Over 125 million Americans suffer from various chronic inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, Crohn’s disease, and more. It’s safe to say, chronic inflammation can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health, and quality of life if left untreated.
Given these far-reaching impacts, we must explore natural substances like beta-Caryophyllene (BCP).
But what is BCP? BCP is a naturally occurring yet potent terpene found in various plants, herbs, and essential oils, mostly in black pepper, cloves, and cannabis.
What sets BCP apart is its unique chemical structure that allows it to interact effectively with the endocannabinoid system, particularly with CB2 receptors. That basically means that it doesn’t produce the high of using cannabinoids, but it does provide numerous health benefits.
Understanding Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is our body’s response to potential threats, often in an extreme manner. Since it’s chronic i.e., long-term, it can lead to changes in the body on a cellular level.
Chronic inflammation is especially dangerous because it can be triggered by any number of factors from infections to lifestyle issues like stress, poor eating habits, and smoking. This makes the condition somewhat hard to diagnose and then manage.
When our body is under immense stress, it will issue a response. Immune cells like macrophages and lymphocytes release inflammatory mediators like cytokines and prostaglandins.
The primary function of these substances is to protect and heal. However, the mediators can become harmful when the body can’t correctly regulate them. Over time, as the inflammation persists, these substances can cause tissue damage, degradation of cellular functions, and even genetic mutations.
One of the critical challenges with chronic inflammation is that it’s a silent killer. Symptoms are hard to pinpoint and can be easily missed. This is where natural compounds like beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) can be a game-changer.
They offer potential remedies to manage the body’s inflammatory response and mitigate long-term effects.
Beta Caryophyllene’s Effects on Inflammation
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis (aka self-regulation). BCP interacts with the endocannabinoid system, specifically with the CB2 receptors, to relieve symptoms of chronic inflammation.
A study titled Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid found that BCP significantly reduced inflammation-induced pain and swelling. These effects were basically due to its ability to bind with CB2 receptors.
BCP is a dietary cannabinoid, a rare kind of terpene. It has the ability to selectively bind to CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune cells and are integral to managing inflammatory responses.
When BCP binds to these receptors, it activates several biochemical reactions that contribute to reducing inflammation. This interaction doesn’t produce the psychoactive effects associated with CB1 receptor activation, often seen with cannabinoids like THC.
By engaging with CB2 receptors, BCP helps regulate the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals.
On top of that, the interaction of BCP with CB2 receptors helps in reducing persistent oxidative stress. This is the cherry on top since oxidative stress can often worsen inflammatory conditions.
BCP Vs. Other Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories, such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), are pretty popular and widely used. However their long-term usage often leads to nasty side effects like gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular degeneration.
In 2022, a study looked at how injecting amikacin (AK) and beta-caryophyllene (BCP) affected rats with renal failure. Rats treated with AK showed kidney problems, increased cell death, and higher levels of creatinine and urea in their blood. There were also signs of oxidative stress.
On the other hand, rats treated with BCP showed better kidney function markers. BCP treatments improved kidney health, reduced cell death, and increased targeted antioxidants. The study found that higher doses of BCP led to additional improvements in the rats.
Furthermore, BCP has minimal to no reported adverse effects, making it an excellent option for long-term management of chronic inflammation.
Compared with other natural anti-inflammatory compounds like curcumin or omega-3 fatty acids, BCP performs better since it interacts directly and potently with the CB2 receptors. So, the treatment is more targeted, much faster, and often without the side effects of other natural compounds.
Another huge plus with BCP is that it has the potential to work well with other anti-inflammatory agents, and this presents exciting possibilities. Since it has its unique pathway of action, it can be used with other substances to fast-track anti-inflammation treatment.
How to Use Beta Caryophyllene for Inflammation
BCP is available in various forms like oils, ointments/salves/creams, and tinctures.
Oils and salves work wonders in reducing pain and inflammation by working their way through the muscles to the endocannabinoid system. You can apply them directly to inflamed areas. Meanwhile, tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for increased absorption efficiency.
There isn’t a recommended frequency for application – that depends on the degree of discomfort, but 2–3 times a day should do the trick. It’s best to start slow and gradually increase frequency, allowing your body to build tolerance and giving you time to assess how the BCP treatment is going.
If you want to use BCP as a dietary supplement, consult with a healthcare provider first. This is especially true for those who have pre-existing health conditions and are taking other medications that might react with BCP.
BCP for Inflammation: More to Come
The research on β-Caryophyllene and its effects on inflammation is promising but still ongoing. In fact, more work is being done to understand BCP’s molecular mechanisms and its potential applications across various health conditions.
Ongoing research is crucial, but it’s worth noting that BCP is already recognized as an excellent natural remedy for managing chronic inflammation. It’s a much safer alternative to other widely used treatments and with fewer side effects.