“Background/Objectives: Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe types of chronic pain. Although it is difficult to manage, it often co-occurs with depression. Yet, no medication addresses the neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity. Therefore, developing integrated treatment strategies that address both pain and depression is a major public health priority and an unmet need affecting millions.
Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of combining a terpene, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), and cannabidiol (CBD) on neuropathic pain and associated depression. We employed a chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain model and a series of behavioral tests to evaluate how oral administration of this combination influences neuropathic pain and depression-like behaviors in mice. We employed immunohistochemistry and proteomics approaches to explore the mechanism.
Results: The analgesic effect of combining CBD and BCP is synergistic in neuropathic pain and also shows an antidepressant effect. Additionally, we found that this combination decreases neuroinflammation associated with CCI and affects specific genes involved in the inflammation.
Conclusions: This work provides preclinical scientific evidence supporting the potential usefulness of this combination for neuropathic pain and associated depression.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41463111
“Cannabis plants contain various non-psychoactive compounds, including Caryophyllene (BCP). BCP is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that acts as a natural ligand for the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) and is an FDA-approved food additive. It has several benefits, such as pain relief, antidepressant effects, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Given this background, the main goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that combining CBD and BCP is effective for neuropathic pain while also demonstrating antidepressant effects.”
“In conclusion, the proposed project introduces the concept that the combination of CBD and BCP can effectively relieve neuropathic pain while also addressing depression. This knowledge will advance the field by providing preclinical scientific evidence supporting the potential usefulness of this combination for neuropathic pain and associated depression.”