Diverticulitis is a common digestive disorder that occurs when small pockets or sacs, called diverticula, develop in the walls of the large intestine and become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of diverticulitis can include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. While the exact cause of diverticulitis is not known, it is thought to be related to a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise.
But the good news is that recent research has shown that beta caryophyllene may be effective in treating a range of health conditions by reducing inflammation, including diverticulitis.
One study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2019 found that beta caryophyllene had anti-inflammatory effects against a form of colitis, a condition similar to diverticulitis. The researchers found that beta caryophyllene reduced inflammation and oxidative stress.
Another study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research in 2018 found that beta caryophyllene showed a potential protective effect on the gut lining. The researchers found that beta caryophyllene reduced inflammation and increased the production of a protein called ZO-1, which helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This suggests that beta caryophyllene may be helpful in preventing or treating damage to the gut lining that can occur in diverticulitis.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of beta caryophyllene for people with diverticulitis, these preliminary studies suggest that it may be a promising natural treatment option. If you are interested in incorporating beta caryophyllene into your treatment plan, as always it is important to talk to your healthcare provider first to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
References:
- Katsuyama S, Mizoguchi H, Kuwahara A, et al. β-caryophyllene attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice via modulation of gene expression associated mainly with the immune response and cell cycle. Phytomedicine. 2019;57:250-259. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.12.003
- Tanida M, Niijima A, Shen J, et al. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary terpenoid, inhibits gut motility and visceral pain in mice via mechanisms dependent on PPARα. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. 2018;62(1):1700442. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201700442
So this may lead you to ask, does BCP destroy the good gut bacteria as well? Good question! Presently, there is no conclusive evidence that it destroys good gut bacteria.
In fact, some studies have suggested that BCP may have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome. For example, one study found that beta-caryophyllene was able to increase the abundance of certain beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in the gut of mice. We will look further into this another time. Overall, it appears that including BCP in your diet is beneficial to your overall health!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Sources:. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2016.1256760, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02709, https://doi.org/10.1021/np800427c, https://studybuff.com/what-does-lipophilic-mean/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31140838/
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for reference purposes only and not intended to constitute or replace professional medical advice or personal research. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making any changes to your diet, medications or lifestyle. Effects are provided as a guide only. Statements have not been evaluated by the TGA.