Get to Know a Cannabis Terpene: Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP or caryophyllene) is a powerful terpene that can also act as an agonist on the CB2 receptor like a cannabinoid.

Jamie Toth, The Somewhat Cyclops

03 Aug 2021 • 3 min read

Black Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, and Cannabis all contain beta-caryophyllene. Image Source: Author.

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP or caryophyllene) is the terpene that gives certain strains of cannabis that spicy smell. It’s also found in spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. Because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptor like a cannabinoid (THC, CBD, etc.), it also has some exciting medicinal potential. This has also made some researchers argue for its inclusion as a cannabinoid. Common in both cannabis and nature, this terpene is also an FDA-approved food additive. It was also the first cannabinoid classified as a dietary cannabinoid!

In the perfume world, beta-caryophyllene’s long lasting spicy, woody scent is versatile, and excels in many different applications such as soaps, perfumes, and fabric softeners.

With this vast array of uses and US government approval to use beta-caryophyllene in food, beta-caryophyllene is in thousands of patent applications. It’s included in applications for products that include CBD, melatonin, and beta-caryophyllene to promote sleep, it is included in topical applications to clear up acne. Because of its flavor it’s included in a stevia sweetener patent that includes taste profile modifiers.

The many uses of beta-caryophyllene are also standing up to the rigors of science. Its ability to interact with the CB2 receptor has made it a focus of many different studies across several disciplines. The CB2 receptor is the peripheral receptor of the endocannabinoid system in the body, and it is believed that it helps regulate immune-signaling and inflammatory responses within the body.

Researchers have determined caryophyllene has great potential to treat neuropathic pain due to its ability to act as a CB2 receptor agonist.

Brazilian researchers found BCP suppresses neuroinflammation and motor control in models of Multiple Sclerosis, as well as having an immunomodulatory effect by inhibiting microglial cells in addition to diminishing axonal demyelination.

Other researchers have posited that spices themselves should be studied as part of cancer prevention, citing the large body of work that demonstrates the effectiveness of some of these plant compounds.

Orally administered caryophyllene is an effective treatment in mouse and rat models of neuropathic pain .

Research demonstrated beta-caryophyllene is effective in creating behavioral changes in depressed and anxious mice. These pre-clinical trials found that the CB2 receptor could be an effective way to treat anxiety and depression, and that BCP warranted further study.

Caryophyllene had an anti-oxidant effect and thus was an effective treatment for fibrosis in rat livers.

Caryophyllene had a positive impact on

It was found to have beneficial effects on diabetic rats’ ability to reach glucose homeostasis.

Oral treatment with BCP reduced colitis disease activity and was found to be a possible treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

Beta-caryophyllene is exciting — not only does it have the medicinal, aroma, and flavor possibilities of other terpenes, but it also has that amazing ability to interact directly with the CB2 receptor. To find strains that are high in caryophyllene, it’s important that you work with farms and dispensaries that provide full lab test results so you know exactly what you are consuming. You can often find caryophyllene in strains like Bubba Kush, ChemDawg, Sour Diesel, and strains that come from these lineages.

Boiling Point: 264 to 266 °F

Other Sources: Cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, basil.

Scents: Spicy, sweet, cloves, dry, powdery

Flavors: Woody, spicy,