Research analysing the potential benefits of Caryophyllene is limited.
However, across the last decade or so interest in this compound has increased ten fold, driven by researchers concluding that Caryophyllene can also act as a cannabinoid in terms of its action.
What does that mean?
The endocannabinoid system has 2 receptors, called CB1 and CB2. Caryophyllene binds with the CB2 receptor. Research suggests that CB2 receptors are what regulate inflammation in the body.
Usually, only cannabinoids can directly activate ECS receptors. As such it’s unforeseen for another compound which ‘fits’ into CB2 receptors, thus making it a cannabinoid at the same time as a terpene.
In respect to its potential benefits: In the same 2008 study as above, researchers examined the compound using an animal model, concluding that Caryophyllene demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in rats.
Another pre-clinical study documented that Caryophyllene had anxiolytic effects in mice by promoting anti-depressant effects.
It is easy to assume that if this compound follows the same method of action as the interactions endocannabinoids have with a cannabinoid receptor, it might have the same generalised effects.
But just because a compound activates the same CB2 receptors, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has the same magnitude of an effect or knock-on effects downstream.
Nonetheless, current research aligns with the studies noted above, but the available documented evidence is currently pre-clinical and not subject to the rigour of a double-blind clinical trial.
In case you’re wonndering: Like all other terpenes, Caryophyllene is not intoxicating and can be consumed without eliciting a high…You can attribute that effect to THC.