What is β-caryophyllene?

What is b-caryophyllene? Caryophyllene is one of the many terpenes that can be found in the cannabis plant. If you have been following our latest posts, you will already be well-acquainted with terpenes and know that they are the organic compounds that give each plant its characteristic and unique aroma and flavor.

In relation to other terpenes, this one is very important because it is found in all cannabis varieties. It has multiple effects and applications, being widely used by the cosmetics industry, the food industry, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Structure of b-caryophyllene

B-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene, meaning it is composed of three isoprene units. Thus, it is the result of the conjugation of 15 carbon atoms. Its evaporation temperature is 199 °C, which makes it one of the least volatile terpenes. It is a clear, oily liquid that is not soluble in water, but is soluble in alcohol.

Caryophyllene is made up of three compounds:

1. Alpha-caryophyllene, which is found in large proportions in plants or fruits such as hops.
2. Beta-caryophyllene, which is found in large proportions in black pepper essential oil.
3. Caryophyllene oxide, which is found in large quantities in eucalyptus. As a fun fact, police dogs are trained to detect this compound in order to find cannabis.

Flavor and aroma of b-caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is one of the terpenes that provides the greatest organoleptic qualities to cannabis varieties, as well as to any other plant.

Its aroma is identified as dry and spicy, although also sweet and woody. Meanwhile, its flavor is spicier with notes of wood, camphor, and lemon, and even fuel. In profiles like this, a variety that usually fits very well is Gary Payton (diesel and spices).

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It can be found in numerous plants:

• Rosemary
• Hops
• Basil
• Clove oil
• Cannabis Sativa L.

We have already mentioned that it is a very important terpene, so it is part of and a component of numerous essential oils.

Effects and benefits of b-caryophyllene

Not only because it is found in all cannabis varieties, caryophyllene is a very important terpene because it has several peculiarities. For example, it is known to act in synergy with various cannabinoids, thereby accentuating their medicinal effects thanks to the well-known entourage effect.

In addition, it also functions as a CB2 receptor agonist in our body, so it is a terpene that acts as if it were a cannabinoid. By acting on the CB2 and not the CB1 receptor, the effect produced is only at a therapeutic level and does not produce psychoactivity. For this very reason, caryophyllene has been widely studied for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

Thus, numerous studies have shown that this terpene has enormous analgesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant power, with the ability to fight neurodegenerative diseases and act as an anti-inflammatory, among many other benefits.

This terpene also has other types of benefits. To begin with, its natural and primary function is to protect the plant in which it develops. In this way, we can say that caryophyllene is a natural antifungal and insecticide that keeps unwanted external agents away from the plant.

On the other hand, its beneficial qualities can also be reflected in its use as a component and active ingredient in cosmetic products. We can find caryophyllene in numerous creams, body milks and gels, serums, specific creams for dry and congested skin, as well as in products to eliminate acne or treat oily skin.

What are the medicinal properties of b-caryophyllene?

As we have been able to verify, we are dealing with a tremendously important terpene with numerous medicinal qualities. Below, we will explain in detail what they are.

• First of all, it has incredible anti-inflammatory power, and in particular, it has a specific impact on the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
• It also has great analgesic power, which helps with diseases such as dermatitis or similar conditions. As we mentioned above, caryophyllene is a terpene that acts on the CB2 receptor, which is responsible for initiating inflammation, while also being one of the precursors of pain. Thus, when caryophyllene comes into contact with this receptor, these effects are inhibited.
• It is a blood anticoagulant and protects the cellular system of the digestive tract.
• For its part, it is a perfect anxiolytic and antidepressant. It has been discovered that it can calm a high-stress situation in mammals, while also serving as a mood booster.
• It is a prominent antioxidant, thus preventing this type of DNA damage that causes diseases such as cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or cardiovascular diseases.
• It has also been proven that it could serve as a complementary treatment during chemotherapy for certain cancers, because it increases the efficacy of some substances used in it.
• One of the most notable investigations into caryophyllene is about its ability to increase longevity, carried out on roundworms in 2014.

It is true that all or most of the studies on the therapeutic characteristics of this terpene have been carried out on rodents. That is to say, there is little scientific evidence regarding the benefits of this terpene on humans. Even so, the positive results of existing research have put this terpene in the crosshairs of the scientific community.

In this way, the doors have been opened to conducting more studies not only on this terpene, but also on medicinal cannabis in general.

Cannabis varieties rich in b-caryophyllene

Above we have already explained that caryophyllene is found in all cannabis varieties, although we can find some varieties with higher amounts of this terpene. Here is a list of those we highlight, which, as a curiosity, all these cannabis seed varieties are related to each other, as they share genetics.

Chemdog

Chemdog is the mother of all the varieties detailed below. This sativa-dominant strain will leave a flavor of pine and spices on your palate. Its trichomes loaded with caryophyllene will offer you an aroma of sour fruit, petroleum, and pine, which you won’t be able to resist. Its powerful effect is mostly cerebral, providing you with an incredible feeling of euphoria and being very stimulating.

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Gorilla Glue 4 100% Feminized

This special sativa-dominant variety, coming from feminized seeds, stands out for its particular aroma and flavor, which can be identified with earthy and sweet notes, as well as citrus and spicy notes and even diesel. This genetics is so famous for its powerful effect provided by its high THC levels, which can reach 26%.

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OG Kush 100% Feminized

Its acronym, OG Kush, has never been very clear: some claim it refers to Ocean Grow Kush, while others argue that it means Original Gangster Kush. We leave it to your imagination, but we do know that it has persistent and pleasant aromas of citrus with hints of coffee, earth, and gasoline (where we can appreciate the caryophyllene). The effect it offers is felt immediately and will be mainly sociable and creative, drifting towards a deep physical relaxation that will be able to take over your whole body.

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Gelatto 100% Feminized

Gelatto is another variety with high levels of caryophyllene that can be appreciated in its citrus, sweet, and earthy aroma; and its flavor of lemon, mint, and vanilla. For its part, the effect will be a very good combination of stimulation and relaxation provided, respectively, by its sativa and indica parts, with high THC levels (25%).

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Bubba Kush

The flavors of this excellent genetics will remind you of chewing gum with hints of tropical fruit and a fuel aftertaste. The aroma of Bubba Kush will already hint at that petroleum flavor, although it will also delight you with a scent of exotic woods. Being indica-dominant, its effect will not disappoint you, being perfect for combating insomnia and lack of appetite.

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Did you like learning about this very relevant terpene in cannabis plants? Well, we still have more information to give you… don’t miss the next post about terpenes!