at high doses. No human study of myrcene for anxiety was found.
4 studiesVapour, injection or water exposure in animals.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Mixed. Anxiety-like behaviour fell in the vapour mouse study and the acute zebrafish study; it did not in the injection mouse study; effect vanished with repeated exposure in zebrafish.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in the abstracts except the 22% and 48% open-arm entry falls.
Why this rating
Only animals, with conflicting results, different methods and no human data.
Form and dose studied
Vapour, injection or water exposure in animals.
Who was studied
Mice and zebrafish.
Limits
Anxiety tests in animals do not map directly to human anxiety.
Why researchers looked
Reviews list "anxiolytic" among myrcene's reported properties, and cannabis users often talk about terpenes and mood.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Not settled. Mouse studies point to serotonin and GABA signalling in sleep models; for anxiety the mechanism was not tested in the abstracts read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab.
Muscle relaxation and reduced movement
Very low certaintyIn mice, high injected doses of myrcene lowered movement and relaxed muscles on a balance test. This has not been tested in people.
2 studiesInjected into the abdomen in mice.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study read. In mice injected with 100 and 200 mg/kg, myrcene lowered crossings, rearing and grooming in the open field and caused muscle relaxation on the rota-rod. In a different mouse study (1 to 200 mg/kg), myrcene did not change movement or body temperature in pain-model mice.
Results
Reduced activity and rota-rod performance in one mouse study at 100 and 200 mg/kg; no change in locomotion in another mouse study.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given.
Why this rating
Animals only, two studies that disagree on movement, high injected doses.
Form and dose studied
Injected into the abdomen in mice.
Who was studied
Mice.
Limits
Doses far above any plausible exposure from food; not eaten or inhaled.
Why researchers looked
Myrcene is often called a muscle relaxant in cannabis marketing.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Not shown in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab.
Pain
Very low certaintyIn rodents, myrcene raised pain thresholds, and a lemongrass-tea study traced pain relief to myrcene. In people, two small trials tested products that contained myrcene together with other ingredients, so the effect of myrcene itself is unknown.
7 studiesInjected myrcene in animals; a skin gel and an oral supplement in peo…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two small human trials used products with myrcene plus other ingredients. A 2025 trial in 40 women with vestibulodynia compared a 5% CBD gel with myrcene to placebo gel for 60 days: both groups improved, and the active group improved more on pain and swab-test scores and dyspareunia. A 2023 study in 38 people with knee osteoarthritis compared a hemp seed oil supplement with and without beta-caryophyllene, myrcene and ginger for 45 days: pain (NRS), KOOS and OKS improved more with the terpenes and ginger. Neither trial can credit myrcene.
Results
Mice: dose-dependent rise in mechanical pain thresholds at 1 to 200 mg/kg injected, more potent in females; some female pain mice showed place aversion. Rats: lemongrass tea and myrcene reduced paw pain sensitivity, with no tolerance on repeated injection. Humans (mixtures): greater improvement than placebo or base supplement; numbers not given in the abstracts.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in the human abstracts.
Why this rating
Animal and cell work for myrcene itself; the two human trials are small, test mixtures, and the abstracts give no numbers.
Form and dose studied
Injected myrcene in animals; a skin gel and an oral supplement in people. No single-ingredient human trial.
Who was studied
Mice and rats; 40 women with vestibulodynia; 38 people with knee osteoarthritis.
Limits
Mixtures; small groups; injection in animals; one human skin gel is not comparable to inhaled or eaten myrcene.
Why researchers looked
Cannabis is widely used for pain, and myrcene is one of its most common terpenes. Lemongrass tea, which is rich in myrcene, is a folk remedy.
Traditional use
Lemongrass tea has been used in folk medicine as a "sedative" (Lorenzetti 1991 paper).
Proposed mechanism Animal and laboratory
In cells, myrcene acts on the TRPV1 pain channel and may compete with CBD there. In mice, a CB1 blocker reduced myrcene's pain effect, yet myrcene did not directly switch on CB1 in cell tests.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Place aversion in female pain mice is a possible sign of an unpleasant effect. See the Safety tab.
Inflammation (joints, gut)
Very low certaintyIn human cartilage cells and in rodents, myrcene lowered inflammation signals. No human trial of myrcene alone for inflammation was found.
4 studiesCell culture; injection in rats; dosing route in the colitis abstract…
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Cells, rats and mice: less inflammation signalling; no change in joint damage in rats.
Effect sizes as reported
Only the IC50 of 37.3 ug/ml for nitric oxide in cartilage cells is given in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Cells and rodents only; no human trial of myrcene alone; one rat study found no effect on joint damage.
Form and dose studied
Cell culture; injection in rats; dosing route in the colitis abstract not given.
Who was studied
Human cartilage cells; rats; mice.
Limits
Concentrations used in dishes may not be reached in the body.
Why researchers looked
Reviews list anti-inflammatory activity among myrcene's reported properties.
Proposed mechanism Animal and laboratory
In cartilage cells and colon models myrcene reduced NF-kB and MAP-kinase signalling. In rat arthritis the effect worked through a cannabinoid-receptor route.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab.
Connections to the rest of health
How Myrcene connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Very low certainty | Sleep and insomnia: In mice, myrcene shortened the time to fall asleep and lengthened sleep. In people, one trial of a mixture (CBD plus eight terpenes, myrcene among them) gave a small gain on a wearable sleep tracker. Myrcene alone has not been tested for sleep in people. | 35 7 36 11 37 | |
| Stress | Very low certainty | Anxiety and calm: Results in animals point in different directions. Some mouse and fish studies found less anxiety-like behaviour; an older mouse study found none and a slight rise at high doses. No human study of myrcene for anxiety was found. | 34 33 37 32 | |
| Pain | Very low certainty | Pain: In rodents, myrcene raised pain thresholds, and a lemongrass-tea study traced pain relief to myrcene. In people, two small trials tested products that contained myrcene together with other ingredients, so the effect of myrcene itself is unknown. | 1 19 15 24 9 21 32 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nervous System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Sedation and the "couch-lock" idea Studied for: The "eat a mango before cannabis" claim | 17 14 37 13 19 32 18 35 7 36 11 34 33 1 15 24 9 21 |
| Musculoskeletal | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Muscle relaxation and reduced movement Studied for: Inflammation (joints, gut) | 37 1 28 21 2 32 |
| Immune | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Inflammation (joints, gut) | 28 21 2 32 |
| Digestive | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Inflammation (joints, gut) | 28 21 2 32 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Kidney tubule tumours in male rats; no human data. Preparation or compound: Beta-myrcene by gavage, rats |
25 6 |
| Liver | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Liver tumours in male mice; no human data. Preparation or compound: Beta-myrcene by gavage, mice |
25 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving simulator performance | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 17 |
| Share of the night in slow-wave plus REM sleep | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 35 |
| Barbiturate sleeping time (animals) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 11 37 |
| Sleep onset and duration in insomnia mice | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: shortened onset, longer sleep. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 36 |
| Mechanical pain threshold (von Frey) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 21 |
| Nitric oxide made by cartilage cells | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 28 |
| Colon length and disease activity in colitis mice | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
| Pain and swab-test score (0 to 10) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 24 |
| Knee pain (NRS) and function scores (KOOS, OKS) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 9 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| beta-Myrcene | Biological association | Animal | Studied for effects on sedation, pain and inflammation in animals and cells; one pilot in people on driving skills. Preparation or compound: Cannabis flower resin, hops, lemongrass oil, some mango and thyme types |
32 17 5 40 18 31 27 8 25 |
| Linalool (breakdown product in rats) | Biological association | Animal | 10-hydroxylinalool and 10-carboxylinalool were among the urinary metabolites of myrcene in rats. | 20 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 6 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Myrcene. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and read abstracts of about 40 sources, read the FDA final rule (via a fetch tool), checked the compound in PubChem, and looked for IARC and NTP pages (the IARC page lists myrcene but not its group; the NTP page could not be opened, so its PubMed abstract was used). Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. EFSA and California Proposition 65 documents were not read. The lab numbers are from public regulator datasets and published papers, not our own testing.
Study library: every study we checked 40
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alayoubi 2025 Elucidating interplay between myrcene and cannabinoid receptor 1 receptors to produce antinociception in mouse models of neuropathic pain. Pain · PMID 40839768 |
Animal research mouse |
Male and female mice with neuropathic pain; HEK293T cells | Myrcene injected into the abdomen; cell tests Isolated compound 1 to 200 mg/kg Single doses; cell assays · vs Vehicle; CB1 blocker |
Myrcene raised pain thresholds in a dose-dependent way, with greater potency in female than male pain mice. Movement and temperature did not change, but female pain mice showed place aversion. A CB1 blocker reduced the pain effect. In cells, myrcene did not directly activate CB1 or change CB1 responses to CP 55,940, anandamide or 2-AG. Higher pain threshold in mice; CB1 involved indirectly, not directly activated Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mechanical pain thresholds, movement, body temperature, place preference, CB1 receptor signalling in cells Limitations: Mice and cells; injected; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Almarzooqi 2022 beta-Myrcene Mitigates Colon Inflammation by Inhibiting MAP Kinase and NF-kB Signaling Pathways. Molecules · PMID 36557879 |
Animal research mouse |
Mice with DSS colitis; HT-29 colon cancer cells | Beta-myrcene Isolated compound · vs DSS-only mice; untreated cells |
Myrcene restored colon length, lowered disease activity and MPO, and reduced pro-inflammatory signals via MAPK and NF-kB. It also reduced chemokine mRNA in TNF-alpha-treated HT-29 cells. Less colon inflammation in a mouse colitis model Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Colon length, disease activity index, MPO activity, inflammatory signals Limitations: Mouse chemical colitis model; no human data; numbers not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Austin 1988 The effect of terpenoid compounds on cytochrome P-450 levels in rat liver. Biochemical Pharmacology · PMID 3377821 |
Animal research rat |
Rats | Camphor, menthol, pinene, limonene and myrcene Isolated compounds |
None of the terpenoids significantly changed total P-450 or cytochrome b5. The six-fold induction of PB P-450 was reported for camphor and, to a lesser extent, menthol and pinene; the abstract does not report such induction for myrcene. No clear liver enzyme induction reported for myrcene in this study Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cytochrome P-450 levels and PB P-450 induction Limitations: Rats; 1988; the abstract does not give myrcene-specific numbers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Bastaki 2018 Absence of renal adverse effects from beta-myrcene dietary administration in OECD guideline-compliant subchronic toxicity study. Food and Chemical Toxicology · PMID 30017998 |
Animal research rat |
Sprague Dawley rats, 10 per sex per group | Beta-myrcene mixed in the diet Isolated compound 700, 2100 or 4200 ppm in feed (about 20 to 136 mg/kg a day) 90 days · vs Normal feed |
No effects attributable to myrcene on any measure. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was the highest dose tested: 115 mg/kg a day in males and 136 mg/kg a day in females. The study was done at the request of the European Food Safety Authority. No harm seen in a 90-day dietary rat study Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical signs, blood tests, organ weights, tissue examination Limitations: Rats; 90 days only; the abstract does not state who paid for or ran the study (authors may include flavour-industry staff: check full text). Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract; possible industry link, not confirmed. Read: abstract |
| Booth 2017 Terpene synthases from Cannabis sativa. PLoS One · PMID 28355238 |
Lab analysis n/a |
Cannabis hemp variety Finola | Gene and enzyme work |
Nine terpene synthases were found. Their products include most of the terpenes in Finola resin, including beta-myrcene, (E)-beta-ocimene, (-)-limonene, (+)-alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene. Terpene genes are highly expressed in trichomes. How the plant makes myrcene Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Terpene synthase genes and products Limitations: One hemp variety; laboratory biochemistry. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Cesta 2013 Complex histopathologic response in rat kidney to oral beta-myrcene: an unusual dose-related nephrosis and low-dose alpha2u-globulin nephropathy. Toxicologic Pathology · PMID 23531794 |
Animal research rat |
Male F344 rats | Beta-myrcene by gavage Isolated compound Up to 1,000 mg/kg (animal study) 90 days and 2 years · vs Vehicle |
Complex kidney findings: alpha2u-globulin nephropathy at lower doses and an unusual nephrosis at high doses. Kidney tumours reached up to 30% in the 250 and 500 mg/kg male groups. The alpha2u-globulin mechanism cannot be the only explanation. Kidney tumours in male rats from a mix of mechanisms Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Kidney microscopic findings and tumours Limitations: Rats; high doses; the abstract does not say what it means for people. Funding and conflicts: Research support from NIH (as listed by PubMed). Read: abstract |
| Chen 2024 Beta-Myrcene as a Sedative-Hypnotic Component from Lavender Essential Oil in DL-4-Chlorophenylalanine-Induced-Insomnia Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) · PMID 39338324 |
Animal research mouse |
Mice made sleepless with a drug (PCPA) that lowers serotonin | Beta-myrcene (computer screening of lavender oil parts, then tested in mice) Isolated compound One day or seven days · vs Untreated insomnia mice |
Myrcene increased the quiet state, shortened time to fall asleep and prolonged sleep under amobarbital in the insomnia mice. It protected hypothalamic cells and raised GABA, serotonin and glutamate levels, with changes in serotonin-pathway genes and proteins. Sedative-hypnotic activity in a mouse insomnia model Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Quiet state, sleep latency and duration with amobarbital, brain and blood neurotransmitters Limitations: Mouse model made by a drug; mechanism partly predicted by network pharmacology; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Dei Cas 2021 Characterization of chemotype-dependent terpenoids profile in cannabis by headspace gas-chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis · PMID 34111731 |
Lab analysis n/a |
33 20 THC-dominant and 13 CBD-dominant cannabis inflorescences |
HS-GC/MS-TOF terpene analysis Dried flower |
Beta-myrcene made up 20.0% of total terpenes in THC-dominant and 18.2% in CBD-dominant samples; limit of detection 5 ppm. The method could spot added artificial flavour such as hexyl butyrate ester. Myrcene is a major terpene in both chemotypes (about 18 to 20% of terpene content) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Terpene profile by chemotype Limitations: 33 samples; shares of total terpene, not amounts. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Fari 2023 Hemp Seed Oil in Association with beta-Caryophyllene, Myrcene and Ginger Extract as a Nutraceutical Integration in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Prospective Case-Control Study. Medicina (Kaunas) · PMID 36837393 |
Controlled trial |
38 38 patients with knee osteoarthritis, split in two groups |
Dietary supplement with hemp seed oil plus beta-caryophyllene, myrcene and ginger extract versus hemp seed oil supplement alone Mixture (supplement) 45 days · vs Hemp seed oil supplement without the terpenes |
All measures improved in both groups. Pain (NRS), KOOS and OKS improved significantly more in the group that also took the terpenes and ginger. Larger improvement in the terpene-and-ginger group Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pain (numeric rating scale) and joint function scores (ODI, SF-12, KOOS, OKS) Limitations: Myrcene cannot be separated from caryophyllene and ginger; 38 people; 45 days; the abstract does not describe randomisation or funding. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Felter 2020 How the 62-year old Delaney Clause continues to thwart science: Case study of the flavor substance beta-myrcene. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology · PMID 32522581 |
Review n/a |
Regulatory case study | Beta-myrcene as a food flavour |
Reports that FDA removed myrcene as an approved synthetic flavour in 2018 under the Delaney Clause despite no safety concern; that naturally occurring dietary myrcene is estimated at about 16,500 times the amount added as flavour; that NTP genotoxicity testing was negative; that the NTP doses were five to six orders of magnitude above human exposure; and that IARC classed it as 2B and it is on California Proposition 65. Regulatory history, argued from the viewpoint that the Delaney Clause should change Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Regulatory history and exposure estimate Limitations: An opinion-style case study; the abstract does not state the authors' funders or affiliations (check full text for flavour-industry links). Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract; possible industry link, not confirmed. Read: abstract |
| Freitas 1993 Effect of beta-myrcene on pentobarbital sleeping time. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research · PMID 8257941 |
Animal research rat |
Male rats | Beta-myrcene by mouth, then pentobarbital by injection Isolated compound 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg by mouth (animal study) Single dose, or once a day for 14 days · vs Vehicle |
One dose of 1.0 g/kg given 1 hour before the barbiturate lengthened sleep (131 +/- 15 min versus 64 +/- 15 min in controls); lower doses had no effect. After 14 days of 1.0 g/kg a day, sleeping time was shorter (21 +/- 13 versus 35 +/- 19 min). The authors read this as interference with barbiturate metabolism and induction of liver enzymes (P-450 2B) in rats. Single high dose lengthened barbiturate sleep; repeated dosing shortened it Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pentobarbital sleeping time Limitations: Rats; very high doses; shows an effect on how the body handles a drug, not a benefit; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Giovannoni 2023 Determination of variability of terpenes and terpenoids in Cannabis sativa by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A · PMID 36463647 |
Lab analysis n/a |
Two cannabis strains (CAT 1 and CAT 3), ten plants each | SPME gas chromatography of flowers Dried flower |
High amounts of beta-myrcene and eight other terpenes were found in both strains. Ten plants of each strain grown together and harvested at the same time varied by about 20% in terpenes above 20 ug/g. About 20% variation between plants of one strain grown together Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Terpene amounts and variability Limitations: Two strains only. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Heinlein 2014 Transport of hop aroma compounds across Caco-2 monolayers. Food & Function · PMID 24977259 |
Laboratory research cell |
Human intestinal Caco-2 cell layers | Hop aroma compounds including beta-myrcene Isolated compounds Cell-culture concentrations Cell transport experiments |
Overall permeability values (2.6e-6 to 1.8e-4 cm/s) indicated high absorption potential for the tested compounds with hydroxyl groups. Beta-myrcene and the sesquiterpenes showed flat absorption profiles. The paper notes hop preparations have long been used as a sedative remedy but the active principle is not clear. Intestinal-cell model of absorption, not a human blood measurement Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Apparent permeability across the cell layer Limitations: Cell model; the high-permeability conclusion is stated for hydroxylated compounds, with myrcene described only as a flat profile; no human blood levels. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Herwig 2025 Classification of Cannabis Strains Based on their Chemical Fingerprint-A Broad Analysis of Chemovars in the German Market. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · PMID 39137353 |
Lab analysis n/a |
140 140 medicinal cannabis flowers sold in Germany |
Laboratory analysis (GC-MS) of terpene profiles Dried flower |
No statistical correlation between terpene profiles and the genetic (sativa, indica, hybrid) labels. Profiles within each label were very mixed, and the authors say there was no relation between terpenes and the estimated pharmacological effect. No link between terpene profile and indica/sativa label Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Whether terpene profiles line up with sativa, indica or hybrid labels and with the estimated pharmacological effect Limitations: Laboratory chemistry only; no people were tested; the authors still propose a terpene-based classification and speak of the entourage effect, which this study did not test. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Jansen 2019 Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1. Channels (Austin) · PMID 31446830 |
Laboratory research cell |
Cells expressing the TRPV1 channel | Myrcene and other cannabis terpenes, with cannabinoids Isolated compound Cell-culture concentrations Cell experiments · vs Capsazepine blocker; other terpenes |
Myrcene dominated the TRPV1-driven calcium responses to terpene mixtures. The effect was blocked by capsazepine, and myrcene produced TRPV1 currents that differed from capsaicin. Myrcene sitting on the channel reduced later responses to CBD, which suggests allosteric competition. Docking suggests a binding site overlapping CBD. Myrcene acts on the TRPV1 pain channel in cells Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Calcium flow and electrical currents through TRPV1 Limitations: Cell and computer work only; shows a target, not an effect in people. Funding and conflicts: Research support from NIH and non-US government sources (as listed by PubMed). Read: abstract |
| Jin 2021 Identification of Chemotypic Markers in Three Chemotype Categories of Cannabis Using Secondary Metabolites Profiled in Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Bark, and Roots. Frontiers in Plant Science · PMID 34276749 |
Lab analysis n/a |
21 21 cannabis varieties (THC-dominant, intermediate, CBD-dominant) |
Chemical profiling Plant parts |
CBD-dominant varieties had higher amounts of beta-myrcene (and alpha-pinene and others) than THC-dominant ones; intermediate varieties resembled CBD-dominant ones in beta-myrcene. More myrcene in CBD-dominant varieties in this set Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Chemical markers of chemotypes Limitations: 21 varieties; another study (Dei Cas 2021) found myrcene as a main terpene in both chemotypes. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Johnson 2023 The Effects of beta-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study. Cannabis · PMID 37287732 |
Controlled trial |
10 10 participants (further details not given in the abstract) |
Pure beta-myrcene in a capsule versus canola oil capsule Isolated compound 15 mg, one capsule per session Two sessions; driving simulator blocks (baseline plus three follow-up blocks) · vs Canola oil capsule |
Beta-myrcene was linked to statistically significant reductions in speed control and more errors on the divided-attention task. Other measures were not significant but fit the same direction. The authors call it proof-of-principle evidence from a pilot. Worse speed control and more divided-attention errors after myrcene than after placebo Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Performance on a driving simulator (speed control) and a divided-attention task Limitations: Only 10 people; a pilot; numbers are not given in the abstract; one dose, one capsule form; simulated driving, not real roads; no cannabinoids tested together with it. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Li 2017 Profiling of volatile fragrant components in a mini-core collection of mango germplasms from seven countries. PLoS One · PMID 29211747 |
Lab analysis n/a |
25 25 mango cultivars from seven countries |
Headspace GC-MS of mango pulp volatiles Fruit pulp |
127 volatiles were found. Terpene hydrocarbons were the major group, with terpinolene, 3-carene, caryophyllene and alpha-pinene dominant depending on cultivar. Beta-myrcene, a major terpene, accounted for 58.93% of total flavour volatiles in the cultivar Xiaofei (Philippines). Myrcene is a major aroma volatile in some mango cultivars Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Aroma volatile composition Limitations: Shows share of the aroma volatiles in a few cultivars, not how much myrcene a person would take in; not a test of any effect. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Lorenzetti 1991 Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea. Journal of Ethnopharmacology · PMID 1753786 |
Animal research rat |
Rats and mice | Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaf infusion and essential oil; then commercial myrcene Leaf infusion, oil fraction and isolated myrcene Single or repeated injections · vs Morphine comparison; vehicle |
Lemongrass tea given by mouth reduced pain sensitivity in rats; the oil fraction work identified myrcene as the major analgesic component. A commercial myrcene sample had a peripheral pain-relieving effect and, unlike morphine, no tolerance on repeated injection in rats. Peripheral pain relief in rats and mice, no tolerance on repeat injection Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pain sensitivity after paw injections of carrageenin or prostaglandin E2; stretching in mice Limitations: Animals; 1991 paper; no human data; folk "sedative" use is mentioned but not tested in this paper. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Madyastha 1987 Metabolism of beta-myrcene in vivo and in vitro: its effects on rat-liver microsomal enzymes. Xenobiotica · PMID 3604259 |
Animal research rat |
Rats and rat liver microsomes | Beta-myrcene by mouth Isolated compound Single dosing; four days of dosing |
Five urinary metabolites were identified, including 10-hydroxylinalool. Phenobarbital-treated liver microsomes converted myrcene faster. Four days of myrcene did not significantly change hepatic drug-metabolising enzymes. Rat metabolism mapped; no significant enzyme change after four days Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Urinary metabolites; liver enzyme activity Limitations: Rats and microsomes; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| McDougall 2022 Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of the Cannabis Terpene Myrcene in Rat Adjuvant Monoarthritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences · PMID 35887239 |
Animal research rat |
Male Wistar rats with arthritis induced in the knee | Myrcene injected under the skin near the joint; with and without CBD Isolated compound 1 and 5 mg/kg under the skin Days 7 and 21 after arthritis; repeated treatment tested · vs CBD, vehicle |
Myrcene reduced joint pain and inflammation through a cannabinoid-receptor mechanism. Myrcene with CBD was not significantly different from myrcene alone. Repeated treatment did not change joint damage or inflammatory cytokines. Less joint pain and inflammation in rats; no added benefit from CBD Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Joint pain (von Frey), joint blood flow and inflammation, joint damage Limitations: Rats; injected; no effect on joint damage; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Meehan-Atrash 2019 Aerosol Gas-Phase Components from Cannabis E-Cigarettes and Dabbing: Mechanistic Insight and Quantitative Risk Analysis. ACS Omega · PMID 31592479 |
Lab analysis n/a |
Laboratory vaporiser and dabbing tests | THC alone and THC with added terpenes, heated Concentrates / vape · vs THC alone |
Users may be exposed to degradants such as methacrolein, benzene and methyl vinyl ketone. THC with added terpenes gave higher levels of gas-phase products than THC alone. Levels were lower than in smoking. More breakdown products with added terpenes Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Gas-phase breakdown products Limitations: Terpenes tested as a group, not myrcene alone; laboratory device, not people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Mog 2019 Safety Assessment of Food Additives: Case Example With Myrcene, a Synthetic Flavoring Agent. Toxicologic Pathology · PMID 31645206 |
Review n/a |
Safety-assessment case example | Myrcene as a synthetic flavouring agent |
Says that in the prior year FDA took action to no longer allow myrcene as a synthetic flavouring agent, based on results of the National Toxicology Program carcinogenicity studies, and discusses the cancer and non-cancer end points from the rat studies. Confirms the 2018 FDA action Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: How FDA assessed myrcene Limitations: Short abstract; details are in the full text. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Murina 2025 Efficacy and Safety of Topical 5% Cannabidiol Plus Myrcene for the Treatment of Vestibulodynia: A Multi-Centric Randomized Controlled Trial. Biomedicines · PMID 41153723 |
Controlled trial |
40 40 women with vestibulodynia (vulvar vestibule pain); 20 active, 20 placebo |
Topical gel: 5% cannabidiol with myrcene versus placebo gel Isolated compounds in a gel Amount of myrcene not stated in the abstract 60 days · vs Placebo gel |
All symptoms improved in both groups. The active group had a greater fall in pain and swab-test scores; dyspareunia improved significantly more in the active group. Exact numbers are not in the abstract. Greater improvement than placebo with a CBD plus myrcene gel Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pain, dyspareunia and cotton-swab test scores on a 0 to 10 scale Limitations: Myrcene cannot be separated from CBD; small trial; numbers not given in the abstract; skin gel, not an oral or inhaled product. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| National Toxicology Program 2010 NTP technical report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of beta-myrcene (CAS No. 123-35-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (Gavage studies). NTP Technical Report Series · PMID 21415873 |
Animal research rat and mouse |
Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (50 per group in the 2-year studies) | Beta-myrcene (more than 90% pure) in corn oil by gavage Isolated compound 0.25, 0.5 or 1 g/kg for 2 years; 0.25 to 4 g/kg for 3 months 3 months and 2 years · vs Corn-oil vehicle |
Clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male rats (kidney tubule tumours) and in male mice (liver tumours); equivocal evidence in female rats and female mice. At 4 g/kg all rats and mice died in the first weeks of the 3-month studies. Kidney damage in rats and liver changes in mice occurred. Beta-myrcene was not mutagenic in the Ames tests and did not raise micronuclei in mouse blood cells. Animal cancer findings at very high daily gavage doses; not genotoxic in NTP tests Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Survival, body weight, organ lesions, tumours, genetic toxicity tests Limitations: Doses are many times higher than food or cannabis exposure; the abstract does not say how the findings apply to people. Funding and conflicts: Government (NIH/NIEHS) program; no industry link. Read: abstract |
| Orlando 2019 Genotoxic effects induced by beta-myrcene following metabolism by liver HepG2/C3A human cells. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health A · PMID 30806179 |
Laboratory research cell |
Human white blood cells and human liver HepG2/C3A cells | Beta-myrcene Isolated compound 2.5 to 1000 ug/ml in cell culture 24 hours · vs Untreated cells |
Significant DNA damage and chromosome abnormalities appeared in liver cells that can metabolise the compound at 100 and 1000 ug/ml. Leukocytes were affected only at high concentrations in the cytotoxicity step (250 ug/ml and above). The authors advise caution. DNA damage in liver cells at high concentrations Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Comet assay (DNA damage) and micronucleus assay (chromosome changes) Limitations: Cell test; concentrations high; contradicts the NTP negative genotoxicity tests, so the overall picture is mixed. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Paaver 2008 Phytochemical analysis of the essential oil of Thymus serpyllum L. growing wild in Estonia. Natural Product Research · PMID 18075894 |
Lab analysis n/a |
40 Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) from Estonia and other countries |
Gas chromatography of essential oil Herb |
94 components were identified. Thymol and carvacrol were not the main components in Estonian wild thyme; (E)-nerolidol, caryophyllene oxide, myrcene and borneol chemotypes could be distinguished. A myrcene chemotype of wild thyme exists Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Essential oil composition Limitations: Wild thyme, not culinary thyme; variable samples. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Rufino 2015 Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects of E-caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene in a cell model of osteoarthritis. European Journal of Pharmacology · PMID 25622554 |
Laboratory research cell |
Human chondrocytes (cartilage cells) stimulated with IL-1 beta | Myrcene (also limonene and E-caryophyllene) Isolated compound Cell-culture concentrations Cell experiments · vs Untreated cells |
Myrcene blocked IL-1 beta-induced nitric oxide (IC50 37.3 ug/ml) and reduced NF-kB, JNK and p38 activation and the genes iNOS, MMP-1 and MMP-13, while raising TIMP-1 and TIMP-3. It did not raise cartilage matrix genes (collagen II, aggrecan). Anti-inflammatory effects in human cartilage cells in a dish Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nitric oxide, NF-kB/JNK/p38 signalling, inflammatory and cartilage-breakdown genes Limitations: Cell model only; concentrations may not be reached in the body. Funding and conflicts: Research support listed by PubMed as non-US government. Read: abstract |
| Russo 2011 Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology · PMID 21749363 |
Review n/a |
Review of cannabis terpenoids | Cannabis terpenoids including myrcene |
Says terpenoids are flavour and fragrance components of human diets designated Generally Recognized as Safe by the US FDA and other regulators, and that synergy "if proven" could open new products. This is a hypothesis paper. Hypothesis, not proof Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Potential synergy between cannabinoids and terpenoids Limitations: A 2011 review; the abstract describes the idea as "if proven"; the FDA delisting of myrcene as a synthetic flavouring (2018) came later. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Sexton 2018 Evaluation of Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Content: Cannabis Flower Compared to Supercritical CO2 Concentrate. Planta Medica · PMID 28926863 |
Lab analysis n/a |
6 Six cannabis chemovars from Washington State, flower versus SC-CO2 concentrate |
HPLC and GC-MS (42 terpenes) Flower and concentrate |
Monoterpenes were lost in the CO2 extraction, so the concentrate had a different terpene fingerprint from the flower. Extracts differ in terpenes from the flower Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Terpene and cannabinoid content Limitations: Six chemovars; one extraction method. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Stojanovic 2014 Composition of headspace volatiles and essential oils of three Thymus species. Natural Product Communications · PMID 25532293 |
Lab analysis n/a |
Three Thymus species (Serbia and Bulgaria samples) | GC-FID and GC-MS of headspace and essential oil Above-ground plant parts |
In Thymus praecox subsp. jankae the headspace volatiles were dominated by alpha-pinene, myrcene (12.1% in Serbian and 23.2% in Bulgarian samples), limonene and beta-pinene. Other thyme species were dominated by thymol, p-cymene or linalyl acetate. Myrcene is a main volatile in one thyme subspecies Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Volatile composition Limitations: Thyme chemistry varies a lot by species; this is not a typical culinary thyme. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Surendran 2021 Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition · PMID 34350208 |
Review n/a |
Review of beta-myrcene | Beta-myrcene Isolated compound |
Describes myrcene as an abundant monoterpene in many plants including hops and cannabis, used as a flavouring and aroma agent. Reported properties (anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic) show promise in many animal studies, but studies in humans are lacking. Promising in animals; human studies lacking Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Occurrence, biological and toxicological profile of beta-myrcene Limitations: Narrative review; the abstract does not describe how studies were chosen. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Szaszkiewicz 2021 Robust behavioural effects in response to acute, but not repeated, terpene administration in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Scientific Reports · PMID 34584156 |
Animal research zebrafish |
Zebrafish | Beta-myrcene (also limonene and linalool) in the water Isolated compound 0.001, 0.01, 0.1% in water; repeated 0.0083% Acute, and 7 days repeated · vs Untreated fish |
On first exposure myrcene lowered movement, lowered anxiety-like behaviour and raised boldness. After 7 days of repeated exposure there were no significant behaviour effects. Calming-type behaviour on first exposure only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Movement, anxiety-like behaviour and boldness Limitations: Zebrafish, not mammals; effect disappeared with repeat exposure. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Wagner 2024 Sex Differences in the Anxiolytic Properties of Common Cannabis Terpenes, Linalool and beta-Myrcene, in Mice. NeuroScience · PMID 39728677 |
Animal research mouse |
Male and female mice | Vapour pulls of beta-myrcene or linalool (and with CBD) Isolated compound, inhaled Short vapour pulls over 30 minutes, or a single pull Single sessions · vs Control vapour |
Both terpenes had anxiety-lowering effects in female mice given repeated vapour pulls over 30 min. In male mice only a single vapour pull of either terpene had an effect. Sub-effective linalool with CBD was synergistic in females; myrcene showed no such CBD synergy in females, and neither terpene did in males. Anxiety-like behaviour reduced in mice, with sex differences; no CBD synergy for myrcene Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Open-field movement and elevated plus-maze anxiety behaviour Limitations: Mice; effects depended on how the vapour was delivered; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Wang 2025 Effects of a cannabidiol/terpene formulation on sleep in individuals with insomnia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine · PMID 39167421 |
Controlled trial |
125 125 adults with insomnia |
Oral product with CBD plus eight terpenes (myrcene was one of the eight), no THC Mixture CBD 300 mg and 1 mg of each of eight terpenes (study product) At least 4 days a week for 4 weeks, crossover · vs Placebo |
The mixture slightly raised the share of the night spent in slow-wave plus REM sleep versus placebo: 1.3% (standard error 0.60%), 95% CI 0.1 to 2.5%, P = .03. Bigger changes were seen in people with low starting values and in day sleepers. No effect on total sleep time or heart rate measures. No adverse events were reported. Small gain (1.3 percentage points) on a wearable-device measure Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Percent of the night in slow-wave plus REM sleep, measured by a wrist-worn sleep tracker Limitations: Myrcene cannot be separated from CBD and the seven other terpenes; sleep was measured by a wearable device, not a sleep laboratory; the gain was marginal. Funding and conflicts: Research support listed by PubMed as non-US government; whether the product maker funded or took part is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Xu 2026 Inhaled beta-myrcene alleviates insomnia in mice by modulating 5-HT1A/PKA signaling and the gut microbiota. Nutritional Neuroscience · PMID 42858151 |
Animal research mouse |
Mice with PCPA-induced insomnia | Inhaled beta-myrcene (injection used as a comparison) Isolated compound · vs Untreated insomnia mice |
Inhaled myrcene shortened sleep latency and lengthened sleep duration, lowered oxidative stress and shifted GABA, serotonin and glutamate levels, with changes in 5-HT1A and PKA signalling and gut bacteria. Sedative-hypnotic effect after inhalation in mice Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep latency and duration (amobarbital test), movement, neurotransmitters, gene and protein levels, gut bacteria Limitations: Mouse model; the abstract says "associated with", so cause is not shown; no human data; published Oct 2026, so not yet widely checked by others. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| do Vale 2002 Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown. Phytomedicine · PMID 12587690 |
Animal research mouse |
Mice | Myrcene (also citral and limonene tested separately) Isolated compound Injected into the abdomen at 10 to 200 mg/kg Single injections · vs Vehicle control |
At 100 and 200 mg/kg myrcene lowered movement (crossings, rearing, grooming). Muscle relaxation on the rota-rod was seen at 100 and 200 mg/kg. At 200 mg/kg myrcene raised barbiturate sleeping time about 2.6 times. In the plus-maze there was no anxiety-lowering effect; myrcene 10 mg/kg cut open-arm entries by 22% and the highest dose by 48%, a slight anxiety-raising pattern. Sedative and muscle-relaxing in mice at high injected doses; no anxiety relief Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Open-field activity, rota-rod muscle relaxation, barbiturate sleeping time, elevated plus-maze anxiety Limitations: Mice; injected into the abdomen, not eaten or inhaled; doses far above any human exposure from food; number of animals not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| n/a 2018 FDA: Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption; Synthetic Flavoring Substances (final rule, 83 FR 50490, published 9 Oct 2018) Federal Register · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Amended 21 CFR 172.515(b) to remove myrcene (with five other substances) from the list of synthetic flavouring substances permitted in food, in response to a food additive petition and under the Delaney Clause. FDA stated that myrcene is non-genotoxic and unlikely to induce tumours in humans at its current exposure level (margin of exposure 5.2 x 10^4), that the rat kidney tumours involve alpha2u-globulin nephropathy (a mechanism not operative in humans), and that the mouse liver mechanism is not well understood. FDA intended not to enforce the rule for food made before 9 Oct 2020. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Amended 21 CFR 172.515(b) to remove myrcene (with five other substances) from the list of synthetic flavouring substances permitted in food, in response to a food additive petition and under the Delaney Clause. FDA stated that myrcene is non-genotoxic and unlikely to induce tumours in humans at its current exposure level (margin of exposure 5.2 x 10^4), that the rat kidney tumours involve alpha2u-globulin nephropathy (a mechanism not operative in humans), and that the mouse liver mechanism is not well understood. FDA intended not to enforce the rule for food made before 9 Oct 2020. Limitations: Read through a fetch tool summary of the govinfo page on 2026-10-25, not a line-by-line reading of the whole document. Read: full-text |
| n/a 2019 IARC Monographs Volume 119: Some chemicals that cause tumours of the urinary tract in rodents (news item, 21 Feb 2019) IARC · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Lists beta-myrcene as one of the seven agents evaluated in Volume 119. The page does not give the classification group; the Group 2B classification is reported by a 2020 review (p32522581). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lists beta-myrcene as one of the seven agents evaluated in Volume 119. The page does not give the classification group; the Group 2B classification is reported by a 2020 review (p32522581). Limitations: The page read does not state the classification; the full monograph was not read. Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 PubChem compound record: beta-Myrcene (CID 31253), retrieved through the PubChem REST API on 2026-10-25 PubChem (NCBI) · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
n/a | n/a |
CID 31253; molecular formula C10H16; molecular weight 136.23; IUPAC name 7-methyl-3-methylideneocta-1,6-diene; CAS 123-35-3 and the synonym beta-geraniolene appear in the synonym list. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: CID 31253; molecular formula C10H16; molecular weight 136.23; IUPAC name 7-methyl-3-methylideneocta-1,6-diene; CAS 123-35-3 and the synonym beta-geraniolene appear in the synonym list. Limitations: A database record; not a study. Read: api |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: everything is very low certainty or insufficient. Most is from animals and cells.
- The only study of pure myrcene in people is a 10-person driving-simulator pilot.
- The couch-lock and mango claims have no human test.
- No human blood-level or interaction data.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults: no data.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 9
Driving simulator performance
Lowered in trials
How well a person keeps speed and handles a second task on a driving simulator.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is a safe way to test whether a substance impairs driving skills.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically significant on two measures in a pilot; size not reported.
Safety implication
Authors suggest myrcene may add to driving impairment even without THC. Not tested inside cannabis.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Statistically significant reductions in speed control and more errors on a divided-attention task after 15 mg beta-myrcene than after placebo; other measures were not significant. No numbers in the abstract. | 10 participants | Pure beta-myrcene in a capsule versus canola oil capsule, crossover |
Share of the night in slow-wave plus REM sleep
Raised in trials
The percentage of sleep time in deep (slow-wave) and dream (REM) sleep, estimated by a wrist-worn tracker.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Deep and REM sleep are the stages linked to feeling rested.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically significant but small; wearable device; mixture.
Safety implication
No adverse events were reported in the trial.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Rose by 1.3% (SE 0.60%; 95% CI 0.1 to 2.5%; P = .03) with the CBD plus eight-terpene product versus placebo. | 125 adults with insomnia | Oral CBD (300 mg) plus 1 mg each of eight terpenes (including myrcene), 4 weeks, crossover |
Barbiturate sleeping time (animals)
Raised in trials
How long an animal stays asleep after a barbiturate sedative. It is a classic test of whether another substance adds to sedation or changes drug breakdown.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It shows sedative-like effects and interactions with drug metabolism.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Large changes at very high animal doses; direction depends on single versus repeated dosing.
Safety implication
Suggests possible interaction with sedative drugs; not tested in people.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1.0 g/kg by mouth in rats raised pentobarbital sleep to 131 +/- 15 min from 64 +/- 15 min; 14 days of 1.0 g/kg a day lowered it to 21 +/- 13 min from 35 +/- 19 min. | Male rats | Beta-myrcene by mouth, then pentobarbital injection |
| 37 | At 200 mg/kg injected, myrcene raised barbiturate sleeping time about 2.6 times in mice. | Mice | Myrcene injected into the abdomen |
Sleep onset and duration in insomnia mice
Shortened onset, longer sleep in trials
How fast mice fall asleep and how long they sleep after a sleep-drug test, in mice made sleepless by a drug.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to screen possible sleep aids.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Consistent direction in two mouse studies from the same group.
Safety implication
Not applicable to people.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Myrcene shortened sleep latency, prolonged sleep and raised the rate of falling asleep under amobarbital; GABA, serotonin and glutamate levels rose. | PCPA insomnia mice | Beta-myrcene for 1 or 7 days |
| 36 | Inhaled myrcene shortened sleep latency and lengthened sleep duration. | PCPA insomnia mice | Inhaled beta-myrcene |
Mechanical pain threshold (von Frey)
Raised in trials
How hard a thin filament must press on an animal's paw before it pulls away. A higher threshold means less pain sensitivity.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Standard way to test pain relief in rodents.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Consistent in two rodent studies; not tested in people.
Safety implication
Female pain mice showed place aversion in one study.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myrcene 1 to 200 mg/kg injected raised thresholds in a dose-dependent way, more potently in females; a CB1 blocker reduced the effect. | Mice with neuropathic pain | Myrcene injected into the abdomen |
| 21 | Myrcene 1 and 5 mg/kg under the skin reduced joint pain in rats with knee arthritis. | Rats | Myrcene under the skin near the joint |
Nitric oxide made by cartilage cells
Lowered in trials
Nitric oxide is an inflammation signal released by cartilage cells after IL-1 beta exposure.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A marker of cartilage inflammation in osteoarthritis models.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Lab result in cells only.
Safety implication
None for people.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Myrcene inhibited IL-1 beta-induced nitric oxide with an IC50 of 37.3 ug/ml and lowered iNOS, MMP-1 and MMP-13 gene expression. | Human chondrocytes in culture | Myrcene added to cells |
Colon length and disease activity in colitis mice
Improved in trials
In the DSS colitis model, a shorter colon and a higher disease activity index show more inflammation.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Screening test for anti-inflammatory compounds.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
One mouse model.
Safety implication
None for people.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Myrcene restored colon length, lowered disease activity index and myeloperoxidase activity; numbers not given in the abstract. | Mice with DSS colitis; HT-29 cells | Beta-myrcene |
Pain and swab-test score (0 to 10)
Lowered in trials
Women rate pain from a cotton-swab touch to the vulvar vestibule and during intercourse on a 0 to 10 scale.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Main outcome in vestibulodynia trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically better than placebo, but myrcene cannot be separated from CBD.
Safety implication
The trial title mentions safety; the abstract gives no adverse event details.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Both groups improved; the 5% CBD plus myrcene gel group had a greater reduction in pain and swab scores and a significantly larger improvement in dyspareunia. Numbers not in the abstract. | 40 women | 5% CBD gel with myrcene versus placebo gel, 60 days |
Knee pain (NRS) and function scores (KOOS, OKS)
Improved in trials
Self-rated knee pain and function questionnaires for osteoarthritis.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Standard measures in knee osteoarthritis studies.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically greater improvement, but myrcene cannot be separated from caryophyllene and ginger.
Safety implication
Not described in the abstract.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | NRS, KOOS and OKS improved more in the group taking hemp seed oil plus beta-caryophyllene, myrcene and ginger than in the hemp-seed-oil-only group. | 38 people with knee osteoarthritis | Supplement with terpenes and ginger versus without, 45 days |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 8
- No approved medical use, and little human safety data. Myrcene is a natural aroma compound, not a medicine. The only study of pure myrcene in people that we found is a 10-person driving-simulator pilot. Most safety information comes from rodents and cells. Review 32 17
- It can impair driving skills. In a double-blind pilot of 10 people, a capsule of pure beta-myrcene was linked to worse speed control and more errors on a divided-attention task on a driving simulator. It is not known how this applies to myrcene inside cannabis. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or impaired. Controlled trial 17
- Cancer findings in rodents at very high doses. In two-year US National Toxicology Program studies, myrcene given by stomach tube caused kidney tumours in male rats and liver tumours in male mice (clear evidence); evidence in females was equivocal. The program found no genetic damage in its bacterial and mouse blood tests. The doses were 0.25 to 1 g per kg of body weight a day, five days a week. A review argues the doses were five to six orders of magnitude above human exposure from food. Animal research 25 10 6
- The FDA removed it from its flavouring list in 2018, but not over a safety concern. The US FDA removed myrcene from the list of synthetic flavouring substances allowed in food (21 CFR 172.515) in October 2018, because a law called the Delaney Clause requires this once a substance causes cancer in animals. FDA said it was not based on a safety concern: it judged myrcene non-genotoxic and unlikely to cause tumours in humans at its current exposure level. A 2020 review reports that IARC classes myrcene as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) and that it is on California Proposition 65. Authoritative guidance 38 10 23 39
- Lab findings on DNA damage are mixed. NTP tests found no mutations. A separate cell study found DNA damage and chromosome changes in human liver cells at 100 and 1000 ug/ml and advised caution. Laboratory research 25 26
- A 90-day feeding study in rats found no harm. Rats fed myrcene in their diet for 90 days showed no effects attributable to it; the no-effect level was the highest dose tested (115 mg/kg a day in males, 136 in females). Animal research 4
- Heated and inhaled myrcene is not well studied. No study read measured the safety of inhaling myrcene in people. In a laboratory vaporiser test, adding terpenes to THC raised the levels of some gas-phase breakdown products, including benzene and methacrolein. The test covered terpenes as a group. Lab analysis 22
- It may add to sedatives. In rats and mice, myrcene lengthened sleep under a barbiturate at high doses. Whether this happens in people is not known. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take sleeping pills, anxiety medicines or alcohol. Animal research 11 37
Side effects 6
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worse driving-simulator performance and divided attention One 15 mg capsule of pure myrcene. Real-road driving was not tested. | Seen as a group result in 10 people; no rate given | moderate Not described in the abstract | Controlled trial 17 |
| Sedation, lower movement, muscle relaxation (mice) Doses are far above food exposure. | At 100 and 200 mg/kg injected in mice | unknown Not described | Animal research 37 |
| Unpleasant-effect sign (place aversion, female pain mice) Place aversion in mice suggests the animals disliked the effect; the meaning for people is unknown. | Seen in female pain mice in one study | unknown Not described | Animal research 1 |
| No adverse events reported with a CBD plus eight-terpene product A mixture; the product is not pure myrcene, and the abstract is short. | 125 adults, 4 weeks | none reported n/a | Controlled trial 35 |
| Kidney damage (rats) at high daily doses Gavage studies; rats died at 4 g/kg in the first weeks. | Kidney lesions in all dosed rat groups in the 3-month NTP study | serious in animals Not described | Animal research 25 6 |
| Liver changes (mice) B6C3F1 mice, a strain with a high background rate of liver tumours per FDA. | Liver neoplasms and hypertrophy at 0.25 to 0.5 g/kg in the 2-year study | serious in animals Not described | Animal research 25 |
Liver
No human case of liver injury from myrcene was found, and LiverTox was not read. In animals, the NTP found liver tumours in male mice, increased liver weights in rats and mice, and liver cell enlargement in mice at high gavage doses. A 90-day rat diet study found no liver effects. Early rat studies suggest myrcene is broken down by liver enzymes and may affect barbiturate metabolism. 25 4 20 11
How often. No human rate was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was read.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Myrcene supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 4
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedatives: sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids, alcohol prescription | In rats and mice, a high dose of myrcene lengthened barbiturate sleep. Additive drowsiness is plausible but not shown in people. | Unknown in people. | Animal research Very low certainty 11 37 | Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use myrcene-rich products with sedating medicines. |
| Medicines broken down by liver enzymes prescription | A rat study suggested that 14 days of very high myrcene induces liver enzymes (P-450 2B) and shortens barbiturate sleep; other rat studies found no significant change in liver enzymes after 4 days or no induction for myrcene. | Unknown in people. No human drug-interaction study was found. | Animal research Not enough evidence 11 20 3 | Ask your pharmacist if you take medicines with a narrow safety margin. |
| THC and cannabis cannabinoid | The pilot driving study authors suggest myrcene may add to driving impairment even without cannabinoids. Myrcene together with THC has not been tested in the abstracts read. | Unknown. | Controlled trial Not enough evidence 17 | Treat any cannabis product as impairing. |
| CBD cannabinoid | In rat arthritis, myrcene plus CBD did no better than myrcene alone; in mouse vapour, myrcene showed no synergy with CBD in females or males. A topical CBD plus myrcene gel and an oral CBD plus terpene product have been tested only as mixtures. | No synergy was shown in the animal studies read. | Animal research Low certainty 21 34 24 35 | Not applicable. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | No human data on myrcene were found. Ask your doctor before using cannabis or terpene products. | Gap |
| Teens and children | No data on myrcene were found. A child who swallows a cannabis product needs urgent help (see urgent signs). | Gap |
| Older adults | No data on myrcene in older adults were found. The driving pilot found worse attention task performance after myrcene in 10 participants; ask your doctor. | Gap 17 |
| Kidney or liver disease | No human data on myrcene. Rodents showed kidney and liver effects at very high doses; ask your doctor. | Animal research 25 |
| Driving, machinery and safety-critical work | The pilot study found worse simulated driving after pure myrcene. Do not drive or operate machinery when drowsy or impaired. | Controlled trial 17 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Animal toxicity is documented at high daily doses by gavage (NTP). A 90-day dietary study found no harm up to 115 to 136 mg/kg a day. No human poisoning data were found.
Animal. NTP: in the 3-month studies all rats and mice at 4 g/kg died in the first weeks; deaths also at 2 g/kg in mice. In 2-year studies at 0.25 to 1 g/kg, kidney tumours in male rats, liver tumours in male mice, and kidney, nose, forestomach and bone-marrow changes. Dietary 90-day study: no effects up to about 115 to 136 mg/kg a day.
Human doses studied. 15 mg in one capsule (driving pilot); 1 mg in a CBD-terpene product (sleep trial); a topical gel (amount not stated).
High dose or long term signals. Kidney and liver findings in rodents; no human long-term data.
Overdose response. Not described in the sources read.
Genotoxicity. NTP: no mutations in Ames tests and no micronuclei in mouse blood. A human liver cell study found DNA damage and chromosome changes at 100 and 1000 ug/ml. FDA called myrcene non-genotoxic.
Terpene numbers on a cannabis label are one batch result. No study read tested whether labelled myrcene values match what is in a product.
Natural variation. Ten plants of one strain grown together varied by about 20% in terpenes above 20 ug/g; studies disagree on whether myrcene differs between THC- and CBD-dominant varieties. 12 16 8
Extracts differ from flower. When six chemovars were extracted with supercritical CO2, monoterpenes were lost and the extract had a different terpene fingerprint from the flower. 30
Added flavours. A headspace method could spot artificial flavour added to cannabis, such as hexyl butyrate ester. Another laboratory test found terpene additives raise breakdown products in vapes. 8 22
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Food and Drug Administration (United States) | Final rule removed myrcene from 21 CFR 172.515 (synthetic flavouring substances) under the Delaney Clause. FDA stated the action was not based on a safety concern: myrcene is non-genotoxic and unlikely to cause tumours in humans at its current exposure level. Enforcement was not intended for food made before 9 October 2020. source | 2018-10-09 |
| US National Toxicology Program (United States) | Technical report on beta-myrcene in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice: clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male rats (kidney) and male mice (liver); equivocal in females; not mutagenic in NTP tests. source | 2010-12 |
When to get medical help
- A person cannot be woken, or breathing is slow or shallow
- Chest pain, a racing heart, or trouble breathing after vaping or smoking
- A child or pet has swallowed a cannabis or terpene product: call US Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local emergency number)
- Confusion, fainting or severe drowsiness after combining sedating products or alcohol
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is myrcene?
Does myrcene cause couch-lock?
Does eating a mango before cannabis make it stronger?
No study we read tested this. Mango aroma does contain myrcene in some cultivars, but that is not evidence of any effect on cannabis.
Which plants contain myrcene?
Does myrcene help sleep?
Does myrcene help pain or inflammation?
Is myrcene safe?
Is myrcene a carcinogen?
Why did the FDA remove myrcene from its flavouring list?
Does a higher myrcene number on a lab report mean stronger effects?
Can myrcene affect driving?
A 10-person pilot found worse speed control and more errors on a divided-attention task after a capsule of pure myrcene. It is not known how this applies to cannabis products. Do not drive if you feel impaired.
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We searched PubMed and read abstracts of about 40 sources, read the FDA final rule (via a fetch tool), checked the compound in PubChem, and looked for IARC and NTP pages (the IARC page lists myrcene but not its group; the NTP page could not be opened, so its PubMed abstract was used). Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. EFSA and California Proposition 65 documents were not read. The lab numbers are from public regulator datasets and published papers, not our own testing.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown, and none will be added for myrcene. This page is information, not a recommendation to use it.
Sources 40
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Alayoubi M, Rodrigues A, Wu C, et al. Elucidating interplay between myrcene and cannabinoid receptor 1 receptors to produce antinociception in mouse models of neuropathic pain.. Pain. 2025. PMID 40839768. (abstract)
- Almarzooqi S, Venkataraman B, Raj V, et al. beta-Myrcene Mitigates Colon Inflammation by Inhibiting MAP Kinase and NF-kB Signaling Pathways.. Molecules. 2022. PMID 36557879. (abstract)
- Austin CA, Shephard EA, Pike SF, et al. The effect of terpenoid compounds on cytochrome P-450 levels in rat liver.. Biochemical Pharmacology. 1988. PMID 3377821. (abstract)
- Bastaki M, Aubanel M, Bauter M, et al. Absence of renal adverse effects from beta-myrcene dietary administration in OECD guideline-compliant subchronic toxicity study.. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2018. PMID 30017998. (abstract)
- Booth JK, Page JE, Bohlmann J. Terpene synthases from Cannabis sativa.. PLoS One. 2017. PMID 28355238. (abstract)
- Cesta MF, Hard GC, Boyce JT, et al. Complex histopathologic response in rat kidney to oral beta-myrcene: an unusual dose-related nephrosis and low-dose alpha2u-globulin nephropathy.. Toxicologic Pathology. 2013. PMID 23531794. (abstract)
- Chen L, Liu Y, Xu D, et al. Beta-Myrcene as a Sedative-Hypnotic Component from Lavender Essential Oil in DL-4-Chlorophenylalanine-Induced-Insomnia Mice.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024. PMID 39338324. (abstract)
- Dei Cas M, Arnoldi S, Monguzzi L, et al. Characterization of chemotype-dependent terpenoids profile in cannabis by headspace gas-chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry.. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2021. PMID 34111731. (abstract)
- Fari G, Megna M, Scacco S, et al. Hemp Seed Oil in Association with beta-Caryophyllene, Myrcene and Ginger Extract as a Nutraceutical Integration in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Prospective Case-Control Study.. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023. PMID 36837393. (abstract)
- Felter SP, Llewelyn C, Navarro L, et al. How the 62-year old Delaney Clause continues to thwart science: Case study of the flavor substance beta-myrcene.. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2020. PMID 32522581. (abstract)
- Freitas JC, Presgrave OA, Fingola FF, et al. Effect of beta-myrcene on pentobarbital sleeping time.. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 1993. PMID 8257941. (abstract)
- Giovannoni S, Lancioni C, Vaccarini C, et al. Determination of variability of terpenes and terpenoids in Cannabis sativa by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.. Journal of Chromatography A. 2023. PMID 36463647. (abstract)
- Heinlein A, Metzger M, Walles H, et al. Transport of hop aroma compounds across Caco-2 monolayers.. Food & Function. 2014. PMID 24977259. (abstract)
- Herwig N, Utgenannt S, Nickl F, et al. Classification of Cannabis Strains Based on their Chemical Fingerprint-A Broad Analysis of Chemovars in the German Market.. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2025. PMID 39137353. (abstract)
- Jansen C, Shimoda LMN, Kawakami JK, et al. Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1.. Channels (Austin). 2019. PMID 31446830. (abstract)
- Jin D, Henry P, Shan J, et al. Identification of Chemotypic Markers in Three Chemotype Categories of Cannabis Using Secondary Metabolites Profiled in Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Bark, and Roots.. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2021. PMID 34276749. (abstract)
- Johnson MB, McKnight S, Taylor EP. The Effects of beta-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study.. Cannabis. 2023. PMID 37287732. (abstract)
- Li L, Ma XW, Zhan RL, et al. Profiling of volatile fragrant components in a mini-core collection of mango germplasms from seven countries.. PLoS One. 2017. PMID 29211747. (abstract)
- Lorenzetti BB, Souza GE, Sarti SJ, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea.. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991. PMID 1753786. (abstract)
- Madyastha KM, Srivatsan V. Metabolism of beta-myrcene in vivo and in vitro: its effects on rat-liver microsomal enzymes.. Xenobiotica. 1987. PMID 3604259. (abstract)
- McDougall JJ, McKenna MK. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of the Cannabis Terpene Myrcene in Rat Adjuvant Monoarthritis.. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022. PMID 35887239. (abstract)
- Meehan-Atrash J, Luo W, McWhirter KJ, et al. Aerosol Gas-Phase Components from Cannabis E-Cigarettes and Dabbing: Mechanistic Insight and Quantitative Risk Analysis.. ACS Omega. 2019. PMID 31592479. (abstract)
- Mog SR, Zang YJ. Safety Assessment of Food Additives: Case Example With Myrcene, a Synthetic Flavoring Agent.. Toxicologic Pathology. 2019. PMID 31645206. (abstract)
- Murina F, Ettore G, Fochesato C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Topical 5% Cannabidiol Plus Myrcene for the Treatment of Vestibulodynia: A Multi-Centric Randomized Controlled Trial.. Biomedicines. 2025. PMID 41153723. (abstract)
- National Toxicology Program. NTP technical report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of beta-myrcene (CAS No. 123-35-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (Gavage studies).. NTP Technical Report Series. 2010. PMID 21415873. (abstract)
- Orlando JB, Silva BO, Pires-Cunha CL, et al. Genotoxic effects induced by beta-myrcene following metabolism by liver HepG2/C3A human cells.. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health A. 2019. PMID 30806179. (abstract)
- Paaver U, Orav A, Arak E, et al. Phytochemical analysis of the essential oil of Thymus serpyllum L. growing wild in Estonia.. Natural Product Research. 2008. PMID 18075894. (abstract)
- Rufino AT, Ribeiro M, Sousa C, et al. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects of E-caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene in a cell model of osteoarthritis.. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2015. PMID 25622554. (abstract)
- Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011. PMID 21749363. (abstract)
- Sexton M, Shelton K, Haley P, et al. Evaluation of Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Content: Cannabis Flower Compared to Supercritical CO2 Concentrate.. Planta Medica. 2018. PMID 28926863. (abstract)
- Stojanovic G, Jovanovic O, Petrovic G, et al. Composition of headspace volatiles and essential oils of three Thymus species.. Natural Product Communications. 2014. PMID 25532293. (abstract)
- Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, et al. Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021. PMID 34350208. (abstract)
- Szaszkiewicz J, Leigh S, Hamilton TJ. Robust behavioural effects in response to acute, but not repeated, terpene administration in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).. Scientific Reports. 2021. PMID 34584156. (abstract)
- Wagner JK, Gambell E, Gibbons T, et al. Sex Differences in the Anxiolytic Properties of Common Cannabis Terpenes, Linalool and beta-Myrcene, in Mice.. NeuroScience. 2024. PMID 39728677. (abstract)
- Wang M, Faust M, Abbott S, et al. Effects of a cannabidiol/terpene formulation on sleep in individuals with insomnia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study.. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2025. PMID 39167421. (abstract)
- Xu D, Chen L, Chen X, et al. Inhaled beta-myrcene alleviates insomnia in mice by modulating 5-HT1A/PKA signaling and the gut microbiota.. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2026. PMID 42858151. (abstract)
- do Vale TG, Furtado EC, Santos JG Jr, et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown.. Phytomedicine. 2002. PMID 12587690. (abstract)
- n/a. FDA: Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption; Synthetic Flavoring Substances (final rule, 83 FR 50490, published 9 Oct 2018). Federal Register. 2018. (full-text)
- n/a. IARC Monographs Volume 119: Some chemicals that cause tumours of the urinary tract in rodents (news item, 21 Feb 2019). IARC. 2019. (full-text)
- n/a. PubChem compound record: beta-Myrcene (CID 31253), retrieved through the PubChem REST API on 2026-10-25. PubChem (NCBI). 2026. (api)
