Protective Effects of (E)-β-Caryophyllene (BCP) in Chronic Inflammation

Abstract

(E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene widely distributed in the plant kingdom, where it contributes a unique aroma to essential oils and has a pivotal role in the survival and evolution of higher plants. Recent studies provided evidence for protective roles of BCP in animal cells, highlighting its possible use as a novel therapeutic tool. Experimental results show the ability of BCP to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), thus ameliorating chronic pathologies characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, in particular metabolic and neurological diseases. Through the binding to CB2 cannabinoid receptors and the interaction with members of the family of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), BCP shows beneficial effects on obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) liver diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pain and other nervous system disorders. This review describes the current knowledge on the biosynthesis and natural sources of BCP, and reviews its role and mechanisms of action in different inflammation-related metabolic and neurologic disorders.

Well-being and its relationship with sports and physical activity of students during the coronavirus pandemic

“…Until now, physical activity of students during this pandemic in relation to their well-being has been already investigated in some studies: During the pandemic the amount and type of physical activity and sport decreased—with only 30% of university students achieving a “sufficient” level of activity (Gallo, Gallo, Young, Moritz, & Akison, 2020 ). In a study with students from the United States it was shown that the total minutes of physical activity were related to positive affect before and during the stay-at-home orders.…”

Antibacterial Activities of Homemade Matrices Miming Essential Oils Compared to Commercial Ones

“…Some studies have demonstrated it has different biological properties, such as antifungal [ 42 , 43 ], antileishmanial [ 44 ], and antitrypanosomal properties [ 45 , 46 ]. Lately, studies have been focusing on other qualities, such as its anti-inflammatory [ 47 ], antidiabetic [ 48 ], and anticancer and chemopreventive properties [ 41 , 43 ]. Nevertheless, fewer studies refer to the antibacterial properties of β -caryophyllene.…”

The Botanical, Chemical and Ethnobotanical Diversity of Southern African Lamiaceae

“…It contributes to the unique aromas of essential oils and plays a pivotal role in the evolution and survival of higher plants. Furthermore, studies have provided evidence that support β-caryophyllene as a potential therapeutic tool based on the protective roles it exhibits on animal cells [ 316 ]. Moreover, experimental results have noted the ability of this molecule to reduce effects of chronic pathologies characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, especially metabolic and neurological diseases [ 316 ].…”

“…Furthermore, studies have provided evidence that support β-caryophyllene as a potential therapeutic tool based on the protective roles it exhibits on animal cells [ 316 ]. Moreover, experimental results have noted the ability of this molecule to reduce effects of chronic pathologies characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, especially metabolic and neurological diseases [ 316 ]. β-Caryophyllene has exhibited beneficial effects on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, some liver diseases, pain and other nervous system disorders [ 316 ].…”