COVID-19 Loss of Smell and Brain Inflammation Can be Reversed with Plant Compound
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 23, 2025 3 hours ago
Medical News: The COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of people struggling with lingering health problems, and one of the most frustrating symptoms has been the loss of smell, also known as anosmia. Researchers from the Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico have recently explored whether a natural plant compound called β-Caryophyllene could help restore smell and reduce brain inflammation in cases linked to COVID-19.
β-Caryophyllene, a phytochemical derived from black pepper can help reverse COVID-19
loss of smell and treat brain inflammation
This
Medical News report highlights how the compound works inside the brain and why it could be important for people experiencing smell loss not only from COVID-19 but also from other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
What Is β-Caryophyllene
β-Caryophyllene is a naturally occurring substance found in the essential oils of black pepper, cloves, oregano, and other plants. It is recognized for its spicy, peppery aroma and is already approved as a food flavoring. Beyond its culinary uses, scientists have discovered that this phytochemical interacts with special receptors in the body, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It has been linked to benefits in pain relief, metabolic health, and now potentially in protecting the brain from damage.
Study Findings on Smell and Brain Health
In the study, mice were given a treatment that triggered loss of smell and brain inflammation. When β-Caryophyllene was introduced as a therapy, the results were impressive. The mice showed improvement in their sense of smell, their overall health improved, and there was a reduction in harmful brain inflammation.
The compound worked by influencing a system inside the body called the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). Normally, this system regulates blood pressure and kidney function, but it also affects inflammation in the brain. The researchers found that β-Caryophyllene increased the activity of ACE2 and Angiotensin-(1-7), which are molecules that calm inflammation, while lowering Renin, which is linked to harmful inflammatory effects.
Effects on Inflammation and Stress Hormones
Another important discovery was that β-Caryophyllene reduced dangerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, while boosting anti-inflammatory ones. Cytokines are small proteins that control the body’s immune response. By reducing the damaging ones and increasing protective ones, β-Caryophyllene helped balance brain health.
The study also showed that levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone, were lowered in mice that received β-Caryophyllene. This was important because high stress levels can worsen inflammation and smell loss.
Protection of Brain Structures
The olfactory system, which is responsible for detecting smells, is very close to the re
spiratory tract, making it vulnerable to viral infections such as COVID-19. The research showed that β-Caryophyllene protected these delicate brain structures from cell death and atrophy, preventing further damage. Molecular docking experiments even revealed that β-Caryophyllene binds well with ACE2, suggesting a direct way it may be supporting brain health.
Why This Matters for COVID-19 Patients
Smell loss in COVID-19 patients has been more than just a minor inconvenience. It can affect taste, appetite, and quality of life, while also being linked to stress and depression. With β-Caryophyllene showing promise in reversing anosmia and reducing brain inflammation, it could provide hope for many patients still struggling months or even years after infection.
The study also suggests that this compound might be useful for preventing or treating inflammation in other brain conditions where smell loss is common, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Final Thoughts
The research from the Universidad de Guadalajara shows that β-Caryophyllene could play a powerful role in repairing the sense of smell and protecting the brain after COVID-19 infection. By balancing inflammation, reducing stress hormones, and protecting brain tissue, this plant-based compound opens the door to new treatment possibilities. While human trials are still needed, the findings give hope to millions who continue to face the daily challenges of smell loss and long-term effects of COVID-19.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: International Immunopharmacology.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567576925013645
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/natural-plant-compounds-show-promise-in-fighting-viruses-via-cellular-cleanup-process
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-hope-in-fighting-flu-and-covid-19-with-phytochemical-from-cruciferous-vegetables
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/canadian-study-finds-that-the-phytochemical-allicin-from-garlic-dramatically-suppresses-covid-19-spike-protein-in-human-cells
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