by Sue DeGregorio-Rosen, RN, CLNC, Contributing Editor
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol is extracted from the flowers and buds of cannabis or hemp plants. It does not produce intoxication; marijuana’s “high” is caused by the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD oil has been shown to reduce inflammation, anxiety and offer relief to those suffering from both. No wonder we keep hearing about it. Relief from both health challenges without the detrimental side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a major element, making up 40 percent of the plant’s extract and has a wider medical benefit than THC. CBD-rich cannabis can be prescribed for patients seeking anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-anxiety and anti-spasm effect. CBD does not make people feel “stoned” or “high,” and can actually counteract the anxiety-driven tendencies of THC.
When CBD is at higher levels in medical marijuana, CBD can enhance TCH’s negativeeffects. CBD is the cannabis compound that has found to have significant benefits for treating people with anxiety. CBD is known to act on serotonin receptors and may help regenerate brain cells that are lost or damaged as a result of chronic anxiety and depression.
Yet, the increase in demands to feel the “high” produced by cannabis with stronger levels of THC eventually led to marijuana being used recreationally, as opposed to medically. For many years, marijuana production to increase the levels of THC led to the decrease in CBD levels to trace amounts.
Many suffering from effects of the Covid-19 virus have fibrosis of the lungs. It impacts patients even after recovery, reducing lung function. This study on asthma found that CBD was effective at reducing airway inflammation and fibrosis.
Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma
Abstract:
Asthma is characterized by chronic lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Asthma remains a major public health problem and, at present, there are no effective interventions capable of reversing airway remodeling. Cannabidiol (CBD) is known to exert immunomodulatory effects through the activation of cannabinoid-1 and – 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors located in the central nervous system and immune cells, respectively. However, as the role of CBD on airway remodeling and the mechanisms of CB1 and CB2 aren’t fully elucidated, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of cannabidiol in this scenario. Allergic asthma was induced in Balb/c mice exposed to ovalbumin, and respiratory mechanics, collagen fibre content in airway and alveolar septa, cytokine levels, and CB1 and CB2 expression were determined. Moreover, expressions of CB1 and CB2 in induced sputum of asthmatic individuals and their correlation with airway inflammation and lung function were also evaluated.
CBD treatment, regardless of dosage, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness, whereas static lung elastance only reduced with high dose. These outcomes were accompanied by decreases in collagen fibre content in both airway and alveolar septa and the expression of markers associated with inflammation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenate. There was a significant and inverse correlation between CB1 levels and lung function in asthmatic patients. CBD treatment decreased the inflammatory and remodeling processes in the model of allergic asthma. The mechanisms of action appear to be mediated by CB1/CB2 signaling, but these receptors may act differently on lung inflammation and remodeling. Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma. – PubMed – NCBI
