Commonly known as Caryophyllene or B-Caryophyllene, this terpene has the distinction of being the first known "dietary" cannabinoid. While found in cannabis, it naturally occurs in such food items as black pepper. It also has the distinction of being both a terpene and a cannabinoid.
Where Does B-Caryophyllene Come From?
B-Caryophyllene is common in many household spices.
•Cloves
•Black Pepper
•Rosemary
•Hops
•Basil
•Cinnamon
•Oregano
•Lavendar
The B-Caryophyllene Flavor Profile
B-Caryophyllene has a distinct, spicy, warm, and peppery flavor and aroma. Undertones of gas are often associated with B-Caryophyllene in cannabis.
Common Uses
The interesting thing about B-Caryophyllene is that it is a full agonist of CB2 cannabinoid receptors while having no interaction with CB1 and thus does not exert any psychoactive effects. Because of this, it has been investigated broadly for treating many neurological diseases. More than 500 scientific publications have investigated the activity of this terpene and found that it exhibits a protective role in several nervous system-related disorders including:
•Pain
•Anxiety
•Spasms
•Convulsions
•Depression
•Alchoholism
•Alzheimer's Disease
What Are The Benefits of B-Caryophyllene?
Beyond the typical anesthetic-like and anti-inflammation effects common to other terpenes, B-Caryophyllene has been heavily researched. Many important pharmacological benefits have been reported, including:
•Antioxidant
•Anti-Inflammatory
•Cardioprotective
•Hepatoprotective (Liver)
•Gastroprotective
•Nephroprotective (Kidney)
•Antimicrobial
•Immune Modulator
•Anti-cancer activity
Drawbacks of B-Caryophyllene
B-Caryophyllene is considered a compound with toxicity at doses higher than 2000 mg/kg body weight. To put that in perspective, it would take a 150lbs person eating the equivalent of a D-battery to reach toxic levels. As a common component of food B-Caryophyllene has GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status and is approved by the FDA for food use.
How Much B-Caryophyllene Should I Take?
Currently, there are no established recommendations on the dosage of B-Caryophyllene. It's recommended that you contact your doctor and start with small doses, working your way towards a larger dose.
B-Caryophyllene and the Entourage Effect
B-Caryophyllene doesn't have a huge effect on other bioactive compounds in cannabis. However, its benefits make it an excellent addition to the group. Working in conjunction with other terpenes and cannabinoids, B-Caryophyllene can go a long way towards enhancing one's wellness.
The Take-Away
B-Caryophyllene is both a terpene and a cannabinoid. Its effects have been thoroughly researched. Alone it has several potent therapeutic benefits. As part of the "entourage effect", it brings a lot to the table. Toxic in exceedingly high doses, it's safe to consume regularly. B-Caryophyllene is as unique as it is helpful.