CBD - Hemp phytocannabinoid

In the previous post we briefly introduced you to what CBD is, in which preparations you can find this phytocannabinoid, and what health properties it has on the human body. In this post, we will explain to you why the action described above is possible. In order to explain the mechanism of action of cannabidiol, we will introduce you to the operation of a special system called endocannabinoid, which allows us to use the beneficial properties of CBD.

Phytocannabinoids

There are many compounds classified as cannabinoids. This group can be divided into natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Natural cannabinoids include:

– phytocannabinoids i.e. cannabinoids of plant origin, e.g. from hemp, black pepper or ginger (CBD and THC are hemp phytocannabinoids), as well as

– endocannabinoids produced by mammalian organisms, including humans. The main endocannabinoids produced by the human body are 2-Ag and anandamide. Endocannabinoids affect the maintenance of homeostasis, i.e. the internal balance of the body, including mental and physical health. For example, anandamide is the most studied endocannabinoid and is responsible for controlling the degree of pain experienced, regulates appetite, controls mood by causing a feeling of euphoria and then complete relaxation, and affects memory.

THC is considered the equivalent of anandamide, while CBD can act as 2-Ag

The endocannabinoid system

Since we already know a little about cannabinoids and their division, it is worth learning more about their functions in the human body. Without the proper endocannabinoid system, e.g. CBD would make no difference to us.

Thanks to the detailed research* carried out so far, we know that man, as well as many living organisms, has a special one in his body endocannabinoid system (EKAN), which controls many physiological processes in our body. This arrangement affects, among others:

• regulation of metabolism
• maintaining the right body temperature,
• appropriate level of emotional states,
• appetite level,
• cardiovascular control and
• maintaining the body's immunity.

The entire EKAN system consists of those produced mainly by the nervous system, previously described endocannabinoids; receptorsthat enable them to function as well enzymesthat take part in the series of reactions of the breakdown and synthesis of these endocannabinoids. Thanks to the similar structure of hemp cannabinoids and endocannabinoids produced by the human body, these compounds can bind to receptors in our body, causing the same or similar effects.

Endocannabinoid receptors

What are endocannabinoid receptors and what are their functions? We already know that these receptors are part of the EKAN system, but what is their work in our body? Few of us are aware that it is the presence of endocannabinoid receptors that allows us to regain physical and mental peace after stressful, emotional experiences. Thanks to them, our body is equipped with natural mechanisms that help us deal with, for example, trauma.

There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors, i.e. CB1 and CB2. They are found in cells throughout the human body. Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids (e.g. CBD, THC) have the ability to bind to specific receptors, causing the activation of

or inhibition of certain reactions in the body. It can be said that receptors act as a transmitter of information through endocannabinoids from one cell to another, as well as from the outer space of the cell to its interior.

When a cannabinoid binds to a receptor located in the cell membrane of a given cell, a signal is sent to that cell. Such a signal temporarily changes the functions of this cell. The entire endocannabinoid system, if functioning properly, is involved in maintaining balance, i.e. homeostasis in the body, which is why it plays the role of the so-called homeostatic regulator.

The presence of receptors, and the appearance of the appropriate endocannabinoids in a given place, affects the type of reaction, as well as what system they will affect.

The main location of CB1 receptors in our body is the nervous system, brain, fat cells, lung cells, pancreas, liver, as well as the reproductive, digestive and many other systems. CB1 receptors are responsible, among others, for controlling the pain we feel, controlling the degree of appetite and memory. Receptors located in the brain have a positive effect on the action of neurotransmitters. Thanks to the work of the entire endocannabinoid system, including the work of CB1 receptors, our body copes better with stress and can better absorb knowledge.

CB2 receptors are located mainly in the immune system, as well as in the digestive tract, in the brainstem, in the skin, bones or, for example, in the reproductive system. These receptors are of great importance in the treatment of inflammation in the human body and in the immune (immune) response of the body.

Endocannabinoid enzymes

In addition to CB1 and CB2 receptors, cannabinoids (endo or e.g. phyto), enzymes play an important role in the entire operation of the endocannabinoid system. Enzymes are proteins that enable certain chemical reactions to take place. Catalysts. These reactions can lead to the breakdown or formation of endocannabinoids. One of the primary enzymes is fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which is involved in the breakdown of anandamide.

As you can see, the endocannabinoid system is a complex system that ensures that the human body remains in the best possible balance and health. The slightest disturbance in one of the components of this system can have a negative impact on the entire human body. Thanks to, among others, the use of hemp phytocannabinoid, i.e. CBD, we can help our body stay in balance, i.e. in health.

When do we need external cannabinoids?

There are situations when the endocannabinoid system stops functioning properly, thus the internal balance of the body is disturbed. This happens when the body stops producing enough endocannabinoids. This may be due to medical conditions or simply a diet low in Omega-3 fatty acids or, for example, lack of physical activity. Thanks to the external supply of e.g. hemp phytocannabinoids in the form of e.g. CBD oilor dried CBD, it is possible to return to the body's balance faster.

The effect of THC on the endocannabinoid system

The phytocannabinoid THC has a very similar molecular structure to anandamide, one of the endocannabinoids. Thanks to this, it can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus it can stimulate or inhibit further reactions taking place in the body, similarly to anandamide, which is naturally present in the body. Due to its ability to bind to CB1 receptors located in the central nervous system, THC produces psychotropic effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol can also bind to the CB2 receptor, then it generates a receptor response, but not as strong.

The effect of CBD on the endocannabinoid system

Unlike THC and other cannabinoids, CBD does not bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, it has been shown that in the presence of a small amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol it can reduce the psychoactive effect caused by this compound.

However, cannabidiol may indirectly affect the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors due to the increase in the amount of ananamide, by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme. As mentioned earlier, the FAAF enzyme breaks down anandamide molecules.

CBD also has the ability to bind to a receptor outside the endocannabinoid system, i.e. the TRPV1 receptor. Activation of this receptor also has a positive effect on many processes in the human body.

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* There are more and more studies on the health properties of CBD-cannabidiol every year. If you want to find detailed research on a specific use of CBD, I refer you to the scientific studies published on PUBMED website. If you have a problem with access to articles, write to us, we will help.