Paper card · curated
Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid
Gertsch J, Leonti M, Raduner S, Racz I, Chen JZ, et al.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) · 2008
Abstract excerpt
β-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene found in cannabis, black pepper, cloves, and rosemary, is shown to be a selective full agonist of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. This is the only known terpene with direct cannabinoid-receptor activity. CB2 activation produces anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating effects without psychoactive consequence. The finding establishes a mechanistic basis for CB2-mediated effects of caryophyllene-rich plant materials independent of plant cannabinoids.
Excerpt from the published abstract. Full paper at the journal link below.
Joe's notes
How to read this paper
The 'β-caryophyllene is technically a cannabinoid' paper. Mechanistically important — CB2 agonism is a real thing this molecule does — and it shows up at meaningful concentrations in caryophyllene-rich cannabis cultivars and in non-cannabis sources (pepper, copaiba).
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