Ever sprinkled black pepper on your food and thought, “Wow, this could really make me feel better”? Probably not. But here’s a fun fact: there’s a chance it actually could!
That’s all thanks to something called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural compound present in spices, herbs, and even some leafy greens. BCP has been making waves recently due to the many benefits it offers without the adverse side effects associated with medicines.
Today, we’re going to start off by discussing the oral, topical, and sublingual use of BCP. Next, we’ll move on to learn more about which consumption method is best for you. And hopefully, by the end of the post, you’ll know what is likely to work the best for you.
Oral Consumption of Beta-Caryophyllene
Consuming Beta-Caryophyllene orally means swallowing it in a dietary supplement (think pills or capsules). However, oral administration is, with a few exceptions, the most ineffective way to take a medicine or supplement.
The problem with taking BCP orally is that the absorption rate is poor (just 5 to 10% bioavailability) as it has to survive the ‘gauntlet of the gut’ before it can get to where it can do some good. As a result, it takes longer for BCP to reach therapeutic levels when taken orally than for other forms of application. BCP also undergoes metabolism in the liver, reducing its bioavailability.
Sublingual Use of Beta-Caryophyllene
Using Beta-Caryophyllene sublingually means holding it under the tongue, where it is absorbed quickly. This method of taking BCP is superior to taking it orally due to the speed at which it’s absorbed and the higher absorption rate (20–30 % bioavailability, which is 3 to 4 times more than oral consumption).
Sublingual is usually the most effective delivery route for systempic conditions due to its higher bioavailability. Conditions like relieving stress and anxiety, neuropathic pain, enhancing mental well-being, and combatting neurogenerative diseases can all benefit from sublingual use of BCP
When you take BCP sublingually, absorption is much quicker than orally administered as the sublingual route avoids first-pass metabolism by the liver. Let’s explain that a bit.
With sublingual use, BCP enters through the mucosal membranes beneath your tongue and directly into your bloodstream. These membranes are super thin and permeable and have many tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to the tissues via our bloodstream. So, they can very quickly absorb and transfer BCP to your body, and you should be able to see its effects in just a few minutes.
On the other hand, when you swallow BCP supplements, the BCP has to go through the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver before being absorbed into the bloodstream. That’s a bit of a ride. And at some point, while that supplement is still getting to you, it’s already weakened in terms of potency.
By avoiding metabolism in the liver, sublingual administration actually enhances the bioavailability of medication compared to oral routes. In fact, it can be 10 times faster than oral intake!
Topical Application of Beta-Caryophyllene
BCP can be also applied topically through products like creams, balms, lotions, or sprays. This method has a lower absorption rate than sublingual (bioavailability varies, but is typically 5–15% range), but it also delivers BCP directly to the applied area, allowing it to work where it’s needed most. It’s a targeted approach, particularly beneficial for addressing localized conditions, such as arthritis, joint pain, inflammation, and wound healing.
The advantages of using BCP topically are numerous, especially when it comes to managing pain and reducing inflammation in specific areas. For instance, if you have sore muscles or joint pain, applying a BCP-infused cream can provide direct relief to the affected area. This localized treatment helps to minimize discomfort and swelling effectively.
In one study, a microemulsion-based gel that consisted of β-caryophyllene, isopropyl myristate, Tween 80, and normal saline was used as a topical option for managing topical pain and inflammation in rats.
The dermatokinetics studies show that the active medicine gets into different layers of the skin in good amounts, suggesting that these systems could be useful for delivering medication to pain sites on the skin.
In another study (DIRECT EFFECTSTM Topical Therapy—a technology that involves applying medications onto the skin as a cream or gel that can penetrate the top layer of skin), Beta-Caryophyllene was even studied for treating some neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Moreover, BCP is also known for its skin health benefits. It can improve the skin’s appearance by reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant protection, contributing to overall skin wellness and combating signs of aging.
Overall, we believe topical is underrated as a delivery route for both localized and systemic treatments.
Summing Up
BCP flexes its muscles whether you take it orally, sublingually, or apply it to your skin. The best administration route entirely depends on factors such as the nature of the condition being treated, the desired onset and duration of effects, and individual preferences.
Sublingual administration may offer a balance between rapid onset and systemic effects. While topical applications zero in on sore spots and skin woes with precision.