Key facts
Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene. Formula: C15H24. Molecular weight: 204.35 g/mol. It is a main sesquiterpene in black pepper, cloves, hops, and copaiba oil. It binds the CB2 receptor. Lab and animal studies link it to lower inflammation, less pain response, and less anxiety-like behavior. Human trials are few and small. No standard dose exists.
Does Caryophyllene Get You High? A Straight Answer About Beta-Caryophyllene
Receptor activity
A 2008 study in PNAS by Gertsch and coauthors reported beta-caryophyllene as a CB2 agonist with a Ki near 155 nM. Binding at CB1 was weak. CB2 receptors sit on immune cells, so CB2 activation changes cytokine release. This is the basis for the term dietary cannabinoid.
caryophyllene effects and benefits
Other molecular targets
Animal studies report activity at PPAR-alpha. PPAR-gamma is also named in some reports. These receptors affect lipid metabolism and insulin response. Work on these pathways is early. Most data comes from mice.
What studies report
- Inflammation: mouse models of colitis, liver injury, and kidney injury show lower TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 after beta-caryophyllene.
- Pain: rodent models of nerve pain and joint inflammation show less paw withdrawal.
- Anxiety: mice in the elevated plus maze and the marble burying test show less anxiety-like behavior.
- Alcohol: a 2014 mouse study found lower alcohol intake and lower preference for alcohol.
- Cancer: cell and mouse studies report slower tumor growth. No human data.
- Microbes: lab tests show activity against several bacteria. Relevance to humans is unknown.
Human data
Controlled human trials on beta-caryophyllene are scarce. Most published work uses cell cultures, mice, or rats. The FDA has not approved a health claim. Beta-caryophyllene is not a drug.
Sources and amounts
Copaiba oil from Copaifera trees can contain 50 percent beta-caryophyllene or more. Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, and hops also contain it. In cannabis flower, beta-caryophyllene ranks among the most common terpenes. Terpene content in flower varies by cultivar, grow conditions, and cure.
Dose and safety
The FDA lists beta-caryophyllene as GRAS for food flavoring under 21 CFR 172.515. Capsules sold in the US list different amounts per serving. No dose is backed by human trials. Caryophyllene oxide, the oxidized form, is a skin sensitizer. Clove oil and pepper oil cause contact dermatitis in some people. Data on drug interactions in humans is absent.
What it does not do
Beta-caryophyllene does not activate CB1 in a meaningful way. It does not produce a THC-like high. It does not treat or cure any disease.