Caryophyllene: Not Just Another Cannabis Terpene

Caryophyllene is a powerful terpene found in many plants, including cannabis, cinnamon, black pepper, basil, lavender, oregano, and rosemary. It’s also found in clove oil and in a plant called hops. In cannabis, caryophyllene is often found in high concentrations, making up 25% or more of a strain’s total terpene production. These natural chemicals give plants their unique smells and flavors, and they also have a variety of medicinal properties.

Caryophyllene: Why is it Awesome?

Caryophyllene has some unique qualities that make it stand out from other terpenes. For one, it has a larger molecular structure, with three isoprene units, compared to other terpenes, which only have two. It also has a unique cyclobutane ring in its structure, which is not found in any other known marijuana terpene. These unique qualities give caryophyllene particular abilities regarding how it reacts in the body.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

One of the significant benefits of caryophyllene is its medicinal properties. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. A study found that caryophyllene significantly reduced inflammation in mice with induced colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. In colitis, the lining of the colon (large intestine) becomes inflamed, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis can be chronic and significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

This study suggests that caryophyllene may be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions in humans. It is, however, necessary to conduct more research to fully understand the mechanisms behind caryophyllene’s anti-inflammatory effects and confirm these findings in humans.

Helps With Pain

Caryophyllene may also be helpful in the treatment of pain. A study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that caryophyllene reduced pain sensitivity in mice. The study used a model of pain called the hot plate test, in which mice were placed on a heated surface and their reaction to the heat was measured. The mice were given caryophyllene orally, and the researchers found that the terpene significantly reduced pain sensitivity in the mice. It will take more research to fully understand the mechanisms behind caryophyllene’s pain-relieving effects and to confirm these findings in humans. And hopefully a different kind of test.

Anxiety Busting 

Similarly, in another study published in Psychopharmacology, caryophyllene reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice. In this particular study, researchers wanted to investigate the effects of caryophyllene on anxiety-like behavior in mice. To do this, they gave mice caryophyllene. Then they observed their behavior in various situations known to cause anxiety in mice, such as being placed in an unfamiliar environment or being confronted with a predator.

The researchers found that mice that were given caryophyllene displayed fewer signs of anxiety than mice that were not. For example, they were less likely to freeze or exhibit anxiety-related behaviors. Suggesting that caryophyllene may have the potential as a natural treatment for pain and anxiety in humans. More research is needed. 

A Super Smelly Terpene

Caryophyllene is known for its strong, pungent, peppery aroma and taste. It is one of the more dominant terpenes in cannabis and contributes to the earthy and spicy flavors often associated with certain strains. Its presence can be detected by vaping or sniffing the product before smoking.

Caryophyllene Is a Safe Terpene

In terms of its safety, caryophyllene is considered safe for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is labeled as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), which means that it has a long history of safe use in food or is considered safe based on the results of scientific research. In addition, caryophyllene is found in many cannabis products, including topicals and salves, and is deemed safe to use when used as directed.

Here’s What We Learned About Caryophyllene:

1. Anti-inflammatory effects: Caryophyllene has been shown to reduce inflammation in mice with induced colitis, suggesting that it may be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions in humans.
2. Pain relief: Caryophyllene has been shown to reduce pain sensitivity in mice, suggesting that it may have the potential as a natural treatment for pain in humans.
3. Anxiety reduction: Caryophyllene has been shown to reduce anxiety-like behavior in mice, suggesting that it may have the potential as a natural treatment for anxiety in humans.
4. Distinctive aroma and flavor: Caryophyllene is known for its strong, pungent, and peppery aroma and taste and is one of the more dominant terpenes in cannabis. It contributes to the earthy and pungent flavors often associated with certain strains.
5. Safe for use: The FDA considers caryophyllene safe and is labeled as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). It is found in many cannabis products, including topicals and salves, and is considered safe when used as directed.

In conclusion, caryophyllene is a unique and beneficial terpene found in cannabis and other plants. Its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential use in treating pain and anxiety, make it valuable in many cannabis products. Its distinctive aroma and flavor also contribute to the overall impact and enjoyment of cannabis strains. Caryophyllene is considered safe for use by the FDA and is found in various cannabis products.

Check out our other articles on terpenes if you found this one intriguing! Thanks for reading!