In 1963, the Bulgarian-Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam isolated for the first time CBD (cannabidiol) and then THC, introducing the world to a new category of substances: cannabinoids. This event opened the way for new studies and, then, researchers began to focus on the effects of CBD in the body.
CBD modulates central nervous system receptors such as CB1, CB2, increasing serotonin levels. A study carried out by researchers at the Universidad de Catanbria, Spain, evaluated the effects of CBD in a rat model of depression. The conclusion was that CBD exerts effects similar to those of antidepressants.
Its anxiolytic effects are also the object of study by researchers. A study by the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto Campus (USP) male Wistar rats, which were subjected to an experiment that used CBD to test the hypothesis that cannabidiol and WIN 55,212-2 (a chemical produce similar effects) to cannabinoids) could activate TRPV1 receptors, facilitating glutamate (the most abundant amino acid in the central nervous system) neurotransmitter and anxiety responses.
The results showed that WIN 55,212-2 and cannabidiol induced anxiolytic effects at lower doses. Thus, these substances would have the capacity for anxiety.
Other effects of CBD are anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which makes the substance to be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and also pathologies such as arthritis and chronic pain.
An integrative literature review called “Use of cannabidiol extract to modulate the inflammatory response” gathered scientific articles available in the virtual health databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciELO, published between 2010 and 2021.
The results showed that “in several clinical studies, the use of CBD-based compounds is shown to be a promising pharmacological option. From the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis to severe epilepsy in children.” The review also says that “the binding action of cannabinoids has shown a great capacity to alleviate inflammatory processes, as well as mechanical hypersensitivity and pain”.
Thus, the researchers concluded that “when their compounds are properly manipulated and isolated, they demonstrate the ability to modulate the body’s inflammatory response. In addition, they can block the sensation of pain through their analgesic properties.”
In addition to its antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, CBD also helps regulate mood, sleep and more.
Learn about other CBD effects:
Want to learn more about using CBD? So here’s an unmissable tip: From August 3rd to 5th, 2021 the II Congress of Medicinal Cannabis takes place, CNABIS 21. Watch the event and get to know all the scientific references that support the use of cannabis as a therapeutic tool to treat various conditions of health.
CNABIS 21 is a free online congress that will address relevant topics about cannabis and its medicinal potential. Sign up for free here.
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