More than a hundred and twenty terpenes are known in the cannabis plant to promote various health benefits. Terpenes can help define the cannabis smell, taste, and outcomes on different strains.

β-Caryophyllene is generally the most common sesquiterpene in cannabis, and the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature. Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering that it can directly activate cannabinoids receptors. Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.

What is Beta-Caryophyllene?

The Terpene Beta-Caryophyllene is present in black pepper, oregano, basil, and many other herbs and spices. Beta-Caryophyllene molecular structure is unique; it is more significant than other terpenes and contains a rare cyclobutene ring not found in any other cannabis terpene.

Beta-Caryophyllene Aroma

This terpene has a spicy and peppery aroma associated with smelling cracked pepper. Cannabis strains with high beta-caryophyllene levels are known to be musky and spicy. Some are also distinguished to have a funky profile. It is found in hops, cloves, oregano, spinach, chard, cinnamon, rosemary, allspice, thyme, fig, pot marjoram, and Roman chamomile.

Beta-Caryophyllene rich cannabis cultivars:

This terpene is found in many of the known cannabis strains. In some varieties, it can make up to a third of their essential oil. This terpene is also present in many hybrids that can provide relaxation and reduce anxiety. Due to its aroma, it’s easy to detect in a strain.

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 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. These properties can aid the brain from swelling during a stroke and improve its outcomes. Besides, it has been shown to reduce gut inflammation.

Beta-Caryophyllene Antibacterial & Antimicrobial Properties: studies suggest that beta-caryophyllene helps fight bacterial dental plaque build-up and makes it a potential alternative to typically prescribed medications like chlorhexidine. Also, it reduces microorganisms like Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and E. coli.

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.

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. It can release the same endorphins as morphine without being addictive.

**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.