*Produced in partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Dispensary
Terpenes are the essential oils found in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. They define factors such as flavor and smell, but the benefits terpenes have to offer don’t stop there.
When combined with the other compounds in the plant, such as cannabinoids, terpenes can enhance medicinal benefits. This symphony of interactions is known as the entourage effect.
There are over one hundred and fifty terpenes identified in cannabis plants. Understanding terpenes will assist in selecting cultivars that will provide each individual patient with the best possible outcome.
What is Caryophyllene oxide?
Caryophyllene oxide is an oxygenated terpenoid. It is a bicyclic sesquiterpene, it is a metabolite of β-caryophyllene.
Unlike B-caryophyllene which has a strong affinity to the CB2 receptor,
Caryophyllene oxide does not bind to either CB1 or CB2 receptor sites, exerting biological activities in the human body through different mechanisms of action.
A particularly interesting, but little known fact, is that Caryophyllene oxide is the compound responsible for identification of cannabis by drug-sniffing dogs.
Other Sources of Caryophyllene oxide found in nature:
Caryophyllene oxide is present in a large number of plants worldwide, including:
- Lemon Balm
- Cloves
- Hops
- Basil
- Oregano
- Black Pepper
- Lavender
- Rosemary
Caryophyllene oxide rich cultivars:
Strains containing Caryophyllene Oxide include Durban Poison
Aroma and Flavor Profile:
Caryophyllene Oxide exits a fresh, woodsy, sweet and spicy aroma and falvor profile
Benefits and Effects:
Anticoagulant – Caryophyllene Oxide interacts with THC to decrease platelet aggregation, inhibiting thrombus (blood clot) formation. According to a 2003 study, they are effective in the arterial circulation, where traditional anticoagulant medications have little effect.
Anti-fungal – a 1999 study indicated that Caryophyllene Oxide, in combination with CBC and CBG, exerts anti-fungal properties in onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a condition involving a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails, causing thickened, brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails. Its antifungal activity has been compared to the traditional ant-fungal medications, ciclopirox olamine and sulconazole.
Analgesia:
Caryophyllene Oxide isolated from Annona squamosa bark extract, exhibited pain relieving properties in a pain stimulus study with mice.
Anti-cancer:
Studies have shown that Caryophyllene Oxide possesses anti-cancer properties, controlling such processes as cancer cell proliferation (cell reproduction), tumorigenesis (the production or formation of a tumor), angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels), and metastasis (the development of secondary malignant growths). Aside from the direct anticancer activities, it also has the ability to enhance the efficacy of classical anticancer drugs, such as paclitaxel or doxorubicin.
In a nutshell:
Caryophyllene Oxide was found to exhibit anticoagulant, anti=fungal, analgesic and anti=cancer properties. When used in combination with certain cannabinoids and traditional medications, these effects are amplified
Since BCP(O) enhances the efficacy of some chemo-therapeutics, they could be employed in combination therapy with the classical anticancer drugs. These preliminary results warrant further study in order to test the effectiveness of Caryophyllene Oxide as part of a cancer care regimen in the clinical setting.
**Note: As always, with medical conditions and symptoms, please consult with your doctor for personalized medical advice. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made regarding these products. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294
Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-64.
Fidyet, K. (2016). “β‐caryophyllene and β‐caryophyllene oxide—natural compounds of anticancer and analgesic properties”. Cancer Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.816