CBD and its anti-inflammatory benefits

CBD and its anti-inflammatory benefits

Anti-inflammatory benefits

Inflammation is a “war” – a natural protective body response to damaged cells and pathogens. Acute and chronic inflammation are the two types of inflammatory responses. Acute inflammation is characterized by redness and swelling. It happens following an illness, infection, or injury. Acute inflammation serves to protect the immune system as it fights the damage.

On the other hand, chronic inflammation is the inflammatory response that happens over a long period. Chronic inflammation negatively affects the body tissues and organs. Usually, there is an increased generation of free radicals leading to oxidative stress – lack of balance between antioxidants and free radicals.

While the main purpose of an inflammatory response is to act as a protective measure against initial harm suffered by the body defense system, chronic inflammation and ongoing inflammation is harmful to the body and can cause chronic pain and anxiety. A natural plant-derived product – CBD oil – can halt the effects caused by inflammation. The good news is that CBD, unlike other medication used, averts inflammation without side effects.

CBD oil is a potent anti-inflammatory and targets almost every path involved in the inflammatory response. It stops inflammation by halting the degradation of anandamide which is a strongly tied to regulating inflammation. CBD activates vanilloid receptors responsible for regulating inflammatory messengers, slows the rate at which immune cells (T and B cells involved in autoimmune-related response) are activated, and stimulates apoptosis (programmed cell death) that occurs in chronic inflammation.

According to a 2015 review published in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, CBD oil possess potent anti-inflammatory properties and can treat various illnesses characterized by inflammation.

Male rats suffering from osteoarthritis (inflammation of joints) showed massive improvement with the administration of CBD. Acute inflammation of the joints was reduced applying CBD for two weeks to the affected area, according to a 2017 study in the journal Pain. CBD administration was also found to be protective against nerve damage and joint pain.

CBD plays a role in reducing inflammation caused by oxidative stress. A 2011 study for the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine found CBD oil to be effective in reducing the risks of organ dysfunction and damage as a result of oxidative stress.

Pain is common during an inflammatory response. CBD helps reduce the pain in addition to halting the inflammation. According to a 2018 study published in Neurology, CBD can desensitize pain-mediating receptors and alter how pain is perceived in the body.

While evidence shows CBD oil to have benefits in treating inflammatory conditions than most FDA-approved medicationS, clinical trials need to be done on the use of CBD oil as the option in managing inflammatory conditions.

Back to blog