Caryophyllen

OccurrenceThree isomers (α-, β-, and γ-caryophyllene) are found in nature. The β-isomer is the most frequently encountered and most abundant. This sesquiterpene hydrocarbon occurs naturally in approximately 60 essential oils, mainly in that of cloves, from which it was originally isolated. The chemical structure has been thoroughly studied; other studies have been conducted on the isolation and the dipolar moment, as well as on its oxide. Reported found in lime peel oil, lemon, grapefruit, guava fruit, raspberry, black currant, carrot, celery seed, cinnamon bark, anise, nutmeg, cumin seed, ginger, pepper, peppermint oil, mace, laurel and caraway herb.

Verwendenβ-Caryophyllene is notable for having a cyclobutane ring, a rarity in nature. β-Caryophyllene is one of the chemical compounds that contributes to the spiciness of black pepper. β-Caryophyllene was shown to selectively bind to the cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) and to exert significant cannabimimetic antiinflammatory effects in mice.