Studies Show This Terpene Is Packed With Benefits
Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is made up of cinnamon and spice and everything nice. With a warm aroma of cloves, basil, rosemary, oregano and lavender this terpene is packed full of healthy benefits. It can also be found in hops!
Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene, which means it consists of 3 isoprene molecules. Sesquiterpenes are more stable than their monoterpene counterparts, which means they are less suspectable to breaking down while processing the plant.
The Only Terpene That Interacts With Your Endocannabinoid System
BCP is quite unique, as it is known to interact with the CB2 receptor. It is unlike any other terpene because it is the only one that can directly activate a cannabinoid receptor, more specifically, the CB2 receptor.
Every mammal has an Endocannabinoid System and the main function of the ECS is to achieve homeostasis within the body. The CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the brain and immune system are the reason the psychoactive effect is felt from THC (mainly CB1 as it is in the brain).
Since BCP activates the CB2 receptor, which is linked to the immune system, the health benefits from this terpene are heightened when used with cannabis according to the Entourage Effect.
The Entourage Effect says each cannabinoid and terpene work better as a whole than as a part. Using THC with other cannabinoids and terpenes makes each compound work to its fullest potential.
Diabetic Support With Beta-Caryophyllene
Due to its ability to bind with the CB2 receptor, beta-caryophyllene is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Researchers found beta-caryophyllene reduces inflammation in the brain as well as chemicals which cause oxidative stress associated with inflammation. This powerful anti-inflammatory can also aide is brain swelling during strokes to improve the outcome of a stroke.
Recently, there has been a special interest in the pharmacological effects and therapeutic benefits using beta-caryophyllene for the treatment of Diabetes, which happens to be one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide.
Studies have shown beta-caryophyllene has “antihyperglycemic effects and health benefits meditating modulation of enzymes, receptors, and signaling pathways deranged in Diabetes mellitus (DM).”
Essentially, beta-caryophyllene modulates glucose and lipid metabolism which plays a role in glycemic control. When glucose becomes out of control, is when the danger of type 2 diabetes becomes a concern. BCP, when consumed regularly, helps as a deterrent for unregulated glucose levels.
European agencies have approved this naturally occurring terpene as “safe for use in foods as an additive, preservative, and flavor enhancer”.
BCP also plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism and represents the newest drug target for chronic inflammatory disease, which afflicts a large portion of the population and can lead to diabetes.
Helps Ease Anxiety With Zero Side Effects
With 16.5% of the adult population in America using prescription anti-anxiety medications, it has become an increased area of study. BCP has recently been studied in its relation to its anxiolytic effects.
In laboratory studies, it has shown to be as effective as drugs such as diazepam without the physical and neurological effects. Therefore, it can be taken in high doses without the worry of falls and loss of fine motor control oftentimes associated with the use of pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety.
Reducing and treating anxiety is becoming a key factor in reducing potential health crisis in other areas. Research on BCP shows, “There are reports that anxiety is associated with oxidative stress, due to the high metabolic demand in the brain related to the amount of oxygen required and reactive species formation. Thus, antioxidant compounds may contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress that is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety. Oxidative stress affects cellular functions essential for brain functioning, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, modification of neuronal signaling, and inhibition of neurogenesis.”
Beta-Caryophyllene Works With Chemotherapy Drugs To Increase Efficacy While Decreasing Side Effects
In 2024, the US is projected to have 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths. Most of us have been touched by cancer one way or another, thus finding the best treatments for it paramount.
Recent findings have established BCP helps facilitate the passage of Paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapy drug. BCP changes the way drugs are accumulated within the body, making them more potent but with less harmful side effects.
Epilepsy is a complex disease which afflicts 2.9 million adults in the US. Those with this condition usually have a difficult time finding the right combination of medicine to keep their seizures at bay, however, many times it comes with uncomfortable physical side effects.
Beneficial Therapy For Epilepsy
BCP has been found to help with the treatment of seizures in clinical trials on mice. As mentioned above, this terpene is a strong neuroprotectant, therefore, its use as an antiepileptic is not surprising.
Many times, after a seizure, there is temporary memory loss and confusion. During the clinical trials, the mice treated with BCP had better object recognition and displayed less jerks and convulsions. This study was conducted with the oversight of multiple agencies to keep the study as ethical to the animals as possible. No mouse was subjected to multiple rounds of testing.
Overall, BCP is a terpene that packs quite the punch. The medical community and their dedication to using it as an alternative to pharmaceuticals is promising. Keep an eye out in our shop for strains that contain BCP!
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