Terpenes are some of the most intricate compounds in cannabis. Many only know them for their contributions to the plants smell and taste. But it’s so much more complex than that! Riley’s already done a number of videos detailing how multifaceted they are. Here’s a previous article where we covered one!
For today’s clip, we’ll be looking at the terpene known as caryophyllene. This terpene is famous for a number of reasons, which we delve into below. Watch the clip above as Riley breaks down how it impacts inflammatory bowel disease. After that, be sure to check out all her other videos on her TikTok page!
What Are Terpenes?
To give a quick recap, terpenes are some of the most versatile compounds on the plant! As stated, they give cannabis its many different flavor and taste profiles. They often pair well with other cannabinoids creating an intriguing effect. Each plant has its own unique grouping of these.
In our Terpenes Vs Terpenoids article, we cite how these compounds came about. They’re actually meant as a protector for the plant. They also compel other organisms capable of pollination to visit the plant. Here’s how caryophyllene stands out amongst its peers!
Caryophyllene Is Multifaceted
According to Leafly, caryophyllene is on “the spicier side of the spectrum… [holding] the trophy for the most flair. “It’s in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, oregano, cinnamon and more.” This explains why plants with this terpene often pack a strong punch on inhale. It’s also the single terpene with the properties of a cannabinoid. It can incite responses in the body like anti-inflammation, and more!
This terpene is made interesting by “its ability to bind to CB2 receptors”. It’s also larger in stature than most of its peers. Strains that are potent in caryophyllene often adopt that spice heavy profile. That means it’s pretty simple to spot!
How It Impacts Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cannabis is often credited with having some profound effects on the body. As stated, caryophyllene helps tremendously with anti-inflammation. It makes sense then that it would be a great help for those dealing with IDB. Riley goes a bit deeper into this clip.
Remember we mentioned CB2 Receptors earlier? Riley touches on this further. “Although our brains don’t have a lot of CB2 receptors, our guts do! Especially in the immune cells of our gut.” Inflammatory Bowel Disease is essentially aggravated by inflammation. “Activation of the CB2 receptor can actually cause a decrease in the amount of those inflammatory molecules produced.”
A Note On Medical Claims
We know, we know. You’ve heard it many times before. As much we hate sounding like a broken record, we have to add this in as a protective measure. There simply isn’t enough scholarly data to back medical claims regarding cannabis. To be clear, this information is based on anecdotal evidence.
Arbor Vita8
That concludes another one of our great AV8 and Riley Dee mashups. Like what you saw and read! Stick around! We have so much more in our extensive blog collection. Be sure to like, comment, and follow Riley’s Tik Tok page!
Clip Transcript
Riley Dee:
Let’s talk about how my favorite terpene from cannabis, beta-caryophyllene, could be helpful for people who suffer from irritable bowel disease. What is so special about this terpene is that it can selectively bind to CB2 receptors. And although our brains don’t have a lot of CB2 receptors, our guts do, especially in the immune cells of our gut.
And one of the main causes of IBD is the release of these inflammatory signals from the immune cells in our body, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. When these inflammatory molecules get to our gut, it causes an increase in motility, which causes essentially, diarrhea down the line. So activation of the CB2 receptor can actually cause a decrease in the amount of those inflammatory molecules produced, which ultimately is going to prevent that increase in gut motility, so you don’t get diarrhea or at least not as bad.
