Jürg Gertsch,
of ETH Zürich, and his
collaborators from three
other universities learned
that the natural molecule
can activate a protein
called cannabinoid receptor
type 2. When that biological
button is pushed, it soothes
the immune system, increases
bone mass, and blocks pain
signals -- without causing
euphoria or interfering with
the central nervous system.
Gertsch and
his team published their
findings on June 23 in the
Proceedings of the
National Academy of
Sciences.They focused
on the anti-inflammatory
properties of the impressive
substance -- testing it on
immune cells called
monocytes and also in mice.
Since beta-caryophyllene
seems to be powerful, occurs
naturally in many foods, and
does not get people high, it
could turn out to be a
nearly ideal medication. The
organic compound is also
phenomenally cheap. Sigma
Aldrich sells it, in kosher
form, for forty-two dollars
per kilogram.
Unfortunately, big
pharmaceutical companies
tend not to seek FDA
approval for natural
chemicals, and most doctors
are reluctant to prescribe
drugs that have not received
a green light from the
regulatory agency. Thus, it
would require a heroic
effort by academic
researchers to prove that
beta-caryophyllene is safe
and effective in humans.
Perhaps,
before that happens, the
natural substance will find
its way into the herbal
medicine aisle of health
food stores.
