Research lead
Researchers at Bonn University, Germany, and the ETH-Zürich in Switzerland have discovered that a molecule that commonly occurs in spices and herbs, including oregano, basil, rosemary, cinnamon, and black pepper has an anti-inflammatory properties, and may be useful in treating osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis also.
Although humans consume up to 200 milligrams of the molecule, beta-caryophyllin each day, no-one had previously realised that it can have a beneficial effect on the body. “Our results have revealed that inhibits inflammation,” said Andreas Zimmer of the Life & Brain-Zentrum in Bonn. “But that’s not all: experiments on mice have shown that this substance is also effective against osteoporosis.”
It turns out that beta-caryophyllin docks on cannabinoid-CB2 receptor. While being common in nature it has a further advantage as a drug molecule in that, in contrast to other substances which affect the CB2 receptors, it does not lead to intoxication.
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