Cannabidiol is one of about 400 substances present in the composition of cannabis. It belongs to the group of cannabinoids, elements produced by organisms from both mammals (like us humans) and plants.
In mammals, they are called endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids and help balance body functions. In plants, the correct name is phytocannabinoid or exogenous cannabinoid, which, for them, works as a kind of protection.
Upon entering the human body, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors found in the cell membranes of several of our organs, including the brain. When this happens, the receptors can be stimulated, as with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive compound in cannabis –, which activates them, or they can be blocked. This means that the cannabinoid binds to these receptors and occupies the space without activating them, preventing stimulation by other substances.
Research indicates that CBD is able to fulfill both roles, depending on the receptor in question. A good example of when it acts as a stimulant is the binding of CBD to 5-HT1A — a receptor for the hormone serotonin —, which influences mood and is strongly related to depression.
In this case, CBD stimulates the receptor, which starts to receive more serotonin, reducing sensations caused by the lack of this hormone, such as sadness. This connection may have something to do with the antidepressant, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects of CBD.
How does CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system?
Recently, scientists have come to the conclusion that the human body has an endocannabinoid system, basically composed of two types of receptors: CB1 - present throughout the body, especially the hypothalamus (in the brain) and the amygdala, and with power to influence on appetite regulation and emotional processing; and CB2 – found in the nervous and immune systems, with an incidence on pain and motor issues, among other body functions.
It is as if the endocannabinoid system is responsible for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Because it is linked to so many important functions of the organism, it can be considered one of the main responsible for our process of homeostasis (internal balance).
The substance has properties capable of acting in different ways in the body. The main ones are:
Anticonvulsants: prevents seizures and epileptic seizures
Anti-inflammatory: fights various inflammations
Anxiolytics: treats certain anxiety disorders
Anti-tumor: treats pain, nausea and other symptoms of cancer patients
Antipsychotics: has a sedative effect and acts in the prevention and treatment of psychoses
Neuroprotective: Offers protection to brain and spinal cord cells.
It is these properties that make CBD effective in treating ailments. Some of the diseases that have already been studied and can be proven to be treated with CBD.
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