The hemp terpene beta-caryophyllene has a peppery, woody aroma that can be located in rosemary, cloves and black pepper. It has been shown to protect the gastrointestinal system with effective anti-inflammatory effects.
What are the effects of beta-carophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) isn’t like other terpenes. It’s an outlier, because it has actually been found to act like a cannabinoid in the body; making it extremely advantageous in the areas of seizures, chronic pain, dementia, Alzheimer’s, endometriosis, cancer prevention, anxiety and depression.
Is beta-carophyllene a cannabinoid?
In fact, it is the first phytocannabinoid found outside of cannabis. It only targets a specific receptor (CB2 receptor) and can bind to it directly. BCP can also be found inside cardamom, oregano, allspice and turmeric.
Terpenes are kinda like food flavouring and occur naturally in all plants. They give many plants, including the cannabis plant, their flavour and aroma. Dr. Russo, a leading cannabinoid researcher, discovered that terpenes “could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections.”
Benefits of Hemp Beta-Caryophyllene
BCP has neuro-protective effects by reducing neuroinflammation in the brain and raising antioxidant levels in the blood. Terpene has also been shown to help in the reduction of seizures related to epilepsy and help the brain recover following a stroke. After a stroke, beta-caryophyllene has been shown to help repair a leaky blood-brain barrier and reduce swelling, along with remarked effects in reducing neuronal and mitochondrial damage.
BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE AND BRAIN DISEASE
Research has also found BCP helpful in the risk reduction of several degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Beta-caryophyllene is also showing to be of assistance to many organs throughout the body. BCP helps with general liver inflammation, liver scarring, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and it lowers triglycerides, which are a type of fat found in the blood. The kidneys experience a reduction in inflammation and less oxidative stress.
ENDOMETRIOSIS AND BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE
Several studies are showing promise in helping women suffering from endometriosis find relief from their symptoms such as cramping, back pain, ovary pain, and emotional disturbances without affecting fertility. This can be an excellent addition to utilising CBD by working through the CB1 and CB2 receptors, promoting a two-fold effect. Luckily, beta-caryophyllene is abundant in hemp cannabis.
Some other major benefits to this terpene include improving bone density and oral health, assisting with weight loss, and it’s antifungal and antibacterial properties. Beta-caryophyllene is also being studied in the prevention of cancer. It can inhibit tumor growth, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and induce apoptosis (programmed death/destruction of cells).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18053325
Beta-caryophyllene combined with other cannabinoids is being researched for its effectiveness in the treatment of long-lasting and debilitating pain states. This combination can be used for neuropathy, muscle pain and chronic pain, because combining BCP with cannabinoids can serve as a painkiller (analgesic) calming the nervous system. A product containing both types of compounds can be taken orally or can be applied locally and topically to target specific areas of pain.
BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE AND ANXIETY
In the 2014 edition of the journal Physiology and Behavior, researchers discussed the role of the CB2 receptors with regard to the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders. The CB2 receptor is being studied for its relationship with emotional regulation. As mentioned previously, beta-caryophyllene targets the CB2 receptor and is effective in both antidepressive and anxiolytic effects.
Cannabidiol (a cannabinoid found inside hemp) also possesses similar effects with regard to reducing anxiety and depression by regulating the endocannabinoid system. Working together, BCP and cannabinoids can provide drastic improvements for these disorders.
The ECS (Endo-Cannabinoid System) is the master key that brings balance to all other systems in the body, from circulatory, digestive and reproductive to the endocrine system. An inactive ECS puts all other systems at risk of imbalance and disturbance.
This is why it’s important to not only make sure your product contains cannabinoids (to activate the ECS), but also terpenes like BCP, to improve the effectiveness of all compounds present.
As you can tell, the benefits of beta-caryophyllene are far reaching, especially when combined with other cannabinoids, assisting with chronic pain, dementia, Alzheimer’s, endometriosis, cancer prevention, immune system problems, anxiety and depression.
Lee, Martin A. “Terpenes: Smell the Mystery.” Project CBD. March 1, 2014. Accessed November 13, 2018. www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes/terpenes-smell-mystery.
MyBioHack. “Beta-Caryophyllene Is A Very Common Cannabinoid.” MyBioHack (blog). Accessed November 13, 2018. mybiohack.com/blog/beta-caryophyllene-cannabinoid-pain-brain.
Royal Queen Seeds. “Beta-Caryophyllene: A Terpene Against Anxiety And Depression?” Royal Queen Seeds (blog). November 26, 2017. Accessed November 13, 2018.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24930711
