Health

A Fresh Look at the Therapeutic Potential of Lesser-Known Cannabinoids for Skin Conditions

Recent research suggests that some of the lesser-known cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant—namely THCV, CBDV, CBC, CBM, and CBN—could aid in treating dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Molecules, the study states:

The findings from this study suggest that minor cannabinoids hold therapeutic promise in managing dermatological diseases. Incorporating minor cannabinoids into dermatological therapies could provide patients with new treatment options and enhance their overall wellbeing.

To reach these conclusions, Polish researchers Emilia Kwiecień and Dorota Kowalczuk examined existing literature published in scientific journals.

They found that minor cannabinoids “exhibit various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-pruritic properties.” Some studies “reported their efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and pruritus,” the authors note.

Highlights

  • The minor cannabinoids CBDV, CBDP, CBC, THCV, CBGA, CBG, and CBN demonstrated potential therapeutic applications, along with the more newly discovered cannabinoids CBM and CBE.
  • CBDV’s anti-inflammatory properties make it promising for treating symptoms like itching and swelling in atopic dermatitis. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may also help heal acne lesions.
  • CBM and CBE also showed anti-inflammatory potential, representing new options for research into specific diseases.
  • CBC, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, could beneficially impact acne, psoriasis, and Alzheimer’s treatment.
  • THCV exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that could aid in fighting acne.

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

These effects arise from the interaction between cannabinoids and the body’s endocannabinoid system, “a central regulatory system responsible for maintaining health and proper functioning of nearly every organism,” the study authors explain.

“Increasing evidence suggests that endocannabinoid signaling plays a crucial role in regulating skin biological processes. Many skin functions, such as immune response, cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, are at least partially regulated by the endocannabinoid system, with dampening skin inflammation being one of its most important roles.”

Topical applications of minor cannabinoids could even help mitigate aging effects, according to the study.

Looking Ahead

The authors highlight that more research on minor cannabinoids “is required to confirm their efficacy and safety,” but they acknowledge that obstacles to progress remain.

“The impact on the nervous system, issues with product quality and regulation, as well as ethical and legal aspects, including those regarding legality, warrant thorough examination,” they write. “Therefore, despite promising therapeutic prospects, the use of cannabinoids, especially minor cannabinoids, requires further research, regulations, and a balanced approach to ensure benefits while minimizing potential health and societal risks.”

Key Takeaways

  • Lesser-known cannabis compounds like THCV, CBDV, and CBG show promise for treating skin conditions.
  • They likely work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates skin inflammation.
  • More research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety before clinical use.
  • Legal, ethical, and product regulation issues remain obstacles to progress.
  • A balanced approach can help maximize benefits and minimize risks of cannabinoid therapies.
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Athletes Use CBD For Pain Relief

CBD for pain reliefAthletes are using CBD for pain relief for a number of reasons. This compound affects the serotonin receptors in the brain and reduces pain by inhibiting the release of glutamate. These processes occur because CBD affects serotonin receptors and immune cells. It is therefore believed to be a great alternative for athletes who experience pain during their sports.

Cannabidiol inhibits glutamate release

CBD exerts analgesic properties in several neuropathic pain models. For example, CBD-containing gelatine inhibited mechanical allodynia and reversed conditional place preference induced by peripheral nerve block in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain. In contrast, morphine and D9-THC induced tolerance after only one week of treatment, and neither CBD nor morphine caused a significant decrease in hyperalgesia. In addition, CBD suppressed pain induced by ligation of the L5 spinal nerve in rats.

CBD also inhibits the release of glutamate and other inflammatory agents. As a result, it is an excellent pain-relief agent for neuropathic pain. Combined with magnesium glycinate, CBD has been proven to be effective at dulling neuropathic pain sensations.

It affects serotonin receptors

Researchers have recently discovered that CBD can affect serotonin receptors, which are responsible for a wide range of effects, including pain relief. The study showed that CBD was able to decrease the sensitivity of 5-HT1A receptors in mice. This decreased sensitivity could be the result of a decrease in the availability of serotonin in the central nervous system.

The effects of CBD on serotonin receptors are mediated by interactions with TRPV1 channels and 5-HT1A receptors. The results indicated that CBD decreased the rate of firing by 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, and that it prevented SNI-induced reductions in firing activity.

It reduces pain through serotonin receptors

In a study conducted in rats, CBD increased the activity of 5-HT1A receptors, which are involved in pain signaling. CBD treatment reduced the latency to feed and reduced anxiety-like behavior in SNI rats. Furthermore, CBD treatment restored normal activity of 5-HT1A receptors, preventing aberrations in 5-HT neurotransmission under neuropathic pain conditions.

The findings suggest that CBD may reduce pain through serotonin receptors. This receptor system controls the expression of serotonin and dopamine. When activated, serotonin and dopamine trigger a response that relieves pain. As a result, CBD is a promising candidate for chronic pain treatment. Moreover, its low potential for abuse and diversion makes it a highly attractive drug for medical use.

The ECS regulates body processes, such as mood, sleep, immune system function, and metabolism. It is made up of cannabinoids produced by the body, which act on specific receptors throughout the nervous system. CBD, like other cannabinoids, binds to these receptors to modify pain perception.

It relieves pain through immune cells

In studies of CBD’s impact on immune cells, it appears that it has an anti-inflammatory effect. This has been demonstrated through its ability to suppress inflammation, cytokines, and kinase cascades. Additionally, it inhibits the activity of several transcription factors, such as NF-kB and AP-1.

CBD works on the endocannabinoid system, which regulates the release of different chemicals in the brain. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the human body and act on nerve junctions and receptors. When they are functioning properly, they regulate pain signals and regulate immune cells and inflammation. When this system is obstructed, the body experiences abnormal pain sensitivity and inflammation. Fortunately, CBD inhibits pain signals by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.

Studies have shown that CBD may reduce pain caused by arthritis. The compound has been shown to decrease inflammation in arthritis rats and also reduce the sensitivity of the primary pain receptors in the joints. In addition, CBD also decreases inflammatory molecules in the joint space and prevents joint cartilage breakdown.

It may relieve rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia

Cannabis and CBD have several therapeutic properties, and research has suggested that CBD may help relieve rheumatic diseases like autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia. Like other treatments for rheumatic diseases, cannabis should be taken in a controlled dosage. To prevent side effects, doctors usually begin with low dosages and gradually increase the dose. Patients should be in constant communication with their doctor regarding the dose. The aim is to determine the lowest effective dose that produces maximum effect with the fewest side effects. This process is known as identifying the therapeutic window.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that inhibits pain processing in the spinal cord and brain. The pain sensation is so intense that it can be associated with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Because it is difficult to diagnose, doctors typically rely on a “process of elimination” approach, using multiple surveys and tests. This can include blood tests, ultrasounds, and x-rays. Ultimately, they will want to rule out other health conditions before prescribing medication. Patients with fibromyalgia may find some relief from symptoms with proper self-care.

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cbd and opioid addiction

CBD drug to treat opioid addiction

The Ananda company has just started clinical trials to use Nantheia ATL5. This drug, which contains a high dosage of CBD, could perhaps be used to help people addicted to opioids!

Coming from Colorado, this biotech has just received the authorization of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which represents the high authority of health in America. The clinical trial will be supervised by UCLA (University of California).

A CBD drug acting as a substitute for opioids

Concretely, the Nantheia ATL5 is a capsule containing 100 mg of CBD. If the studies conducted on it are conclusive, this drug could potentially replace opioids in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain.

According to the results of this study, this CBD drug could be on the same rank as Epidiolex. Note that today, GW Pharma’s liquid solution is the only CBD-based medication authorized in both the United States and the European Union!

Sohail Zaidi, CEO of Ananda, is delighted with this news, and explains: “The authorization to conduct a clinical trial further strengthens our goal of developing CBD as a therapy for several diseases”.

For Edith London, the psychiatrist leading the trials, the approval of this work is a critical step in finding solutions to the opioid-induced crisis.

The ravages of opioids

The current opioid crisis in the U.S. is unprecedented in its severity. These drugs, such as Fentanyl or Oxycodone, produce effects that are very similar to those of opium. They are therefore useful when it comes to alleviating chronic pain, but the downside is very high, as these drugs are also very addictive, and harmful to health. Their use in high doses can be fatal, which is why every year there are about 50,000 deaths related to their use in the United States! It is in this context that President Donal Trump decreed that there was a public health emergency during 2017.

It is thus without real surprise that the FDA places a lot of hopes in the Nantheia ATL5. Highly dosed in CBD, this drug candidate could be used to relieve chronic pain. Indeed, its molecule has anti-inflammatory virtues that are no longer to prove, and unlike opioids, it does not cause any addictive effect, and is not psychoactive!

The effects of this CBD drug would be very similar to those of Fentanyl or Oxycodone, but without their drawbacks! CBD in too high a dose is not ideal for liver health, but this is in no way comparable to the devastating effects of opioids.

The clinical trial will be fully funded by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), which is also very excited about this promising project!

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CBD and sleep : what do we know

Nowadays, sleep is a precious commodity in everyone’s life. The relentless acceleration of our societies and lifestyles have made it something sacred. But despite this, many people suffer from problems or disorders related to their sleep. If we add to this the stress due to work or our private life, in addition to our addiction to screens, it is difficult for some people to benefit from the 7 or 8 hours of sleep necessary for the proper functioning and recovery of our body. And as is often the case with everyday ailments, CBD can be a “miracle” solution. Indeed, today, cannabidiol represents the most natural and healthy alternative to promote a good sleep. So how does it act on sleep? What are its benefits? Here is our anwers to these questions.

The positive impact of CBD on our sleep

First of all, it is good to know that, unlike sleeping pills or other drugs that promise a better sleep, CBD is 100% natural and does not cause any addiction or side effects. Promoted by the natural presence of the Endocannabinoid System. The latter has the function of linking our organs through the secretion and circulation of various hormones, such as melatonin. A network of receptors with which CBD matches perfectly. Thus, after consumption, it interacts directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which makes it capable of regulating our fatigue, our concentration or many of our emotions, such as stress and anxiety for example. Therefore, and concerning sleep, cannabidiol acts in a direct way on what is called the “sleep-wake” system, in charge of regulating our rate of fatigue and our capacity of recovery. If you add to this its therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties, you will understand why it can be an excellent ally against sleep disorders and problems.

The benefits of CBD on our sleep

Consuming CBD before slipping into bed will therefore promote better relaxation, whether physical or psychological. What to approach the sleep with the mind lighter and freer than usual, our brain tends to be quite agitated when we go to sleep. And in addition to improving the quality of your night, cannabidiol will help you go to bed faster and therefore sleep longer. The different stages of sleep will be reached in a smoother and more cushioned way, which will generate a deep as well as light sleep, thus promoting the recovery of the individual. Unlike sleeping pills or other artificial pharmaceutical drugs, which tend to knock out rather than soothe, causing a reaction in the brain, which could lead to a feeling of addiction to the substance. What there is no risk of happening with CBD.

How to consume CBD to promote sleep?

CBD offers its followers the chance to consume it in multiple ways, but also to accentuate certain therapeutic effects. In addition to that, cannabidïol has the advantage of presenting no risk of overdose. Its effects are absolutely not psychotropic and dangerous for health, unlike its cousin THC. It is thus possible to consume it under bigger dose when one wants to use it for its sleep. Be careful not to consider this cannabinoid as a medicine in its own right, but also to consult your doctor before any consumption. The latter will help you to better target your needs and to optimally manage your CBD experience.

The infusion remains at the moment, the most practical way to make benefit to the whole of its body, principles and virtues of the CBD. The fact that one drinks it will support a better dissipation in the body, and this, always thanks to the SEC. The vaporization of resin or flowers remains also an excellent way to impact positively its sleep thanks to the cannabidiol. However, the duration of the effects will be less than the one generated by the ingestion of an herbal tea. As for CBD oils and cosmetics, their more local application will be less effective on our sleep-wake system. They will be more likely to treat other ailments such as muscle pain or chronic pain for example.

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