Full Spectrum extraction is the most complete rendition of a plant's constituents, nothing is lost and nothing is added. Understandably this has many benefits for therapeutic use. Full spectrum cannabis extract contains all available cannabinoids and terpenes and both of these valuable compounds work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote healthy functionality through the body.

Understanding the role of terpenes in cannabis and the ways that they interact in the human body has been a topic of interest to medical researchers seeking to unravel the pathways of the ECS. We now know that terpenes can activate CB1 receptors just like cannabinoids, and that they are present in many other plants.

So terpenes are the hydrocarbon compounds responsible for aroma and flavor in a plant, for example pinene, is the dominant terpene present in pine trees and gives that distinctive pine smell and resin. Cannabis can contain many terpenes simultaneously but often there is one terpene that dominates.

Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that has been much researched in recent years. Taking a closer look at the studies on this terpene demonstrates the potential of terpenes to support health.

Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most frequently found terpenes in cannabis plants. It is characterized by its spicy and peppery flavor and is also present in a variety of other plants: black pepper, basil, oregano, cinnamon, hops, rosemary, cloves, citrus and leafy greens. Researchers have designated BCP as a “dietary cannabinoid” because it occurs in so many edible plants. Not surprisingly BCP is approved by the FDA for use as flavoring and fragrance.

Recent medical research studying BCP has found that the compound has value in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic pain and substance abuse. BCP is known to be a weak agonist at CB1 receptor sites and a strong agonist at the CB2 receptor site; ( “agonist” in this context means a substance that has a physiological impact at a receptor site.) The CB2 receptor plays an important role in immune function and inflammation. Research shows that BCP also interacts with PPARS

(peroxisome proliferator activated receptors) found on the surface of a cell's nucleus. CBD also activates PPARs which are regulators of energy levels and metabolism.

Researchers in Turin, Italy published their study on the effects of BCP on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the International Journal of Molecular Science in March, 2023. The research found that diseased liver cells improved and that this was achieved through the activation of CB2 receptors and two types of PPARs receptors.

A 2014 Chinese study from the Chongqing Medical School investigated neurological effects of BCP by studying a mouse model trial for Alzheimers. They found that CB2 activation and PPAR pathways as mediators of BCP prevented cognitive impairment. Further research into the neuroprotective properties of terpenes may lead to viable treatment for neurodegenerative conditions in humans.

A new Iranian study published in 2022 focussed on the anti-oxidant and immune modulating effects of BCP. The study showed the terpene reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Again CB2 and PPAR receptors were observed to be the main mechanisms of action.

Lastly, a Brazilian study in 2022 looked at BCP’s effect on animal models of addiction to cocaine, nicotine and methamphetamines. They found BCP prevented or reversed cellular behavioral changes resulting from drug exposure, again CB2 and PPAR receptors were the mechanism of action.

The new discoveries about terpenes increase our understanding of the ECS and show clearly the benefits of the entourage effects of full spectrum extractions. The more we learn about terpenes the more we realize that the natural world has much to offer us for our physical wellbeing.

Further Reading:

Younossi, Zobair M et al. “The global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a systematic review.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) vol. 77,4 (2023): 1335-1347. doi:10.1097/HEP.0000000000000004

Cheng, Yujie et al. “β-Caryophyllene ameliorates the Alzheimer-like phenotype in APP/PS1 Mice through CB2 receptor activation and the PPARγ pathway.” Pharmacology vol. 94,1-2 (2014): 1-12. doi:10.1159/000362689

Asth, Laila et al. “Effects of β -caryophyllene, A Dietary Cannabinoid, in Animal Models of Drug Addiction.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 21,2 (2023): 213-218. doi:10.2174/1570159X20666220927115811