Benefits of beta-Caryophyllene Adaptogen

Caryophyllene

Β-caryophyllene, which can also be called caryophyllene, is a naturally occurring bicyclic terpene constituent of many essential oils such as clove oil obtained from the stem and flowers of Syzgium aromaticum (cloves), rosemary oil, and hops oil. Caryophyllene is mostly found in a mixed state of isocaryophyllene and α-humulene, a ring-opened isomer. Caryophyllene is known to have a trans-double bond and a cyclobutane ring in a 9-membered ring which is both rare in nature. Caryophyllene possesses preservative and flavoring properties, and it is one of the chemical compounds that account for the aroma in black pepper. Caryophyllene is used as part of the condiments for producing some food items because of its flavoring property.

Origin of Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene, formerly beta-caryophyllene, is a terpene commonly found in cinnamon, black pepper and hops.

Caryophyllene is a potent component in anti-inflammatory salves and topical and has potential anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties.

Uses of Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene possesses numerous properties, making it useful in many ways. Some of the uses of caryophyllene are explained below.

1. It is believed that if anyone loves spicy cooking, he must have contacted caryophyllene at one time or the other. Caryophyllene is used in the preparation of spicy dishes

2. Caryophyllene possesses preservative properties that are always available in hops. It is therefore used in the preparation of certain types of beers, whiskeys and vodka.

3. Caryophyllene has flavoring properties, and so it can be used as a flavoring agent in some confectioneries to improve a spicy or citrusy flavor in them.

4. It can be used as part of the constituent ingredients for making detergents and skin products.

5. Caryophyllene aids in enhancing tolerance to cold when the temperature is relatively low.

Health Benefits of Caryophyllene

To determine the effects of caryophyllene, a lot of research has been conducted. However, more research is still being carried out to know how effective caryophyllene is on human health, both mental and physical. One of the studies conducted on human cells in 2015 published in the Journal Molecules showed that caryophyllene can work as an antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. Even though these findings are promising, more research is needed to determine the best health benefits of caryophyllene. Some health benefits of caryophyllene are considered below.

1. Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory effects

Caryophyllene is proven to have anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of ailments like arthritis. In a study studied in 2018 in the British Journal of Pharmacology, the rate of response of caryophyllene's anti-inflammatory properties in rats with arthritis was observed. It was discovered that there was a reduction in the swelling of the lymph nodes of the arthritis-induced rat as a result of the doses of caryophyllene administered to them. In contrast, the metabolism of the healthy rats was untouched.

Summary

Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory effects, according to research.

2. Caryophyllene can help to reduce the growth and breeding of cancer cells

According to a study carried out and published in 2016, caryophyllene has been proven to possess the ability to reduce the growth and breeding of cancer cells. It also can promote the effectiveness of the treatments of cancer.

Summary

Caryophyllene can be said to be anticancerous because of the effects it has on cancer patients.

3. Caryophyllene helps to calm the body and promote sound sleep

In a study carried out in 2012 and published in the Journal Pharmaceutical Biology, essential oil containing caryophyllene was administered to some mice. It was discovered that the mice experienced an increase in sleeping time and reduced movement and body temperature.

Summary

Caryophyllene is capable of promoting an increase in sleeping time, thereby enhancing sound sleep. This will be of benefit to anyone struggling with insomnia.

4. Caryophyllene can help to relieve pain

A study was published in 2013 in the European Journal of Pain, and it was discovered that some mice exposed to capsaicin got injected with caryophyllene. After they were injected, the mice got relief from their pain.

Summary

Caryophyllene is very effective for the relief of pain. Meanwhile, this terpene has little or no side effects on your body system.

5. Caryophyllene helps to balance glucose levels, thereby preventing diabetics

Another health benefit of caryophyllene is that it can normalize glucose levels. In 2014 and published in the Journal Acta Histochemica showed that when caryophyllene was taken along with standard diabetic medicine, the glucose level in the rats with diabetes became normalized.

Summary

Caryophyllene can help to balance the glucose level in the body, thereby preventing or curing diabetics. Hence, this is an excellent plant for diabetic patients.

6. Caryophyllene can help in treating anxiety and depression

A study was carried out in 2014 to check the effects of caryophyllene on the anxiety and depression of mice. The result was published by the researchers in the Journal Physiology & Behavior that caryophyllene has a therapeutic effect on anxiety and depression. It was, however, concluded that "the possibility that beta-caryophyllene may improve the symptoms of these mood disorders provides exciting prospects for future studies."

Summary

Caryophyllene can treat mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Some other health benefits associated with caryophyllene are:

-Increasing longevity by modulating stress.

-protecting the brain by increasing antioxidant levels, thereby reducing inflammation in the brain.

-improving blood flow to the brain.

-reducing cholesterol in the body and ease the heart of any form of stress.

-helping in the reduction of the progression and symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

-reducing melanin synthesis and helping to lighten the skin

-improving bone density and improving weight loss

-improving liver function etc.

Conclusion

Caryophyllene is an adaptogen with several health benefits and uses. Apart from therapeutic properties, it also possesses preservative and flavoring properties, making it suitable for dishes and food recipes. Research is still on to determine the full benefits of a terpene.