Distribution of inhaled volatile β-caryophyllene and dynamic changes of liver metabolites in mice.

β-caryophyllene (BCP), an essential oil component of many herbs and spices, has various biological activities as a functional food factor. A distinct feature of BCP is its volatile double-ring sesquiterpene structure. Orally administered BCP is reportedly detected in its intact form in mice serum; however, the distribution of inhaled volatile BCP throughout the body remains unknown. This study aimed to estimate the distribution properties of inhaled volatile BCP and to investigate its effects on metabolism. After mice were exposed to volatile BCP, it was detected in the lung, olfactory bulb, brain, serum, heart, liver, kidney, epididymal fat, and brown adipose tissue. BCP was further detected in the brain, liver, and brown adipose tissue 24 h after exposure. Metabolites related to glutathione metabolism were significantly altered in the liver. These results suggest that inhaled volatile BCP is widely distributed in murine tissues and affects the dynamics of metabolites in the liver.