Have you ever heard of a terpene doing the job of a cannabinoid? Beta-Caryophyllene has the ability to play the role of a cannabinoid through being capable of activating CB2 receptor sites within the endocannabinoid system.
Activating the CB2 receptors reduces inflammation, which lessens pain and reduces damaging consequences caused by chronic inflammation. Because it only affects the CB2 receptor sites, beta-caryophyllene does not produce a psychoactive high.
While research is currently in the premier stages, beta-caryophyllene is showing some promising results when considering its potential application as a medicine. Let’s go over some of the different qualities of beta-caryophyllene that are known thus far.
As most of us understand, inflammation usually causes pain. The Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology includes a published 2014 paper that examines the painkilling effects of beta-caryophyllene in mice. The study depicts that orally-administered beta-caryophyllene reduces inflammatory pain and responses and also reduced spinal neuroinflammation.
This research study concludes that beta-caryophyllene may be significantly sufficient as a treatment of long-lasting and debilitating pain states. So if you are looking for an alternative to painkillers, this terpene may work well as a substitute.
Protect the Body and Brain
While beta-caryophyllene can help alleviate pain through its anti-inflammatory properties, it also contributes to protecting the body and brain from disease. For example, take this mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. It demonstrates that beta-caryophyllene activates CB2 and PPAR-y receptors, reducing significant characteristics of the disease including the build-up of brain plaques.
Because brain inflammation plays a substantial role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s, beta-caryophyllene shows that it can protect against the cognitive decline that comes with the disease.
Another example of beta-caryophyllene’s power in protecting the body is through its effect on the gut. Another study depicts mice, who were suffering from colitis, were given beta-caryophyllene as treatment. Results demonstrate there was a significant decrease in inflammation in their colons. With there being various inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive tract, this terpene could be an effective treatment for those ailments.
Beta-caryophyllene Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
Not only can this terpene help heal and protect the body, but it also positively influences the mind. A study was conducted on mice, showing the potential of beta-caryophyllene as a treatment for anxiety and depression. The authors propose beta-caryophyllene as a novel compound that has beneficial pharmacological effects over existing benzodiazepines and SSRIs.
The study demonstrates that this terpene is effective in producing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The results also demonstrate that the CB2 receptor is involved in the modulation of emotional behavior and maybe a plausible therapeutic target when it comes to anxiety and depression.
Where Can I Find Beta-Caryophyllene?
Besides cannabis, this powerful terpene can be found in black pepper, rosemary, and hops. Cannabis strains that are known to contain beta-caryophyllene include Death Star, Sour Bubble, Candyland, Girl Scout Cookies, Moon Cookies, Cookies and Cream, Blueberry Cheesecake, Lemon G, GG2, and White Widow.
The smell and taste are considered as spicy or zesty. It comes with a zing and awakens the senses.