Exactly how cannabis affects the body is not sufficiently understood in detail. A German working group has now been able to prove the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol. The cannabis active ingredient is said to promote intestinal health and even offers new approaches to the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
As part of a recent study, a German research team from the Free University of Berlin analyzed the non-psychoactive cannabis active ingredient cannabidiol and demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of the active ingredient at the molecular level. The results of the study were recently presented in the specialist journal “Materials Today Bio”.
Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD proven
More and more countries are legalizing the consumption of cannabis. Legalization is also imminent in Central Europe. However, there is still a great need for research into the effects of the ingredients on the body. The team led by biologist Professor Salah Amasheh has now been able to close one of these knowledge gaps.
The researchers presented their current results at the annual meeting of the German Physiological Society in Berlin. Accordingly, cannabidiol inhibits inflammatory reactions that take place in cells.
How does cannabidiol affect our cells?
Cannabidiol is one of the main active ingredients of the cannabis plant and is better known by the abbreviation CBD. However, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive.
According to the study, the active ingredient ensures that disease-associated receptors are downregulated and at the same time natural protective mechanisms are strengthened.
New medical uses for CBD
According to the research team, the findings open up a variety of therapeutic and health-promoting aspects for new medical applications. The processes discovered could, for example, be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. But the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD could also be an advantage for general health promotion.
“Due to its anti-inflammatory and intestinal health-promoting properties, the use of cannabidiol is certainly of great interest, and not only in view of the current discussion about cannabis ingredients,” confirms Professor Amasheh.
CBD strengthens the intestinal barrier
The results of the study underline the potential of CBD-based applications in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Among other things, the scientists were able to show at the molecular level how CBD increases the presence of sealing proteins in the intestine and thereby strengthens the intestinal barrier.
In addition, CBD reduces the expression of the receptor TNFR-1, which plays a crucial role in disrupting the intestinal barrier. Overall, the results indicate that CBD will be a promising component for the treatment of inflammatory pathomechanisms in the future. (vb)
