Can CBD Help With Arthritis?
Cannabidiol has therapeutic effects, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, that can help to treat different sorts of arthritis. Those effects have been shown only in animal research, though. Anyhow, they are promising with regards to CBD for arthritis in human beings, too.
As per a recent medical review, some pieces of evidence that support the utilization of cannabidiol are not good enough. The authors said that there is not enough evidence that allows recommending any phytocannabinoid preparation for symptomology management in rheumatic patients.
A 2019 study revealed that cannabidiol can help to tackle rheumatoid arthritis, but it highlights how important it is to target the appropriate cannabinoid receptors for that effect. That said, the authors in the study indicated that there is a need for more research on the basis of their discoveries to pinpoint how cannabidiol works for RA patients.
The present evidence that supports the utilization of CBD pain relief products comes from anecdotes and limited animal research. Further scientifically-valid, well-designed and rigorous trials are required to discover how effective cannabidiol can be in treating chronic pain related to arthritis.
How Cannabidiol For Pain Can Work
Phytocannabinoids such as CBD can activate CB1 receptors in the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, CB2 receptors, plus CBD-sensitive receptor targets. That is how cannabidiol is thought to alleviate pain.
Phytocannabinoids can activate CB2 receptors, which are the receptors that reduce cytokine production and the mobilization of immune cells. That is how phytocannabinoids show their inflammation-reducing effects.
Possible Interaction Between CBD And Prescription Drugs
The body can break down cannabidiol in your liver through cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes. Around 60% of drugs that are clinically prescribed, such as methotrexate, are thought to be metabolized through those enzymes. That means certain drugs may either inhibit cannabidiol’s therapeutic effects or cause slower degradation of the substance. The latter situation can lead to a greater number of CBD dosages being active in your body for a longer time.
Research has associated the utilization of cannabidiol with increased levels of enzymes in animal livers. That can make liver toxicity more likely to happen in individuals who consume methotrexate. For your information, methotrexate is also associated with the increased enzyme levels. These levels suggest that there is something wrong with one’s liver. Therefore, you must openly communicate with a doctor about the drugs, vitamins, herbs, or supplements you consume to make negative interactions less likely to happen.
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