Beta-Caryophyllene Terpenes
Our isolated Cannabis Terpenes are completely raw and undiluted, they can be used individually in your product to harness each terpene’s unique effect or combined in different terpenes.
In nature terpenes do not occur in isolation. Individual plants produce a variety of types of these molecules that come together to form what is called a terpene profile. Research has revealed that terpenes possess significant wellness properties.
Terpenes/terpenoids have a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, for instance, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
Beta-caryophyllene (BCP), also known as the “pepper terpene,” is a chemical responsible for cannabis strains with a warm, woody, and spicy aroma similar to black pepper and cloves. Beta-caryophyllene is more complex than other terpenes and bridges cannabinoids and other compounds in the cannabis plant. It has anti-inflammatory effects, and could be useful for a range of conditions like arthritis and nerve pain.
Why Is Beta-Caryophyllene Considered a Terpene and a Cannabinoid?
Beta-caryophyllene is unique among terpenes in that it acts as a cannabinoid and targets the CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. In many ways, beta-caryophyllene is an important reminder that terpenes and cannabinoids are not separate and that the two work in conjunction with one another.
Caryophyllene is unique because it’s the only terpene that also acts as a dietary cannabinoid. That means it activates our endocannabinoid system, binding with CB2 receptors. This activation is responsible for its reputation as a pain reliever, but this terpene has a variety of other medicinal benefits, ranging from better sleep to protecting our brain and even extending our lives!
Terpenes influence how cannabinoids behave and can modify how much THC crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Terpenes can also regulate the production and decomposition of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Terpenes like beta-caryophyllene also affect flavor and combine with flavonoids and cannabinoids to produce unique therapeutic effects (the entourage effect).
B-Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that can directly activate the CB2 receptor of the Endocannabinoid System, giving it powerful pharmacological effect.
Caryophyllene Research
- Beta-caryophyllene has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can also strengthen the effectiveness of pain medication like morphine.
- Beta-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide have anti-cancer and pain-relieving properties, with strong potential to support traditional cancer treatments.
- Caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide may improve sleep quality, decrease body temperature and increase cold tolerance, as found in a 2012 study on mice.
- Beta-caryophyllene provided pain relief from capsaicin exposure (the active ingredient in hot peppers) by activating CB2 receptors to stimulate endorphin release in animal studies.
- Beta-caryophyllene may be a lifespan extender due to its regulatory effect on mRNA genes regulating oxidative stress, longevity, and drug breakdown in the body.
Reported Caryophyllene Benefits
- Reduce Chronic Inflammation. One study conducted in 2011 found that administering beta-caryophyllene to mice with colitis reduced weight loss and colon inflammation.
- Provide Pain Relief. A 2014 animal study showed beta-caryophyllene reduced spinal inflammatory pain levels and lowered temperature sensitivity.
- Regulate Blood Sugar. A 2014 animal study found that beta-caryophyllene used with standard diabetes medicine can normalize metabolic enzymes by balancing glucose levels and increasing plasma insulin.
- Reduce Anxiety: This 2014 animal study found beta-caryophyllene worked with CB2 receptors to improve depressive symptoms and decrease compulsive behaviors.
- Brain Health
- A 2016 study found beta-caryophyllene reduced oxidative stress, restored antioxidant enzymes, and protected dopamine neurons in rats with Parkinson’s Disease.
- A 2014 animal study showed beta-caryophyllene prevented cognitive impairment and reduced beta-amyloid peptide levels (a marker of Alzheimer’s) throughout the brain.
Full details: Beta-Caryophyllene MSDS (PDF)
