CBD and autoimmune diseases
CBD to reduce inflammation ?
Autoimmune diseases cause chronic inflammation that can affect a system or an organ. They are the consequence of a malfunctioning of the immune system. The body attacks itself.
What is an autoimmune disease ?
It is a disorder of the immune system, which no longer makes the difference between the self (the body) and the non-self (viruses, bacteria and other pathogens). When it functions normally the immune system protects us from many diseases, but when it gets infected and turns against itself, antibodies produced by the body are directed against itself, we then speak of autoantibodies. This phenomenon creates an inflammatory reaction. The list of autoimmune diseases is a long one, and there are no less than 80 of them. Such as type 1 diabetes, lupus, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, etc., are just a few examples. All organs can be affected, the brain, liver, skin, joints, etc.
Symptoms
Depending on the illness caused by the malfunctioning of the immune system, the symptoms will be more or less perceptible to the patient. The consequences of inflammation and tissue damage can lead to pain, fatigue, irritation, joint deformities, swelling, etc.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, exploration of the organ in question and blood samples, and possibly imaging tests. The blood sample is taken to find markers of autoimmunity and therefore the presence of autoantibodies.
Treatment
There is no real cure for autoimmune disease, although there have been reports of cases where the disease has disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. The proposed treatments can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the disease, and it is often necessary to take them for life.
CBD, autoimmune diseases and inflammation
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a molecule coming from industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa), it has been the object of a great deal of research in recent years, as its therapeutic potential is so great. Cannabis is a well known family of plants, which includes 3 subspecies :
- Cannabis Sativa: also called industrial hemp, very rich in CBD, and very poor in THC (less than 0.2%).
- Cannabis Indica : the recreational cannabis, poor in CBD and very rich in THC
- Cannabis Ruderalis: low in CBD and low in THC
For 2 years now, CBD, which is not psychotropic like its cousin THC, has been legal. This means that its sale and consumption are authorized. CBD can be consumed in different ways, the most common of which is CBD hemp oil. A spoonful of CBD oil morning and evening is as simple as that.
Here are the results of research on the effects of CBD (cannabidiol) in the treatment of autoimmune diseases :
- Several in vivo studies have shown the anti-inflammatory character of CBD (MECHA, et al. 2013, KOZELA et al. 2013, BUCCELLATO et al. 2011, RIBEIRO et al. 2012).
- In 2016, a study showed that the caonsumption of CBD resulted in an increase in the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (KOZELA et al.).
- Researchers at the University of Naples found that CBD reduced inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.
- In the United States, a study showed that CBD reduced joint inflammation in arthritic rats (HAMMEL et al.2015).