The links between CBD and the treatment of inflammation are strengthening. In this article, we take a look at the effects of CBD after first describing what inflammation is.

 

What is inflammation? 

Inflammation refers to the complex biological response of the tissue in the body to harmful stimuli. These stimuli can be seen in the form of damaged cells, injury, irritants, stress, toxins, or pathogens. 

The inflammation process is introduced to remove the initial cause of injury, remove damaged cells, and begin repair of tissue. The symptoms of inflammation may include pain, heat, swelling, redness, as well as the loss of function. Inflammation is a vital immune response, which does not only aid in the destruction of harmful stimuli but also plays a primary role in the survival of an organism.

Although the normal inflammation response is very important in the body’s functioning, chronic inflammation, which lasts for a longer time, can lead to the destruction of tissue cells and other associated health problems. 

 


The use of CBD for inflammation

CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to encourage the release of neurotransmitters that bind to the receptors in the nervous system to promote enhanced function. Via this process, research suggests that CBD can stimulate PPAR. PPAR helps in reducing the number of inflammatory substances, while increasing antioxidants.

Studies also indicate that CBD affects immune response and host resistance, disturbing the balance between the cytokines produced by T-helper subsets to positively impact the initiation process and inflammation resolution.


What the science says

According to a study published in August 2000, the authors revealed that CBD, via its combined anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions, had a robust and anti-arthritic effect. The study involved a 5mg/kg oral daily or 25mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of CBD to mice, and it showed that the compound was greatly beneficial in regulating the progression of the disease. 

In 2018, a review of CBD and inflammation looked beyond CBD’s effects on the inflammatory pathway and suggested that the endocannabinoid system also plays a “fundamental role in neuronal development affecting axon and dendrite growth [46] and preclinical models have demonstrated that cannabinoid administration alters brain maturation in young animals and leads to neuropsychiatric consequences in adults [47]. Moreover, endocannabinoid system has also been accepted to play a significant role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, and this is therefore, of particular interest in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. “Something that indicates great news for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis sufferers alike can take heart in. 

We would love to hear about your experiences of inflammation and CBD. So whether you are a researcher or CBD user, please get in contact with us. We would love to hear your story.

Ian Parkes

Ian has been writing for a number of high growth industries for the past decade. Having plied his trade in the craft beer industry, Ian drew parallels between that and the world of CBD and soon became fascinated. Ian enjoys writing about innovation in the industry, particularly as it relates to the development of the leading brands.

See all posts by Ian Parkes

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