in treating metabolic syndrome (Cawthorne et al., 2007; Riedel et al., 2009). Again, further research into these compounds and their interactions promises great potential effects.
The Endogenous Cannabinoid System
The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of neuro-modulation receptors within our brains, immune systems, and other parts of the body. Our ECS is a hemostatic regulatory system essential for key processes like pain, appetite, memory, and mood and pain regulation. It plays a hand in regulating mitochondrial activity and in neurogenesis. Three components of ECS are known: endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids); cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2, TRPV1); and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are ligands that bind to cannabinoid receptors to stimulate and regulate a variety of functions. The two most significant endocannabinoids to date are arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonylglycerol. Anandamide is a fatty acid neurotransmitter which has been called the “bliss molecule” because of its effects. Notably, anandamide has been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting DNA synthesis (De Petrocellis et al., 2011).
Cannabinoid receptors are neuro-modulating receptors that halt neurotransmitter release upon binding with an endocannabinoid. CB1 receptors, which are psychoactive, are the most abundant receptors in the brain. Most CB1 receptors are found in the limbic system, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Non-psychoactive CB2 receptors are found in immune tissues like leukocytes, the spleen, and tonsils, and in the heart, bones, and muscles. They are expressed in the brain when injury or disease occurs such as multiple sclerosis (MS). As immuno-modulatory receptors, they are important in reducing pain and inflammation. CB2 agonist drugs have been shown to be effective for hepatic fibrosis and other fibrotic conditions.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are also in the gut, where they help modulate propulsion and secretion, and are distributed along the skin where they modulate pain and inflammation. TRPV1 receptors mediate pain signals and therapeutic agents that work on this receptor may reduce neuropathic pain.
The ECS is triggered by a variety of external sources, including herbs, foods, and even aerobic exercise. Metabolism and digestion are also factors in the functioning of ECS, as cannabinoid receptors affect the digestive system.
Phytocannabinoids and the ECS
The various phytocannabinoids interact with the ECS at the cannabinoid receptor sites to induce a variety of biological and psychoactive effects. THC, THCV (at higher doses), and anandamide are all CB1 agonists and elicit the euphoric effects of cannabis. CBD has the opposite effect—it antagonizes the CB1 receptors, reducing the psychoactive effects of THC. CBG has also been shown to have agonist effects on both CB1 and CB2 receptors, though its effect is weaker than THC’s. This self-balancing regulatory system provided by the cannabis plant is one reason using whole plant medicine may be more beneficial than standardized extracts of phytocannabinoids.
Knowledge of the ECS and the effects phytocannabinoids have upon it can quickly help you separate fact from fiction in an unregulated marketplace where manufacturers often make dubious claims or tout measurements that have little basis in science. As you make decisions about how to incorporate new cannabis products into your practice it is important to know the correct phytocannabinoid profiles to ensure consistency in treating specific conditions. Not only is the source important, but as with any other botanical product, each harvest can yield a slightly different profile due to environmental conditions. The more information you can acquire, the better equipped you will be to help your clients.
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