As the new year starts, and wellness week is but a glimmer away, let’s look at a special terpene with potential health benefits. Caryophyllene, or β(beta)-Caryophyllene, is a terpene found in cannabis but is also present in black pepper, basil, and oregano. Caryophyllene is a spicier terpene, having a spicier taste and smell.
What makes Caryophyllene special is that it’s the only terpene found to act as a cannabinoid in the human body. Unlike the terpenes Myrcene and Limonene, Caryophyllene is a larger molecule, which binds to the CB2 receptors in the Endocannabinoid System.
Caryophyllene’s ability to bind to these receptors may explain the reported anti-inflammatory effects associated with the terpene. Various rodent studies have found pain-relieving properties and possible connections with addiction treatment.
Many cannabis topicals and salves use cannabis flower with high levels of Caryophyllene, showcasing the terpene’s natural aromatic profile and potential pain-relieving effects.
In cannabis, Caryophyllene can be found in strains such as Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, and LA Kush Cake. As cannabis testing and research improves, more information about terpenes such as Caryophyllene may become available.
Have questions about cannabis? Feel free to call and chat with one of our education specialists at (774)-762-8058. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Check out some of our products on our menu including our LA Kush Cake flower grown in our greenhouse.
Sources:
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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2014.06.025
Bennett, Patrick. “What Is Caryophyllene and What Does This Cannabis Terpene Do? – Leafly.” Leafly, http://www.facebook.com/leaflydotcom, 5 Feb. 2019, https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/caryophyllene-terpene.
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 : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 24(4), 608–620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.10.008
Recent Comments