One of the conditions that causes the most discomfort for the body is inflammation. Inflammatory states often result in pain and difficulty in daily actions. Many times to find relief, it is necessary to take drugs, but these can be addictive or addictive. Recent studies have confirmed that cannabis can relieve this pain, due to its therapeutic molecule, anti-inflammatory cbd.
In fact, the active ingredient cannabidiol is able to act on glycine receptors to calm painful sensations. CBD also has an immunosuppressive effect and stimulates the body’s immune defenses. Let’s find out together the functions of CBD as an anti-inflammatory and what research supports this claim.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CBD: WHAT THE STUDIES SAY
According to the study “Biosynthesis of cannflavins A and B from Cannabis sativa L,” conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph, cannabis turns out to be an anti-inflammatory up to 30 times more potent than Aspirin. The molecules under investigation are cannaflavin A and cannaflavin B, classified as flavonoids, that is, compounds found in plants. As early as 1985, research highlighted their anti-inflammatory cbd efficacy. However, due to prohibitive laws, the studies were hampered.
The group of scholars from the University of Guelph, led by Professor Tariq Akhtar, carried forward the discoveries made earlier. The researchers tested sativa hemp on pro-inflammatory strains, using advanced biochemistry techniques. The test results showed that the molecules not only fought inflammation but were able to act at the point of origin of pain.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine examined the effectiveness of CBD in reducing inflammation and neuropathic pain by observing the reaction between CBD and glycine receptors in rats. The receptors were connected to posterior horn neurons in the animals’ spines. They are responsible for transmitting information and, in this case, communicating the sensation of pain to the brain. The scientists concluded that “administration of cannabidiol (CBD) and its modified derivatives significantly reduced chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain.”
Subsequent research examined biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis and intestinal segments from rats with induced intestinal inflammation. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, causing inflammation in the rectum and colon in humans. The results state that CBD “counteracts the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory state in rats and in human cells taken from patients with ulcerative colitis.”
WHAT CAN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CBD TREAT?
Anti-inflammatory CBD properties are a valuable aid in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, helps treat acne, and moisturizes and softens the skin thanks to its essential fatty acids. It also performs an important anti-aging function and protects the brain from possible neurodegenerative diseases. A study published in the pages of the European Journal of Pain showed that CBD applied directly to the skin can also help reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis.
Italian research has confirmed that cannabidiol may be one of the most promising remedies for intestinal inflammation. Data, in fact, showed that CBD is able to exert a number of beneficial pharmacological actions on gastrointestinal functions.
ACUTE AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
Inflammation comes in different forms depending on the cause: autoimmunity, allergic reactions, traumatic injuries, and infections. First, it is important to distinguish whether it is acute or chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation is short-term inflammation (normally lasting up to 6 months). The most common causes of acute inflammation are:
- traumatic injuries
- asthma attacks
- allergic reactions
- eczema
- early stages of arthritis
- initial stages of depression
Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is classified as such when symptoms persist for more than 6 months. In this case, it can cause severe damage to the affected systems. Among the diseases most commonly related to chronic inflammation are:
- Parkinson’s disease
- arthrosis
- multiple sclerosis
- hepatitis
- psoriasis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- depression
- intestinal disease
WHY USE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CBD
- It prevents the depletion of a powerful regulator of inflammation called anandamide;
- It is structurally similar to many of our inflammatory messengers;
- Activates vanilloid receptors, which are responsible for regulating several sets of inflammatory messengers;
- Slows the activation of immune cells responsible for maintaining autoimmune inflammation;
- Triggers apoptosis (i.e., programmed cell death) in immune cells involved in chronic inflammation;