The human body is made up of trillions of individual cells, webpage all working together. Therefore, the cells need to be able to communicate with each other. We use our nervous system to send messages in the form of electrical impulses to and from our brain, and we use chemical messengers to send signals around the body via the blood. The process of inflammation relies heavily on these chemical messengers to signal the immune system and regulate blood flow to damaged areas of the body. There are dozens of inflammatory messengers, each sending a particular type of message - some call immune cells to an area to help clean out the infection, others tell the cardiovascular system to start pooling blood in a damaged area. Allergic reactions, for example, rely on the activation of the mast cells - which wait patiently until an allergen floats nearby. When exposed to an allergen, webpage the cell releases a potent dose of inflammatory markers (such as histamine) that cause the cascade of inflammatory reactions that we know as an allergic reaction (for example, hives, runny nose, puffy eyes, or scratchy throat).
Here’s a map of the inflammatory process. Well, you’re not alone. Researchers are still uncovering new information about inflammation, and there are some forms of inflammation that we don’t yet understand (such as interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome, for example). The best treatment for inflammation considers the type of inflammation. We need to consider whether the inflammation is acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lived). We also need to take into account whether the inflammation is caused by physical damage or an allergic or autoimmune reaction. These are essential steps to consider because each of these forms of inflammation involves different chemical messengers. Stopping inflammation means blocking these chemical messengers. The most important distinction to make is whether the inflammation is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute inflammation refers to short-term inflammation - typically less than six months in duration. When we get cuts in the skin or stub our toe, we experience acute inflammation. It appears very fast and leaves once the injury has healed. Acute inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation if the irritant persists (such as eating inflammatory foods on a regular basis). The most critical messengers involved with acute inflammation are histamine, nitric oxide, and inflammatory enzymes such as COX or 5-LOX. Aspirin, for example, works by blocking the COX enzyme. Inflammation is categorized as chronic when symptoms continue for longer than six months. Prolonged inflammation can cause severe damage to the systems affected. Over long periods of time, chronic inflammation can lead to other health conditions. Prolonged inflammation may damage membranes (such as the digestive membrane or blood-brain barrier), leads to scar tissue formation, reduce the sensitivity of hormones like insulin, and trigger autoimmune reactions. Some of the critical inflammatory messengers involved with chronic inflammation are TNF-a, NF-kB, IL-6, and IFN-y. CBD has been shown to inhibit all of these inflammatory messengers.
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two major compounds found in the cannabis plant. Each has unique properties, potential health benefits, and side effects. The following article covers CBD and THC, their effects, their legal status, and their safety considerations. CBD and THC are known as cannabinoids. They have very similar chemical structures and activate the same receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system. Despite their similarity in structure, CBD and THC exert entirely different effects. The most significant difference between these two compounds is that THC is psychoactive. This means it can affect how the brain works. THC activates the body’s "reward" pathways to produce the "high" that’s associated with marijuana use. It does this by activating a cannabinoid receptor called CB1. When THC activates this type of receptor, things like movement, body temperature, and brain function are affected. In contrast, CBD is not considered psychoactive. It does not cause euphoria or a "high," even at large doses.
Much of the research on CBD and THC is preclinical, meaning it’s been studied in animal models. Large-scale human trials are necessary to determine if CBD or THC can help treat most of these conditions. Though it does act on cannabinoid receptors, CBD mainly affects other receptors, including serotonin receptors. It may help counteract some of the negative effects of THC, including serious side effects like psychosis. CBD has many purported therapeutic properties. Pain. Overall, there isn’t enough evidence that CBD by itself helps with pain. Some research has shown that high doses can improve neuropathy (nerve pain), though more data is necessary. Anxiety. So far, the results are mixed. Some studies show that CBD can improve symptoms of social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others show no effect. Seizures. Epidiolex, a purified CBD oil, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for some hard-to-treat types of childhood epilepsy.
Brain protection. Animal studies have shown that CBD may have benefits for those who have Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, but human clinical trials are necessary to verify these effects. Effects on animals may or may not translate into benefits for humans. THC is the psychoactive ingredient from the marijuana plant. The possession and use of marijuana and THC-containing products are not legal in all U.S. THC is effective for increasing appetite and for nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy. Pain. Prescription THC products have been shown to improve neuropathy and quality of life. Spasticity (muscle tightness). Sativex (nabiximols), a mouth spray that combines THC and CBD, is approved for spasticity in Europe. PTSD. A very small trial found that Cesamet reduced nightmares in 10 military personnel with PTSD. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Smoking THC was found to improve symptoms of IBS, but benefits may be only short-lived. People who used THC long-term were more likely to ultimately require surgery for IBS.