What is Caryophyllene? A Cannabis Terpene Promising Health Benefits!

Published on June 8, 2022

Key points

Beta-Caryophyllene is a well-known terpene referred to in the scientific world as β-Caryophyllene. Abbreviated as BCP, you will find Beta-Caryophyllene in the essential oils of black pepper and numerous other spices, foods, and plants. You may know it best as a component of various cannabis strains.

As the primary terpene in black pepper, it is no surprise that terpene Beta-Caryophyllene has a distinctive spicy and peppery aroma.

Beta-Caryophyllene is a unique terpene. Classified as a sesquiterpene (a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units), BCP seems to have the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This characteristic allows Beta Caryophyllene-rich cannabis strains to deliver specific medicinal benefits.[1]

Main Keypoints:

The terpene β-Caryophyllene, commonly found in the essential oils of pepper and numerous other spices, foods, and plants, may be best known as a significant constituent in cannabis.
As an FDA-approved ingredient for cosmetics, household cleaning products, and food additives, Beta-Caryophyllene possesses promising health benefits.[2]
Some of the most promising therapeutic advantages of BCP include its anti-inflammatory properties, help with pain management, sleep, mood support, brain health, and more.
Beta-Caryophyllene can be found in a wide range of cannabis strains.

What Is Caryophyllene Good For?

Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved this terpene as a flavor additive and for use in cosmetics and cleaning products.

Scientists have shown that Caryophyllene activates your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system helps regulate many essential functions in the body, which is also one of the main reasons the cannabis plant has become so popular, as all the cannabinoids and terpenes together work directly with the body’s ECS.

This may sound a bit complicated. All you need to know Beta-Caryophyllene offers therapeutic benefits to support overall wellness.

But perhaps the most significant benefit of Beta-Caryophyllene could be its promising health benefits.[3]

What Does Caryophyllene Do? What Are The Benefits?

The uses of BCP are numerous and may have therapeutic potential for supporting health.

Initially, it was used as a component in hair care products and as a taste enhancer. With its natural scent that provides a pleasant aroma, β-Caryophyllene was (and still is) included in cleaning products.

However, today, Caryophyllene’s most significant attribute may be a natural option for supporting wellness. These are some of the most promising health benefits.[4]

Discomfort and Pain Reduction

Caryophyllene appears to have a positive effect in reducing pain in animal studies.[5],[6] These results were so positive that the researchers stated, “…the natural plant product BCP may be highly effective in treating long-lasting, debilitating pain states.”

Mood Support and Sleep

Everyone understands that stress can have significant effects on their health. The anxiety and depression that often accompanies long-term stress can be debilitating. The good news is that preliminary studies suggest β-Caryophyllene may deliver anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects. [7] Scientists are increasingly discovering that Beta-Caryophyllene may help provide alternative therapeutic answers for mood disorders.

In addition, a pharmacology study demonstrated that the essential oils of the terpene B-Caryophyllene acts as a potential relaxant and offer support for sleep disorders.[8]

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Increasing evidence demonstrates that BCP exerts potent anti-inflammatory properties.[9] Although further studies are needed, evaluation of current research in animals strongly suggests the effects of BCP is a hopeful option for medical concerns characterized by chronic inflammation.[10]

Fights Oxidation

BCP acts as an antioxidant in the body. It is efficient at fighting back against free radicals that affect cell health and the signs of aging.

Antibacterial

In published research, the antimicrobial properties in the Beta-Caryophyllene create activity against various bacteria, including some forms of Salmonella.[11] This suggests that Beta-Caryophyllene antibacterial properties may be one of this terpene’s main benefits.

Cognitive Support and Brain Health

In research with mice, Caryophyllene helped reduce some of the main signs of Alzheimer’s, such as the accumulation of brain plaques, while also protecting against cognitive decline.[12]

Other Potential Beta Caryophylle Benefits

Besides all these areas of BCP’s therapeutic potential, some studies have found that Beta-Caryophyllene may help with alcoholism rehabilitation. Research on mice revealed this terpene reduces voluntary intake of alcohol. Scientists recommended exploring BCP for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.[13]

Are Beta-Caryophyllene And Caryophyllene The Same?

The truth is that there is no difference between Beta-Caryophyllene and Caryophyllene. They are just different names for the same terpene.

What Does Caryophyllene Smell Like?

The Beta-Caryophyllene aroma creates a woody, spicy, clove-like scent and has a flavor often described as spicy or peppery. In its purest form, it has a familiar herbal scent.

And as the primary terpene in pepper, it is no surprise that Caryophyllene emits a spicy and peppery smell.

Potential Risks of Caryophyllene?

There are virtually no known adverse effects found in the current studies on beta-Caryophyllene.

One small animal study saw an increase in the signs of eczema, a condition of itchy, red, and inflamed skin.[14] It is not yet clear whether this risk would occur in humans.

What Plants Contain Caryophyllene?

The Beta-Caryophyllene terpene is one of the most commonly found in cannabis. It is also the predominant terpene in black pepper. Found in high amounts in cloves, hops, and rosemary, BCP is also identified in lesser amounts in cinnamon, oregano, and thyme.

How Does Caryophyllene Play a Role in the Cannabis Plant?

In general, terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids and boost their medicinal effects.

Yes, terpenes have benefits on their own. However, their most significant advantage may be the way they enhance the health effects of cannabinoids.

When terpenes and marijuana work together in harmony, the entourage effect occurs. The entourage effect causes the THC in marijuana to interact positively with the terpene compounds and create more potent therapeutic effects.[15]

This heightened result occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce more significant results than any one of them can alone.

In other words, Beta-Caryophyllene will give individual strains a unique flavor and aromas, but it may also contribute to their overall wellness outcomes.

If you are searching for a way to elevate your cannabis experience, add to the impact of feeling high with a delightful taste and smell and promote your health at the same time, choose a strain that combines marijuana and terpenes.

Caryophyllene is not the only important terpene found in cannabis strains.

Terpenes like Eucalyptol, Humulene, Myrcene, and Limonene offer many health benefits too.

The Terpene that Acts as a Cannabinoid

Caryophyllene is a little different than many other terpenes.

Researchers have identified that Caryophyllene has both CB1 and CB2 receptors, that can activate the endocannabinoid system. Usually, only cannabinoids can directly activate ECS receptors, but data reveals that beta-Caryophyllene can bind with CB2 receptors.

That means that Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is unique because it has properties of both a terpenoid and cannabinoid at the same time.

This is important because research indicates that CB2 receptors regulate many processes (including inflammation) in the body.

Does Caryophyllene Make You High?

Even though BCP works with CB2 receptors, it acts like all other terpenes. Therefore, on its own, it is not intoxicating. The psychoactive effect is only associated with CBD.

When combined with the THC or other cannabinoids, Caryophyllene will add to the impact of feeling high with a delightful taste and smell.

Is Caryophyllene Legal?

Beta-Caryophyllene falls under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classification of “generally recognized as safe” (‘GRAS’). This clearly indicates Caryophyllene can be safely consumed.[16]

Be aware that, in general, all terpenes are legal on their own. However, when terpenes come from marijuana, they may be illegal under federal law and local regulations.

As a result, this cannabis terpene operates in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, including hemp-derived CBD and terpenes. And some states have legalized cannabis and its terpenes. The legality of Liomene depends on your city, state, and laws.

You will always want to check to understand the regulations in your state to assure you are using a legal substance.

Final Thoughts

Beta-Caryophyllene is a common terpene found in most cannabis strains. You can identify it by its herbal spiciness.

Found in black pepper, cinnamon, basil, and rosemary, Beta-Caryophyllene has the unique ability to bind to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system and support health.

Beta-Caryophyllene has been studied as a natural option for supporting wellness. Some of the most promising therapeutic advantages of BCP include its use as an anti-inflammatory to help with pain management, sleep, support mood, brain health, and more.

The therapeutic effects of BCP are amplified when combined with cannabis and other terpenes.

At BioWellnessX, we recognize that taking Beta-Caryophyllene may offer wellness benefits with medical applications that other cannabis terpenes cannot deliver. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about how our wide range of quality products can support your physical and mental health.

References:

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By reading this legal information, you agree to release the author of any liability related to or arising from your use of this data. This post contains no legal advice. The legal status surrounding Hemp-derived products is new and constantly changing. We continuously work hard to do our best to give you the most updated information. We recommend checking your current state’s laws or federal hemp laws before purchasing any industrial hemp-derived products (CBD, THC) in Mississippi. The data in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or give any medical advice. Do your due diligence and seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you are in doubt or are currently taking any prescription medications. Safer than sorry is always a great idea when consuming new products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene?

Beta-Caryophyllene has been studied as a natural option for supporting wellness. Some of the most promising therapeutic advantages of BCP include helping reduce inflammation, pain management, and sleep. BCP offers support for mood, brain health, and more. These benefits are amplified when combined with cannabis and other terpenes.

How does Caryophyllene make you feel?

On its own, Beta-Caryophyllene does not have psychoactive properties. When combined with cannabis, Beta-Caryophyllene can create a relaxed and positive mood. Early research suggests BCP can help decrease anxiety and benefit mood disorders.

What foods contain Caryophyllene?

Naturally found in basil, cinnamon, cloves, lavender, oregano, rosemary, Beta-Caryophyllene is predominantly identified in black pepper. So it is no wonder that BCP has a spicy and peppery aroma and flavor.

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