What is Caryophyllene?

Also referred to as beta-caryophyllene, this unique compound acts as both a terpene and cannabinoid.

It also lends its sharp, peppery, spicy aroma to the products it’s infused with.

Caryophyllene is a bigger molecule than other terpenes and contains a cyclobutane ring in its molecular structure — this is rare in nature and not found in any other known cannabis-derived terpenes.

Caryophyllene’s unique molecular structure allows it to bind to endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) — providing many additional benefits most other terpenes can’t offer.

 

What Does Caryophyllene Smell Like?

Caryophyllene is present in many different spices and herbs, including black pepper, oregano, and basil. It’s spicy with hints of cinnamon and diesel.

What Are the Effects of Caryophyllene?

Caryophyllene binds successfully to CB2 receptors — the part of our endocannabinoid system that regulates the immune system [1].

Because of this unique ability, caryophyllene has been found to offer the following benefits: 

• Supports the immune system
• Promotes digestive health
• May help alleviate chronic pain
• May help reduce inflammation
• Provides a gentle, soothing, relaxing effect

Plants That Contain Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is naturally occurring in many plants, herbs, and spices. It produces chemicals that act on an insect’s sensory receptors, preventing it from navigating around the plant effectively. It’s almost as though the insects become drunk — unable to walk straight.

This makes caryophyllene an excellent option for repelling mosquitos and other similar bugs. DEET is comparable to a synthetic version of insect-repelling terpenes.

Plants that contain caryophyllene include:

• Basil
• Black caraway
• Black pepper
• Cannabis
• Cinnamon
• Copaiba oil
• Coves
• Hops
• Lavender
• Malabathrum
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Ylang-ylang

Caryophyllene Research

This terpene is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to its health-boosting potential. Some studies have suggested that beta-caryophyllene can improve wound healing [2], influence insulin secretion and reduce those associated complications [3], and help calm nerves [4].

In 2014, one study revealed potential pain-relieving properties on mice [5].

Caryophyllene has also shown promise in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and could be a potential option for mitigating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease [4,7].

Research has even suggested that it may be suitable for boosting your mood [8].

Perhaps most interesting of all, panda behavior prompted a study on the possible effects caryophyllene might have on cold tolerance in mammals. Because this terpene interacts with molecular temperature sensors, it might increase mammals’ ability to withstand freezing temperatures [9].

Summary: What Makes Caryophyllene Special?

Caryophyllene is one-of-a-kind because this terpene can directly activate cannabinoid receptors, especially CB2.

It’s also known for producing some degree of relaxation and can effectively soothe nervous behavior. This special terpene is found not only in cannabis but also in cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, hops, and black pepper. It has a distinct, spicy, warm, peppery flavour and aroma but has hints of gas or fuel when talking about its presence in cannabis strains.

Beta-caryophyllene can cause some potential health-boosting effects, but more research is needed. The more we continue to learn and grow our knowledge on terpenes, the closer we are to unlocking their full potential and health benefits.

References:

1. Chicca, A., Caprioglio, D., Minassi, A., Petrucci, V., Appendino, G., Taglialatela-Scafati, O., & Gertsch, J. (2014). Functionalization of β-caryophyllene generates novel polypharmacology in the endocannabinoid system. ACS chemical biology, 9(7), 1499-1507.
2. Koyama, S., Purk, A., Kaur, M., Soini, H. A., Novotny, M. V., Davis, K., … & Mescher, A. (2019). Beta-caryophyllene enhances wound healing through multiple routes. PloS one, 14(12), e0216104.
3. Hashiesh, H. M., Meeran, M. F., Sharma, C., Sadek, B., Kaabi, J. A., & Ojha, S. K. (2020). Therapeutic potential of β-caryophyllene: A dietary cannabinoid in diabetes and associated complications. Nutrients, 12(10), 2963.
4. Machado, K. D. C., Paz, M. F. C. J., Oliveira Santos, J. V. D., da Silva, F. C. C., Tchekalarova, J. D., Salehi, B., … & Cavalcante, A. A. D. C. M. (2020). Anxiety Therapeutic Interventions of β-Caryophyllene: A Laboratory-Based Study. Natural Product Communications, 15(10), 1934578X20962229.
5. Klauke, A. L., Racz, I., Pradier, B., Markert, A., Zimmer, A. M., Gertsch, J., & Zimmer, A. (2014). The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 24(4), 608-620.
6. Al Mansouri, S., Ojha, S., Al Maamari, E., Al Ameri, M., Nurulain, S. M., & Bahi, A. (2014). The cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist, β-caryophyllene, reduced voluntary alcohol intake and attenuated ethanol-induced place preference and sensitivity in mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 124, 260-268.
7. Bento, A. F., Marcon, R., Dutra, R. C., Claudino, R. F., Cola, M., Leite, D. F. P., & Calixto, J. B. (2011). β-Caryophyllene inhibits dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through CB2 receptor activation and PPARγ pathway. The American journal of pathology, 178(3), 1153-1166.
8. Bahi, A., Al Mansouri, S., Al Memari, E., Al Ameri, M., Nurulain, S. M., & Ojha, S. (2014). β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice. Physiology & behavior, 135, 119-124.
9. Zhou, W., Yang, S., Li, B., Nie, Y., Luo, A., Huang, G., … & Wei, F. (2020). Why wild giant pandas frequently roll in horse manure. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(51), 32493-32498.