β-caryophyllene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis. Often simply referred to as caryophyllene or, BCP, this naturally occurring terpene is not just present in cannabis — it is exceptionally common among spices, herbs, plants, including many fruits and vegetables.
Β-caryophyllene has an earthy, spicy, or woody smell, and importantly, unlike most other terpenes, β-caryophyllene can interact directly with the endocannabinoid system and has even been described as the very first dietary cannabinoid.
Similar to other terpenes, β-caryophyllene contributes to the overall effects of cannabis by way of the entourage effect — interacting with and changing how other molecules in the plant affect the body. However, unlike most other terpenes, β-caryophyllene directly activates the CB2 receptor, being one of the two major receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The other being the CB1 receptor.
β-caryophyllene is a CB2-specific agonist, which means it activates CB2 but doesn’t have activity at CB1. In other words, it does not have any psychotropic effect however, it has tremendous medicinal value.
Most of β-caryophyllene’s therapeutic potential comes from its ability to selectively activate the CB2 receptor, mimicking the action of cannabinoids — making it a cannabimimetic.
β-caryophyllene is the only terpene known to have significant effects at the CB2 receptor.
There is an abundance of evidence that β-caryophyllene possesses antibacterial properties, anti-proliferative potential, antifungal qualities, antioxidant activity, antinociceptive and potent anti-inflammatory effects. In other words, β-caryophyllene may aid in treating or preventing a multitude of conditions like inflammation, arthritis, spasms, pain, diabetic complications and several neurological and neuropathic conditions.
[Click on the link to learn more: [β-Caryophyllene: A Sesquiterpene with Countless Biological Properties]
The Endocannabinoid System [ECS]
Whereas CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors are primarily located within the immune system, but also in the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, and other organs in lower quantities. These receptors are generally considered to be immunomodulatory and activating them tends to have a broad anti-inflammatory effect.
To understand more about the Endocannabinoid System follow the link below:
Source: Cannigma.com: What is the endocannabinoid system and how does it work? (cannigma.com)
What conditions and symptoms could benefit from β-caryophyllene?
Given the unique action of this terpene, the therapeutic uses of β-caryophyllene are very broad. As mentioned, most notable is β-caryophyllene’s ability to act as a potent anti-inflammatory via the CB2 receptors.
However, β-caryophyllene also has the ability to reduce pain and inflammation through other mechanisms, which can be of great benefit in complex diseases like inflammatory, immunologic, and neurological disorders.
Another promising aspect of β-caryophyllene is the ability to help treat neurologic disease. There are a number neurological conditions characterised by inflammation and autoimmune processes that BCP could prove helpful in treating.
Remembering that β-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid and is prevalent in fruits and vegetables, it may not come as a surprise that it shows promise in the treatment of diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high-cholesterol. In addition to improving blood glucose and triglyceride levels in rodents, β-caryophyllene also shows promise at reducing some of the chronic underlying inflammation that contributes to the progression and secondary problems that arise with these conditions.
Where is β-caryophyllene found in nature?
Β-caryophyllene, like many terpenes, is very common in nature. While most abundant in herbs and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, hops, basil and oregano, β-caryophyllene can be found in over 1,000 other plants. It is a common component of many essential oils and is thought to be present in varying amounts in at least half of all flower-producing plants.
Β-caryophyllene is approved by both the FDA [US] and EFSA [EU] for use as a flavoring agent and also for use in cosmetics. It is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) according to the FDA, meaning companies may include it in products with absolute confidence of its safety.
When combined with other terpenes and cannabinoids, β-caryophyllene may contribute to the relaxing or sedating effects of cannabis.
While all of this information is extremely exciting and BCP shows great promise as a therapeutic agent, it must be stated that, although studies have been conducted for more than fifty years, the vast majority of this research is still in early preclinical studies.
There is substantially more research that needs to be done before we can definitively say β-caryophyllene, alone or combined with cannabinoids or other terpenes, is an effective treatment for any one of the above conditions. But certainly β-caryophyllene has extreme potential.
Study Reference links coming here soon.
You can view our range of BCP-based products here.
