β-Caryophyllene Everything you need to know
More than a hundred and twenty terpenes are known in the cannabis plant
to promote various health benefits. Terpenes can help define
the cannabis smell, taste, and outcomes on different strains.
β-Caryophyllene is generally the most common sesquiterpene in cannabis,
and the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature (Mediavilla and Steinemann,
1997). Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering
that it can directly activate cannabinoids receptors
(Russo, 2011). Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.
What is Beta-Caryophyllene?
The Terpene Beta-Caryophyllene is present in black pepper, oregano,
basil, and many other herbs and spices. Beta-Caryophyllene molecular structure is unique;
it is more significant than other terpenes and contains a rare
cyclobutene ring not found in any other cannabis terpene.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are essential in the vast network of receptors
in the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are principally located in the brain
and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors
are found mainly in our peripheral organs.
When THC is ingested, it primarily binds to CB1,
producing a euphoric effect. Beta-Caryophyllene
easily attaches to CB2, meaning it doesn't cause the psychoactive feeling
of cannabis while still giving the benefits associated, like reducing inflammation.
It is an anti-inflammatory comparable in potency to phenylbutazone (Russo, 2011).
As mentioned earlier, its relationship with the endocannabinoid system
and its ability to bind to CB2 receptors gives it excellent potential to provide medicinal benefits.
Beta-Caryophyllene Aroma
This terpene has a spicy and peppery aroma associated with smelling cracked pepper.
Cannabis strains with high beta-caryophyllene levels are known to be musky and spicy.
Some are also distinguished to have a funky profile. It is found in hops, cloves, oregano,
spinach, chard, cinnamon, rosemary, allspice, thyme, fig, pot marjoram, and Roman chamomile.
Beta-Caryophyllene rich cannabis cultivars:
This terpene is found in many of the known cannabis strains.
In some varieties, it can make up to a third of their essential oil.
This terpene is also present in many hybrids that can provide
relaxation and reduce anxiety. Due to its aroma, it's easy to detect in a strain.
The Entourage Effect: How Beta-Caryophyllene interacts with other Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids and terpenes blend in the human body to modify one another
effects and, in essence, create an overall different, or "greater," efficacy
based on the same molecules present and, of equal importance,
the ratios in which they appear
(Russo, 2011).
The interaction of THC+ Beta-Caryophyllene can prevent the development
of gastric issues. Additionally, b-caryophyllene has been shown to counteract THC's psychoactivity,
which can be beneficial in instances where too much THC has been consumed.
The interaction of CBD+ Beta-Caryophyllene can be
a potential adjunctive treatment for substance abuse/addiction.
The interaction of Humulene+ Beta-Caryophyllene can have anti-inflammatory
properties that make it practical for treating arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia.
Beta-Caryophyllene Benefits:
Due to its unique ability to bind with CB2 receptors, Beta-caryophyllene has
potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
It is known to help relieve anxiety and pain, reduce cholesterol, prevent Osteoporosis,
and treat seizures. Also, some research has shown that it may
help against certain neurodegenerative diseases and cancers.
Beta-Caryophyllene Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Beta-caryophyllene can reduce inflammation in the brain and chemicals
that cause oxidative stress associated with inflammation.
(Javed, Azimullah, Haque, & Ojha, 2016).
These properties can aid the brain from swelling during a stroke
and improve its outcomes. Besides, it has been shown to reduce gut inflammation.
(Cho JY; Chang HJ; Lee SK; Kim HJ; Hwang JK; Chun HS;)
Beta-Caryophyllene Antibacterial & Antimicrobial Properties:
studies suggest that beta-caryophyllene helps fight bacterial dental plaque build-up.
(Pieri FA; Souza MC; Vermelho LL; Vermelho ML; Perciano PG;
Vargas FS; Borges AP; da Veiga-Junior VF; Moreira MA;),
and makes it a potential alternative to typically prescribed medications
like chlorhexidine. Also, it reduces microorganisms like
Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza,
and E. coli (Swamy, Akhtar, & Sinniah, 2016).
Beta-Caryophyllene and Osteoporosis:
studies suggest β-caryophyllene is a therapeutic agent to prevent and
treat Osteoporosis. It is thought that Beta-Caryophyllene increases
stronger bone building while decreasing bone breakdown
(adipogenesis and osteoclastogenesis)(Yamaguchi & Levy, 2016).
Beta-Caryophyllene Cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis:
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
indicated that when Beta-caryophyllene is used in conjunction with the
anti-cancer agent paclitaxel, it increased paclitaxel's activity ten-fold in colon cancer cells.
Additionally, when used together with alpha-humulene and is caryophyllene,
it increased their anti-cancer activity in human tumor cell lines.
Also, it can reduce inflammation connected with multiple sclerosis and immune system dysfunctions
(Dias, Fontes, Crotti, Aarestrup, & Aarestrup, 2014).
Beta-Caryophyllene and pain:
it may help to reduce pain related to the nervous system and provide topical pain relief
in creams and ointments because it acts as a local anesthetic
(Russo, 2011).
It can release the same endorphins as morphine without being addictive.
(Katsuyama S; Mizoguchi H; Kuwahata H; Komatsu T; Nagaoka K; Nakamura H; Bagetta G; Sakurada T; Sakurada S;)
**Note: As always, with medical conditions and symptoms,
please consult with your doctor for personalized medical advice.
The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made regarding these products.
The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
Mediavilla V, Steinemann S. Essential oil of Cannabis sativa L. strains. J Intl Hemp Assoc. 1997;4:82–84.
Legault, J., Pichet, A. (2007)
Potentiating effect of beta-caryophyllene on anticancer activity of
alpha-humulene, is caryophyllene, and paclitaxel. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
59(12):1643-7.
Russo, E.B. (2011, August).
Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid - terpenoid entourage effects.
British Journal of Pharmacology. 163: 1351.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
Javed, H., Azimullah, S., Haque, M., & Ojha, S. (2016, August 2).
Cannabinoid Type 2 (CB2) Receptors Activation Protects against Oxidative Stress
and Neuroinflammation Associated Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in Rotenone
Model of Parkinson's Disease. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4969295/
Cho JY; Chang HJ; Lee SK; Kim HJ; Hwang JK; Chun HS; (n.d.).
Amelioration of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by
oral administration of beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene.
Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17188718/
Pieri FA;Souza MC;Vermelho LL;Vermelho ML;Perciano
PG;Vargas FS;Borges AP;da Veiga-Junior VF;Moreira MA;. (n.d.).
Use of β-caryophyllene to combat bacterial dental plaque
formation in dogs. Retrieved from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27716286/
Swamy, M., Akhtar, M., & Sinniah, U. (2016).
Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens
and Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review.
Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/
Yamaguchi, M., & Levy, R. (2016, December).
β-Caryophyllene promotes osteoblastic mineralization and suppresses
osteoclastogenesis and adipogenesis in mouse
bone marrow cultures in vitro.,
from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5228512/
Dias, D., Fontes, L., Crotti, A., Aarestrup, B., & Aarestrup, F. (2014, August 21).
Copaiba Oil Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokines in Splenocytes of C57Bl/6 Mice Induced
with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE).
Retrieved November 09, 2020,
from https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/19/8/12814/htm
Katsuyama S; Mizoguchi H; Kuwahata H; Komatsu T; Nagaoka K; Nakamura
H; Bagetta G; Sakurada T; Sakurada S. (n.d.).
Involvement of peripheral cannabinoid and opioid receptors
in β-caryophyllene-induced antinociception.,
from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23138934/