Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Caryophyllene, a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene found in many essential oils (such as clove, black pepper, and cannabis), has gained interest for its potential role in supporting the treatment of alcoholism. Scientific studies, primarily preclinical in nature, have provided some evidence for its efficacy in this context. Caryophyllene is known to act as a selective agonist of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). CB2 receptors are implicated in modulating neuroinflammation and reward pathways associated with substance use disorders.

Notably, animal studies have demonstrated that caryophyllene administration can reduce voluntary alcohol intake and relapse-like drinking behaviors. For example, research published in Phytotherapy Research (2014) and Frontiers in Neuroscience (2018) showed that caryophyllene decreased alcohol consumption in rodents, possibly by modulating dopaminergic signaling and neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. These effects are believed to be mediated through CB2 receptor activation, which differs from the psychoactive effects associated with CB1 receptor agonists.

Despite these promising findings, evidence in humans is lacking, and there are no large-scale clinical trials confirming efficacy or safety for this indication. Therefore, while the use of caryophyllene for supporting alcoholism is supported by emerging scientific evidence from animal studies, the overall evidence level remains low to moderate (rated 2/5), pending further research, especially in human subjects.

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