Learn about the health benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene straight from the National Institutes of Health
What if we told you one of the Beta-Caryophyllene benefits might have something to do with Wolverine from X-Men? Ok, maybe you won’t sprout adamantium from your knuckles, but it may make your bones stronger! In fact, beta-caryophyllene has several health benefits that you can use for its soothing properties.
This terpene has been used for centuries for its pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties, but today we’re taking a closer look. Keep reading for 6 health benefits.
- Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene with a spicy, woodsy smell.
- It’s found in black pepper, clove oil, basil, hops, rosemary, and cinnamon.
- This terpene is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
- Beta caryophyllene may improve your mood and possibly help prevent osteoporosis as well.
- Some research indicates that caryophyllene may protect against certain neurodegenerative diseases and cancers.
- On top of its pain-relieving properties, studies have shown that beta-caryophyllene may even extend lifespan!
It’s found in black pepper, clove oil, basil, hops, rosemary, and cinnamon.
What is Beta-Caryophyllene?
Beta-Caryophyllene is a chemical compound in the terpene family. Terpenes are common compounds found in plants that are responsible for distinct aromas and flavors in your favorite essential oils. Each one also produces specific health benefits. Chemical building blocks called isoprenes make up terpenes, and bicyclic sesquiterpenes, like this one, have three isoprene building block units.
We have Beta-Caryophyllene to thank for the spicy, peppery taste of black pepper and the woodsy smell of plants and oils like clove oil, copaifera oil, basil, hops, oregano, lavender, rosemary, and true cinnamon.
How the Health Benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene Work
See, your endocannabinoid system helps regulate various physiological and mental functions in your body. Two main cannabinoid receptors make this happen:
The CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Doctors say Beta-caryophyllene acts as a dietary cannabinoid because it binds to CB2 receptors to help provide therapeutic benefits for conditions like inflammation, pain, and osteoporosis (2).
This terpene is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
Beta-Caryophyllene Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Scientists found beta-caryophyllene reduced inflammation in the brain and reduced chemicals that cause oxidative stress associated with inflammation (3). These anti-inflammatory properties may also help protect the brain from swelling and inflammation during a stroke to improve stroke outcomes.
Beta-Caryophyllene May Improve Your Moods
Think happy thoughts… with some help from beta-caryophyllene!
That’s what the research suggests, anyway. In one study, mice treated with 50mg/kg of the terpene showed decreased numbers on tests measuring anxiety, depression, and compulsive activity. Harnessing this power for humankind offers exciting possibilities for natural alternatives to potentially addictive anxiolytics and antidepressants.
Beta-Caryophyllene May Help Prevent Osteoporosis
We’ve heard often enough about getting calcium and vitamin D to prevent diseases like osteoporosis that weaken the bones. But studies suggest β-caryophyllene may work as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The theory is that it accomplished that by increasing the building (mineralization) of stronger bones while decreasing their breakdown (adipogenesis and osteoclastogenesis) (8).
Ok, you’ve got us-we’re not saying you’ll end up with an adamantium skeleton like Wolverine (too bad, right?). But the results are promising for beta-caryophyllene as an ingredient to potentially help prevent reduced bone density.
We will continue the conversation of benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene in our next blog.
