The endocannabinoid system is a vital biological system in our body, made up of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are lipid-based reversing neurotransmitters in the body that link with cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors, a part of the endocannabinoid system, are proteins found in the central and peripheral nervous systems of a mammal. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating various physiological processes such as appetite, mood, and pain sensation.
How CBD is used in Medicine
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in plants of the Cannabis genus. CBD produces synthetic cannabinoids analgesia which helps to relieve pain in the endocannabinoid system. CBD can help treat both acute and chronic pain, diseases, anxiety, spasticity, nausea, and seizures. Before using any CBD product, it’s recommended to read this CBD beginner guide for more information.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system plays a purpose in responding to internal cannabinoid produced by the body. Thus, the idea was switching the endogenous cannabinoids with external ones from cannabis. It was confirmed that they also respond to them effectively. It works efficiently in treating various medical ailments including pain, depression, acne, bacterial infections, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease among others.
CB1 Receptors
As mentioned earlier, the body contains cannabinoid receptors which are a primary part of the endocannabinoid system. Scientists have confirmed that there are of two types which are cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB 1) and type 2 (CB 2). CB 1 receptors are found in high numbers in the brain and the whole central nervous system. The primary functions of activating CB1 includes relieving depression, reducing intestinal permeability, lowering anxiety and blood pressure, increasing myelin formation, and lowering prolactin. However, this activation also causes risks such as increased food consumption, less burning of fat to produce energy, paranoia, increased liver fat, and lowered thyroid hormones.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors are mostly found in the spleen, immune cells, and tonsils in the body, thymus, and the whole peripheral nervous system. CB2 receptors play a role in treating almost all types of human diseases. The principal function is when it is activated it induces macrophages which destroy the beta-amyloid protein that is a vital protein found in Alzheimer’s disease patients. The body produces endogenous cannabinoids which bind to the cannabinoid receptors for these functions to occur. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of at least 113 cannabinoids found in cannabis, has a strong binding affinity for both CB1 and CB2, a function that can be hard to find in endogenous cannabinoid.
THC induction helps to activate TRPV1 receptors which are involved in regulating pain, inflammation, and body temperature. THC is effective in treating medical illnesses and in reducing pain during therapeutic processes such as chemotherapy. However, THC can have negative effects on the body. CBD helps to alleviate the adverse effects of THC. Therefore, it is essential in using both to reduce pain in the endocannabinoid system.
This post was last modified on April 20, 2022 1:47 pm