Beta-Caryophyllene, an Anti-Inflammatory Natural Compound, Improves Cognition in an Elderly Group who has Concerns about Memory

Neuroinflammation is known to play a neuropathological role in cognitive decline. Beta-caryophyllene (BCP), found in many plants, is a substance that crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on microglial cells to reduce neuro-inflammation. The purpose of this prospective, randomized study is to determine the effect of BCP on cognitive function in older individuals, who have noticed worsening of memory. In this 8-week study, 52 participants were randomized to two different doses of BCP: 90 mg (n=29) or 180 mg (n=29). Diet quality was determined at baseline. And, at baseline, week 4, and week 8, cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), which was taken online. At baseline, the average age was 67±5 years, and the subjects were obese according to mean body mass indexes. For each of the four sub-scale scores, all measurements at week 4 and week 8 improved for both dietary intervention groups (i.e., one or two BCP capsules). Taking two BCP capsules resulted in significant improvement for all four sub-scale scores at week 4 and week 8 compared to baseline. In contrast, those taking one BCP capsule had a significant improvement only three times. The percentage improvement in the sub-scale scores for those taking two BCP capsules were about twice greater than experienced by those taking one BCP capsule. Only eight of the twenty-five individual CFQ questions significantly improved. Pre-study dietary habits that related to cognition showed little differences between the two groups. Most participants ate a typical American diet rather than one that reduces the risk of dementia (e.g., consuming sugar-rich foods, limited seafood, few seeds and nuts). However, the group tended to avoid alcohol and dining at fast food restaurants, which reduce dementia risk. Compliance with the BCP capsules was excellent and no other dietary or lifestyle changes were imposed. As no treatments are available to treat dementia, the current study suggests that the use of 180 mg of BCP from cloves is an easy way to improve cognitive function in an elderly population.