Here at Preserve, we’re changing the way we talk about cannabis and its effects. In this series we will discuss Terpenes and their benefits
Terpenes: Caryophyllene
What makes caryophyllene an intriguing terpene is its relationship with our endocannabinoid system, particularly, its ability to bind to CB2 receptors. Because of this, it comes with a host of potential medical benefits..
CB2 and Caryophyllene
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.
The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves.
What makes caryophyllene an intriguing terpene is its relationship with our endocannabinoid system, particularly, its ability to bind to CB2 receptors. Because of this, it comes with a host of potential medical benefits.
Caryophyllene’s unique profile
Also called beta-caryophyllene or BCP, this terpene can be found in aromatic oils like rosemary and clove oil, and in nature it’s most commonly found in hops, cloves, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and basil. It’s responsible for the slight bite of pungency associated with smelling cracked pepper.
Caryophyllene is a bigger molecule than terpenes like myrcene and limonene. Caryophyllene’s molecular structure also contains a cyclobutane ring, something rare in nature and not found in any other known cannabis terpene.
The human body’s endocannabinoid system contains a vast network of receptors located throughout the body. Two major types exist CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found mainly in our peripheral organs.
When a cannabinoid such as THC is ingested, it primarily binds to CB1 receptors located in the brain and central nervous system, producing a euphoric effect.
The unique molecular structure of caryophyllene allows it to easily bind to CB2 receptors primarily located within our peripheral endocannabinoid system. This means that is doesn’t cause any of the euphoric feelings of cannabis while providing many of the benefits associated with activating those receptors, like reducing inflammation.
It’s unlike any other terpene because it is the only one that has the ability to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor, especially CB2 receptors.
This stress-relieving terpene is also present in many hybrids known to cause relaxation and reduce anxiety. Given its unique aromatic notes, it’s fairly easy to detect in a strain.
Many cannabis topicals and salves utilize strains with high levels of caryophyllene, showcasing its natural aromatic profile while also providing therapeutic benefits.
The potential benefits of caryophyllene
Studies on caryophyllene indicate a wide variety of therapeutic potential. A 2014 study shows pain-relieving properties of the terpene in mice, and another rodent study shows caryophyllene’s potential to reduce alcohol intake, making this terpene a possible treatment for addiction.
Caryophyllene has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and to be a possible therapy for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Research has even found that caryophyllene may be able to treat anxiety and depression.
Current studies are hoping to unveil even more of the therapeutic potential behind caryophyllene, including research indicating that it may help with lifespan longevity by reducing gene stress.
High-caryophyllene cannabis strains
Cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene tend to be spicy and musky, and some are also known to have a funky profile. Many carry prominent notes of diesel and fuel that are known to cause the same nose-tingling bite associated with taking a whiff of pepper.
Some strains with a higher-than-average amount of caryophyllene include:
Preserve regularly carries these strains, check our daily menu or click the underlined strain:
GSC
Platinum GSC
Bubba Kush
Master Kush
OG Kush
Purple Kush
Sour Diesel
Gorilla Grapes
Cookies and Cream (or any Cookies strain)
Gelato
Pineapple Express
Sherbet
Other strains high in caryophyllene:
Chemdog
Candyland
Death Star
Original Glue
The White
Pink Lemonade
Do Si Dos
Crescendo
Dutch Hawaiian
Mandarin Dream
Paradise Waits
Poison Fruit
Vizcaya
This stress-relieving terpene is also present in many hybrids known to cause relaxation and reduce anxiety. Given its unique aromatic notes, it’s fairly easy to detect in a strain.
Many cannabis topicals and salves utilize strains with high levels of caryophyllene, showcasing its natural aromatic profile while also providing therapeutic benefits.
The potential benefits of caryophyllene
Studies on caryophyllene indicate a wide variety of therapeutic potential. A 2014 study shows pain-relieving properties of the terpene in mice, and another rodent study shows caryophyllene’s potential to reduce alcohol intake, making this terpene a possible treatment for addiction.
Caryophyllene has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and to be a possible therapy for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Research has even found that caryophyllene may be able to treat anxiety and depression.
Current studies are hoping to unveil even more of the therapeutic potential behind caryophyllene, including research indicating that it may help with lifespan longevity by reducing gene stress.
Health Benefits
Research studies have implicated beta-caryophyllene as a valuable potential remedy for many medical conditions, including the following:
Anxiety
Science has identified the CB1 receptor as playing a key role when it comes to anxiety. Should the CB1 receptors in the brain’s amygdala be blocked, or if the gene that encodes the CB1 receptor is deleted, anxiety increases.
Dopamine neurons contain CB2 receptors, and therefore blocking or deleting these receptors can modulate anxiety-like behaviors. This is because, under inflammatory conditions, CB2 receptor expression in the brain is enhanced. This means selective CB2 agonists like beta-caryophyllene are beneficial for treating anxiety.
Depression
The overexpression of CB2 cannabinoid receptors is also implicated in other neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Eating disorders and alcohol-seeking behavior are also altered by CB2 receptor overexpression on dopamine neurons. Since beta-caryophyllene is a CB2 agonist, this can help mitigate depressive moods and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Chronic and Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain
Beta-caryophyllene’s anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties make it potentially very useful for treating chronic and neuropathic pain. Beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have analgesic as well as anticancer effects.
Powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like celecoxib (brand name: Celebrex) are often prescribed for arthritic pain and nerve pain in the short term. However, celecoxib has several nasty side effects, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
In higher doses, celecoxib’s side effects may include kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction). Beta-caryophyllene and CBD could be an alternative to such NSAIDs.
Neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease)
CB2 receptors are a potential therapeutic target for many different neurodegenerative disorders. The downregulation of CB2 receptors has been reported in the brains of Parkinson’s patients, which leads to inflammation and brain degeneration.
Beta-caryophyllene acts on CB2 receptors to soothe over-inflammation in the brain. The activation and upregulation of CB2 receptors are believed to protect against neurodegenerative changes in those with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Levels of CB2 receptors are also increased in those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), “mainly in microglia surrounding senile plaques, and their expression levels correlate with the amounts of plaque deposition.”
According to the above study, beta-caryophyllene may help reduce inflammation of the neurons in the brain and remove the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
Potential Side Effects
Beta-caryophyllene is a potent anti-inflammatory and provides pain relief, potentially useful for inflammation and neuropathic pain. Beta-caryophyllene also has the potential to act as an anti-anxiety medication.
Although beta-caryophyllene has physiological effects, it does not bind to CB1 receptors and has no psychoactive effects. And for all its benefits, studies have found little-to-no adverse side effects in beta-caryophyllene.
How to Use Beta-Caryophyllene
How to use beta-caryophyllene depends on how you seek to use cannabis as medicine. Since it is a part of medical marijuana, it’s difficult to precisely dose for a terpene only when consuming the whole plant.
Beta-caryophyllene can be great for treating anxiety, but when combined with high amounts of pinene, limonene, THC, and THCV, it may cause more anxiety. It may work best to start with lower doses and see how the entourage effect impacts your usage. This combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may be helpful for:
Diabetes
Neuropathic pain
Depression
ADD/ADHD
For anxiety, insomnia, and chronic muscle and joint pain, beta-caryophyllene combined with the following may be a more suitable choice of cannabinoids and terpenes:
Myrcene
Linalool
Terpineol
CBD
THC
Again, we recommend starting with lower THC potencies regardless of beta-caryophyllene and increasing the potency as needed to aid with a specific condition. If you need further guidance on dosing, we recommend you ask your Leafwell doctor.
Cannabis Strains and Cultivars High in Beta-Caryophyllene
Many varieties of cannabis contain beta-caryophyllene, with some types containing more than others.
The amount of beta-caryophyllene in a particular strain depends on where and how the cultivar was grown and its genetics. The test results on the packaging are more likely to tell you this than a strain name.
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.
