CARYOPHYLLENE, OR ONE OF THE COMMON CANNABIS TERPENES

CARYOPHYLLENE, OR ONE OF THE COMMON CANNABIS TERPENES

More than a hundred terpenes in the cannabis plant are known for their various health benefits. The terpenes give cannabis a wide range of aromatic compounds, from floral and earthy notes to citrus. Caryophyllene is one of the many terpenes found in the cannabis plant. In this article, we'll look at why caryophyllene is special, how it affects the human body, and what health conditions it can treat.

What is caryophyllene?

Caryophyllene, also known as beta-caryophyllene or b-caryophyllene, is a very common terpene in cannabis. It is one of the most important terpenes in cannabis and accounts for 3.8-37.5% of the essential oil content of cannabis flowers. Caryophyllene can also be found in:

  • Basil,
  • oregano,
  • rosemary,
  • cumin,
  • black pepper,
  • hops,
  • lavender,
  • cloves,
  • cinnamon,
  • essential oils (such as ylang ylang).

Why is caryophyllene unique?

In addition to being a major contributor to the unique terpene profile of cannabis, caryophyllene is also the only terpene known to bind directly tocannabinoid receptors (it is the only terpene with the ability to directly activate the CB2 receptor) and may thus play an important role in the effects of cannabis on the human body.

Potential health effects of caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is one of the most studied cannabis terpenes. Scientists have already carried out a number of promising animalstudies that have revealed the possible effects of caryophyllene, especially its potential therapeutic effects. Caryophyllene can help treat many health conditions. Below are a few of them.

Anxiety

In a study on mice conducted in 2014, caryophyllene was found to have positive effects against anxiety and depression. Researchers concluded that the fact that caryophyllene could alleviate symptoms of these mental disorders offers new possibilities for future studies.

Inflammatory diseases

Caryophyllene has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and is a possible treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Research has shown that high binding of caryophyllene to CB2 receptors can affect inflammatory responses in mice. Although this study is still preliminary, it has opened the door to new avenues of research.

Neurodegenerative diseases

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory plaque at PPAR receptors. Caryophyllene acts on CB2 receptors and relieves excessive inflammation in the brain. Although the evidence is not entirely conclusive, any breakthrough research in this area should be given close attention.

Cancer

Many substances in cannabis have been investigated for their potential effects on tumours. Scientists have identified caryophyllene as a substance that reduces the growth and production of cancer cells and increases the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.

Chronic pain

Caryophyllene may help to relieve pain associated with nerve diseases and provide topical pain relief with creams and ointments. A 2013 study showed that when mice exposed to capsaicin were given caryophyllene, they experienced pain relief.

Cannabis varieties that contain caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. The amount of caryophyllene in a particular variety depends on where and how the variety was grown, as well as genetics. Below are some varieties that have high levels of caryophyllene:

  • White Widow,
  • Girl Scout Cookies,
  • OG Kush,
  • Bubba Kush,
  • Sour Diesel,
  • Chemdog.

The importance of caryophyllene in cannabis

Caryophyllene, also known by the scientific name beta-caryophyllene, is a terpene that is found in many spices, herbs and plants, including cannabis. Caryophyllene is unique because it can directly activate cannabinoid receptors, especially CB2. It is a very promising terpene with many health benefits, but more research is needed.

The terpene profile of caryophyllene can also be enjoyed through essential oils. You can find countless of them in our e-shop and many of them contain this terpene. Choose one of them and have it delivered to your home!

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