Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in many plants, including cannabis, and is recognized for its spicy, peppery scent. It’s unique among terpenes for its ability to directly activate the cannabinoid receptor CB2, contributing to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Caryophyllene is considered safe by the FDA and has been the subject of research for its therapeutic potential.

Pharmacology and Safety:

• β-Caryophyllene is a full agonist of the Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2 receptor) in rats with a binding affinity of Ki = 155nM at the CB2 receptors in mice.
• The anti-inflammatory action of β-Caryophyllene is linked to its CB2 receptor activity, making it safer for use.
• Caryophyllene is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, with rats showing no significant toxic effects when given up to 700mg/kg daily for 90 days.
• Caryophyllene has an LD50 of 5,000mg/kg in mice.

Chemistry and Metabolism:

• The first total synthesis of caryophyllene was conducted in 1964 by E. J. Corey.
• Caryophyllene metabolism progresses through caryophyllene oxide and its derivatives.
• Caryophyllene oxide is responsible for cannabis identification by drug-sniffing dogs and is an approved food additive lacking cannabinoid activity.
• 14-Hydroxycaryophyllene oxide was isolated from rabbit urine treated with (-)-caryophyllene.

Natural Sources and Derivatives:

• Caryophyllene is found in various sources like cannabis, black caraway, cloves, hops, basil, oregano, black pepper, lavender, and rosemary.
• Caryophyllene oxide is an important derivative in the metabolism of caryophyllene.
• Caryophyllene oxide is an approved food additive but lacks cannabinoid activity.

Research Studies and Essential Oils:

• Studies on the anticancer properties of essential oils and natural products, toxicological evaluation of β-Caryophyllene oil, and biotransformation of terpenoids.
• Essential oils from various sources like basil, Turkish clove buds, Origanum dictamnus, and hops have been studied for their chemical composition and bioactivity.
• Terpene biosynthesis in glandular trichomes of hops and the use of caryophyllene oxide as an antifungal agent have been explored.

Biomedical Analysis and Renewable Energy:

• Biomedical analysis articles focusing on Caryophyllene with specific details like DOI, PMID, authors, and publication date.
• A study on the biosynthesis of β-caryophyllene for high-density biofuel production using engineered Escherichia coli.
• Information from organizations like the United States Pharmacopeial Convention and the Therapeutic Goods Administration related to Caryophyllene and its applications.

Caryophyllene Data Sources