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CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which co-ordinates movement, pain, emotion, mood and appetite. It is also known to reduce anxiety and help with sleep.
Research indicates that CBD may reduce neuropathic pain in people with multiple sclerosis and other conditions. It can also relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain.
It also appears to reduce the risk of seizures in children with rare seizure disorders. A prescription CBD product called Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA.
Cannabidiol
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system—a large messaging network that plays an important role in regulating our sleep, our immune systems, and even our moods. Unlike THC, which is extracted from the marijuana plant and often used to produce a ‘high’ effect, CBD has no psychoactive properties and does not cause any intoxication.
CBD can be found in products such as oils, capsules, creams, tinctures, and vape pens. Touted as an organic cure for a wide variety of health issues, many people are turning to CBD to treat their ailments. CBD works by interacting with the brain’s receptors, changing their signaling pathways, and making particular signals move more or less quickly. The result is a more balanced emotional response and reduced pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
Epilepsy is a complex disorder caused by abnormal clusters of neurons that signal inappropriately. Although there are several antiepileptic drugs on the market, not all patients respond to them. CBD has been shown to reduce seizures in some patients with epilepsy in uncontrolled case series.
In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, Morgan et al. compared oral cannabinoids with a placebo in smokers who wished to quit smoking and found that those who took the cannabinoid Sativex had a statistically significant reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day and in the amount smoked overall.
CBD Benefits
CBD is thought to work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a network in the body that regulates various functions including mood, memory, pain, movement, sleep, appetite, and immune function. It is believed to relieve the symptoms of many conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety and depression. It also helps reduce inflammation and may help prevent the onset of diabetes.
Several preclinical studies suggest that CBD has potential for treating neurological disorders. A study published in 2022 showed that a CBD-THC spray, called nabiximols (Sativex), reduced pain and muscle spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Another study found that a liquid form of CBD reduced seizures in people with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy. The FDA has approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, to treat certain types of epilepsy.
CBD appears to help with rheumatic pain, such as that caused by a flare-up of inflammatory arthritis. It may also relieve nerve pain, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, more research is needed to verify these findings. CBD can cause sedation, so it is important to avoid mixing it with medications that make you sleepy, such as antihistamines and some antidepressants.
A small study of 11 people with PTSD showed that CBD improved their PTSD symptoms when taken in conjunction with routine psychiatric care at an outpatient psychiatric clinic. The researchers noted that the participants had a wide range of medical histories and did not follow standard treatment guidelines, so their results should be treated with caution.
CBD Side Effects
CBD has been shown to be safe in clinical trials for epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. However, it is important to speak with a health care professional before using any product that contains CBD.
CBD may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants. It can also cause sedation, so it is best not to take it with other drugs that make you sleepy. It can also lower your blood pressure, so it is important to talk with your doctor before taking it if you have a condition that affects your heart rate.
Preclinical studies have shown that CBD has chemopreventive effects in cancer cells, primarily by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. In addition, it has been shown to improve glioblastoma (GBM) radiosensitivity by reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing endocannabinoid availability.
In a double-blind clinical trial, CBD was found to be superior to amisulpride in improving anxiety and mood in patients with schizophrenia. This effect is attributed to the fact that CBD moderately inhibits the degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide in the brain, which increases its concentration.
An online survey of 117 parents who administered CBD cannabis preparations to their children with Dravet’s or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome reported AEs in 59%. The most common AEs were sedation and somnolence. Gastrointestinal disturbances were frequently reported in these patients, but they could be due to the co-administered anti-epileptic drugs.
CBD Ingredients
The main ingredient in CBD oil is cannabidiol, but it’s typically mixed with other ingredients to create a quality product. Hemp-derived CBD is considered to be safe by the FDA, and many consumers report it’s effective in treating a wide range of conditions. However, if you’re shopping for CBD products, it’s important to look for a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure the ingredients are free from heavy metals, mold and chemical solvents.
Other popular CBD ingredients include citric acid, sodium benzoate and lecithin. Citric acid is an additive that can be found in a variety of foods, and it’s used to add flavor and maintain freshness. However, it’s also been linked to inflammation and gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, benzoate is an artificial preservative that has been linked to allergies, ADHD, and oxidative stress.
Finally, lecithin is an emulsifier that can be found in a variety of food products, including CBD oils. However, it’s important to note that it may be derived from soy or eggs, so those with food allergies should shop carefully.
Many CBD oils are made using tinctures, which use high proof alcohol to steep the plant material, then strain and bottle it. They usually contain added sweeteners, flavors, vegetable glycerin and other additives to improve their taste and offer specific benefits. For example, a tincture that contains melatonin helps to promote sleep.huile cbd