# Beta-Caryophyllene **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/beta-caryophyllene **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** (E)-β-caryophyllene, BCP, Caryophyllene, β-Cary, Trans-caryophyllene, (1R,4E,9S)-4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene, Dietary cannabinoid ## Overview Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is a dietary sesquiterpene found in black pepper, cloves, and cannabis that functions as a selective agonist of the cannabinoid type-2 (CB₂) receptor. This unique mechanism allows it to exert [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antinociceptive effects without psychoactive CB₁ receptor activation. ## Health Benefits • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through CB₂ receptor agonism (evidence from basic research). • Antinociceptive properties via cannabinoid receptor interaction (evidence from basic research). • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) as a sesquiterpene compound (evidence from basic research). • Lipid metabolic benefits reported in preliminary studies (evidence from basic research). • Anti-neuroinflammatory potential in preclinical tests (evidence from basic research). ## Mechanism of Action Beta-caryophyllene selectively binds to and activates the CB₂ receptor (Ki ≈ 155 nM), triggering downstream inhibition of NF-κB signaling and suppression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also activates PPARα and PPARγ nuclear receptors, contributing to lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) regulation and additional anti-inflammatory gene expression changes. Additionally, BCP may inhibit COX-2 enzyme activity and modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, broadening its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and anti-inflammatory profile beyond simple receptor agonism. ## Clinical Summary The majority of evidence for beta-caryophyllene derives from in vitro cell studies and rodent models, where oral doses of 25–200 mg/kg demonstrated significant reductions in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers and pain responses. A small number of human studies and clinical trials exist, including preliminary work suggesting analgesic and anxiolytic effects at doses ranging from 30–200 mg daily, though sample sizes have generally been under 60 participants. One pilot randomized controlled trial in humans observed reductions in self-reported pain and inflammatory biomarkers, but study designs have lacked rigorous placebo controls and long-term follow-up. Overall, the evidence is promising but currently insufficient to make definitive clinical recommendations without larger, well-controlled human trials. ## Nutritional Profile Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene compound (molecular formula C₁₅H₂₄, molecular weight 204.35 g/mol), not a conventional food ingredient with macronutrient or micronutrient content. It is a pure bioactive volatile compound and is therefore not characterized by protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, or micronutrient fractions. Key compositional and bioactivity data: BCP is the primary sesquiterpene in many essential oils — it constitutes approximately 12–35% of black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil, 15–25% of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil, 8–20% of copaiba balsam resin, and 3–15% of cannabis (Cannabis sativa) essential oil by GC/MS analysis. As a dietary compound, typical human exposure through food consumption is estimated at 1–50 mg/day from spice-rich diets, though therapeutic studies have used oral doses of 50–500 mg/day in animal models. BCP has no caloric value of significance at physiological concentrations. Its primary bioactive characteristic is selective partial agonism at the CB₂ cannabinoid receptor (Ki ≈ 155 nM), making it the only known dietary terpene with direct cannabinoid receptor activity. Bioavailability: BCP is lipophilic (logP ≈ 4.7), with oral absorption facilitated by dietary fats; it undergoes hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via CYP450 enzymes (primarily CYP3A4), producing epoxide and hydroxylated metabolites. Absolute oral bioavailability in humans is not firmly established but estimated at 15–45% based on animal pharmacokinetic data. It distributes readily into adipose tissue and crosses the blood-brain barrier to a limited extent. Half-life is approximately 2–4 hours. No vitamins, minerals, or fiber content are applicable to this compound. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms are available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Beta-caryophyllene is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a food flavoring agent, and human studies at supplemental doses up to 200 mg/day have not reported serious adverse events. Because it activates CB₂ receptors and PPARγ, it may theoretically potentiate the effects of immunosuppressant medications, thiazolidinedione diabetes drugs, or other cannabinoid-based therapies, warranting caution in those populations. BCP may interact with CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 metabolic enzymes, potentially altering plasma levels of co-administered drugs processed by these pathways. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is insufficient, and use during pregnancy should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider. ## Scientific Research The research dossier lacks detailed human clinical trials or meta-analyses for beta-caryophyllene. No PubMed PMIDs or specific study designs are provided, highlighting a gap in clinical evidence. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research does not provide specific details on the historical or traditional use of beta-caryophyllene in medicinal systems. This highlights a gap in traditional data. ## Synergistic Combinations Clove oil, black pepper extract, cannabis, hemp oil, turmeric ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods are highest in beta-caryophyllene? Black pepper (Piper nigrum) contains approximately 9–30% beta-caryophyllene in its essential oil, making it one of the richest dietary sources. Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata), copaiba balsam, cannabis (Cannabis sativa), hops (Humulus lupulus), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) are also significant sources, with clove essential oil containing up to 15% BCP by composition. ### Does beta-caryophyllene get you high like THC? No, beta-caryophyllene does not produce psychoactive effects because it selectively binds to the CB₂ receptor rather than the CB₁ receptor responsible for THC's intoxicating effects. CB₂ receptors are primarily located in immune tissues and peripheral nerves rather than the central nervous system, so BCP activation produces anti-inflammatory effects without altering mood, perception, or cognition. ### What is the recommended dosage of beta-caryophyllene supplement? No officially established recommended daily allowance exists for beta-caryophyllene, but doses used in human pilot studies have ranged from 30 mg to 200 mg per day, typically taken with a meal to improve absorption given its lipophilic nature. Copaiba oil supplements, a common BCP delivery vehicle, often provide 55–60 mg of BCP per 500 mg softgel, and manufacturers typically suggest 1–2 softgels daily, though clinical validation of these commercial dosages remains limited. ### Can beta-caryophyllene help with anxiety or stress? Rodent studies using doses of 25–100 mg/kg have shown anxiolytic effects attributed to CB₂ receptor activation modulating GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, and one small human pilot study reported reduced anxiety scores with BCP supplementation. However, robust randomized controlled trials in humans are lacking, so BCP cannot yet be recommended as a clinically validated anxiolytic treatment; it may be considered a complementary approach alongside evidence-based interventions. ### Is beta-caryophyllene the same as caryophyllene oxide? No, beta-caryophyllene (BCP) and caryophyllene oxide are distinct compounds with different biological activities. BCP is the parent sesquiterpene that acts as a CB₂ receptor agonist, while caryophyllene oxide is its oxidized metabolite formed upon exposure to air or enzymatic oxidation, and it is caryophyllene oxide—not BCP itself—that cannabis drug-detection dogs are primarily trained to detect. Caryophyllene oxide shows some antimicrobial and antifungal activity but lacks the well-characterized CB₂ receptor binding affinity of its parent compound. ### How does beta-caryophyllene interact with common pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs? Beta-caryophyllene activates CB₂ cannabinoid receptors through a different mechanism than most conventional pain or anti-inflammatory medications, suggesting potential for complementary rather than competitive interactions. However, because it may have additive anti-inflammatory effects, combining it with NSAIDs or other pain relievers warrants caution and professional guidance. Limited human clinical data exists on specific drug-drug interactions, so consulting a healthcare provider before combining beta-caryophyllene supplements with prescription medications is recommended. ### Is beta-caryophyllene safe for children or during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Safety data for beta-caryophyllene supplementation in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers is insufficient; most research has been conducted in animal or in vitro models rather than human populations. Because beta-caryophyllene can cross biological membranes and interact with cannabinoid receptors that play developmental roles, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided without explicit medical approval. For children, consultation with a pediatrician is essential before introducing any supplemental form of this compound. ### What is the current quality of clinical evidence supporting beta-caryophyllene's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in humans? Most evidence for beta-caryophyllene's anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects comes from basic research (animal studies and cell cultures) rather than rigorous human clinical trials. A small number of preliminary human studies and observational reports suggest potential benefits, but they lack the sample sizes, control conditions, and peer-review scrutiny of gold-standard RCTs. More large-scale, well-designed human studies are needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and long-term safety profiles before making definitive health claims. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*