"Ōdinus" C#5

BCP (beta-caryophyllene) Aroma: spicy Also found in: cinnamon, clove, black pepper, rosemary, oregano, basil and hops Medicinal properties: cardioprotective, analgesic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulator Beta caryophyllene, aka caryophyllene or BCP, has a spicy aroma and is thought to be a relaxing and sedating terpene. It’s unique as a terpene because it also interacts with the body in a similar way to cannabinoids, via receptors in the endocannabinoid system, influencing its potential effects and therapeutic applications. BCP shows potent anti-inflammatory effects and pain relieving properties in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Through its stimulation of the CB2 receptor, it is suggested to be effective for the following: inflammatory bowel diseases (crohn’s/ulcerative colitis) Parkinson’s disease dementia anxiety depression Interestingly, unrelated to the ECS, BCP has shown potential in the treatment of alcohol and cocaine abuse. And if all that isn’t enough, it’s also considered to be a potent anticancer agent Beta-caryophyllene (b-caryophyllene or BCP) is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis. Often simply referred to as caryophyllene, this naturally occurring terpene is not just present in cannabis — it is quite common among plants, including many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. B-caryophyllene is said to have an earthy, spicy, or woody smell, distinct enough that drug-sniffing dogs are trained to detect a version of it when looking for cannabis. Importantly, unlike most other terpenes, beta-caryophyllene can interact directly with the endocannabinoid system and has even been described as a dietary cannabinoid. Despite great advancements in scientists’ understanding of the endocannabinoid system, the past 30 years of research has generally created more questions than answers. While THC’s action in the body is well characterized and CBD’s complex mechanisms are becoming clearer, there are a multitude of other components of cannabis that we either don’t understand how they work or don’t even know they are present. To better understand the action of cannabis in the body, one must look beyond the cannabinoids and consider the terpene profile, which is the second-most abundant chemical group in the plant. What does b-caryophyllene do? Similar to other terpenes, b-caryophyllene contributes to the overall effects of cannabis by way of the entourage effect — interacting with and changing how other molecules in the plant affect the body. However, unlike most other terpenes, b-caryophyllene directly activates one of the two major receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system composed of fat-based molecules, receptors, and enzymes that maintains homeostasis (balance) in the body. The ECS is best known for interacting with cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, like THC and CBD, and is responsible for much of the plant’s therapeutic effects. THC acts at the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system to cause intoxication and at the CB2 receptor to reduce inflammation. B-caryophyllene is a CB2-specific agonist, which means it activates CB2 but doesn’t have activity at CB1. In other words, it won’t get you high but it has tremendous medicinal value.  Whereas CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors are primarily located within the immune system, but also in the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, and other organs in lower quantities. These receptors are generally considered to be immunomodulatory and activating them tends to have a broad anti-inflammatory effect.  So what exactly does a CB2-specific agonist do? The answer is a lot. There is an abundance of evidence that b-caryophyllene may possess antibacterial properties, anti-proliferative potential, antifungal qualities, antioxidant activity, and potent anti-inflammatory effects. In other words, BCP may aid in treating or preventing a multitude of conditions like infections, spasms, pain, and other neurologic conditions. Importantly, the evidence supporting BCP’s effects is all at the pre-clinical level, meaning it has not been tested for relevance in humans. Most of this therapeutic potential comes from b-caryophyllene’s ability to selectively activate the CB2 receptor, mimicking the action of cannabinoids — making it a cannabimimetic. BCP is the only terpene known to have significant effects at the CB2 receptor Where is b-caryophyllene found in nature? B-caryophyllene, like many terpenes, is quite common in nature. While most abundant in herbs and spices like basil, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, hops, and oregano, b-caryophyllene can be found in over 1,000 other plants. It is a common component of many essential oils and is thought to be present in varying amounts in at least half of all flower-producing plants. B-Caryophyllene can also be found in everyday products. It is FDA-approved for use as a flavoring agent and also for use in cosmetics. It is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) according to the FDA, meaning companies may include it in products with relative confidence of its safety. Importantly, while b-caryophyllene may be safe and abundant in many plants and essential oils, not all terpenes in essential oil are considered safe for ingestion. Clove oil, while high in caryophyllene, is also high in eugenol — a potentially toxic terpenoid that can cause liver damage when taken in excess. Some cannabis strains that boast high amounts of beta caryophyllene include GSC, Bubba Kush, and Sour Diesel(1). Beta caryophyllene is also widely used in fragrance products and as a food additive for its peppery taste and spicy aroma.