What is B-Caryophyllene?

What is b-caryophyllene? Caryophyllene is another terpene found in cannabis. If you’ve been reading our previous posts, you should know that terpenes are organic compounds that give flavor and scent to plants.

This terpene is actually in all cannabis seeds. It has plenty of uses and effects and its amply used in cosmetics companies, food industry and pharmaceutical companies.

Structure of B-Caryophyllene

B-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene, which means that it is formed with three isoprenes. Therefore, it has 15 carbon atoms. It evaporates at 199°, so it’s one of the least volatile terpenes. It has an oily light color and it’s not soluble in water, only in alcohol.

Caryophyllene is integrated by three compounds:

1. Alpha caryophyllene: it can be found in large amounts in plants and fruits, such as lupulus.
2. Beta- caryophyllene: this one is in black  pepper essential oil.
3. Caryophyllene oxide: can be located in eucalyptus plants. As a curiosity, it’s worth mentioning that dogs are trained to detect this compound in order to detect cannabis.

Flavor and Scent of B-Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is one of the terpenes that gives more organoleptic qualities to cannabis and to other plants.

Its scent is dry and spicy but also sweet and woody. Its flavor, on the other hand, tastes as lemon, wood, spicy, camphor and even fuel. This cannabis terpene is present in plenty of plants such as:

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

As we have mentioned before, this terpene is very important and is a main ingredient in plenty of essential oils.

Effects and Benefits of B-Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a terpene with plenty of peculiarities. We know that it synergizes with other cannabinoids and it accentuates its medicinal benefits thanks to the entourage effect.

This terpene binds to CB2 receptors in our body; therefore, it behaves like a cannabinoid. As it interacts in the endocannabinoid system with CB2 instead of with CB1, its effects are only therapeutic and they don’t produce any psychoactive effect.

Numerous studies show that this terpene is useful as a painkiller, antiseizure, anxiolytic and antidepressant. It can also be helpful treating certain neurodegenerative diseases, among other benefits.

The main function of this terpene is to protect the plant where it develops so its scent acts as a natural insecticide and antifungal against external attacks.

This terpene has many cosmetic uses due to its beneficial properties and it has become an active ingredient in plenty of serums, creams, shower gels and others. It’s suitable for dry skin and to beat acne or greasy skin.

Therapeutic Properties of B-Caryophyllene

As it has been mentioned throughout the text, this terpene has plenty of medicinal qualities. Now we are going to explain some of them in detail.

• It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it seems to be very helpful to treat inflammatory bowel syndrome. As well, it reduces inflammation produced by other conditions.
• It has pain relief and soothing qualities that are an aid in conditions like dermatitis and other similar ones. Its interaction with CB2 receptors acts as a pain inhibitor.
• Antioxidant properties that prevent DNA damage, thus preventing cancer and cancer cells development, diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
• Excellent anticoagulant and digestive system protector.
• It improves chemotherapy effectiveness in certain types of cancer.
• Serves as a mood stabilizer, therefore having a positive effect in depression and reducing anxiety.
• A 2014 study suggests that B caryophyllene could increase longevity.

The vast majority of studies published have been performed in rodents. We don’t have much evidence of the benefits of this terpene in humans. Either way, the positive results obtained in the trials have encouraged scientists to continue studying this terpene and medicinal cannabis in general and their interaction with the human nervous system.

Cannabis Strains Rich in B-Caryophyllene

B-caryophyllene is in all cannabis strains, although some have a higher content. Here is a selection of some of them. It shall be mentioned that all these strains belong to the same family.

Chemdawg

This strain is the mother of all the ones to follow in this post. It is sativa dominant and has a pine and species flavor. It’s full of caryophyllene trichomes will give this plant acid fruit, petrol and pine scents that will be hard for you to reject. 

You’ll feel its effects in the mind and certainly a very stimulating sense of euphoria.

Gorilla Glue 4 100% Feminized

Sativa dominant strain, born from a feminized seed that stands out for its peculiar earthy, citrus, sweet and fuel flavors and scents. This strain is particularly famous because of the effects it gives due to its high THC levels (26%).

OG Kush 100% Feminized

The name of this strain remains unclear. Some people think it refers to Ocean Grow Kush while others believe it stands for Original Gangster Kush. It has persistent citrus aromas with a touch of coffee, soil and fuel. It’s intake will make you feel more sociable and of course, creative accompanied with a sense of physical relaxation.

Gelato 100% Feminized

This strain has very high caryophyllene levels and you can clearly perceive in its citrus, sweet and earthy scents and its lemon, mint and vanilla flavors. You’ll feel an intense sense of relaxation and stimulation due to its balanced sativa/indica ratio and its high THC levels (25%).

Bubba Kush

This excellent strain has a sweet chewing gum resemblance flavor with a soft fuel touch. It has a strong fuel aroma mixed with some exotic wood scents. It is indica dominant, therefore its effect won’t let you down. Perfect to treat insomnia and lack of appetite.

Did you enjoy learning about this interesting terpene found in cannabis? Well, there are more to come, so don’t miss our next post on terpenes!