CBD has been the most researched cannabinoid from both the hemp and cannabis plant, and for very good reasons. It possesses some very important health benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, it acts as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant, it has vasodilator effects, anxiolytic and anti-epileptic properties and others. CBD has also been shown in preclinical as well as human studies to be good for gastrointestinal health.
Modulatory Effects of CBD in the G.I. System
CBD has been shown to impact the entire endocannabinoid as well as systems outside of this system. It does this by cross-talking with a variety of receptors within and outside of the endocannabinoid system. As a result, CBD creates various effects in different organs systems including the central nervous system, the immune system and the gastrointestinal system. CBD also produces a number of effects at the molecular, cellular, organ and the entire body and brain levels.
CBD Targets and G.I. Health
In general, CBD has been shown in a number of studies to have a positive impact on the microbiome, immune cells, intestinal permeability, and the action of cytokines. Specifically, CBD reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines through both its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Cytokines are signaling proteins that help control inflammation throughout the body and brain. Other targets include CB1, GPR55, 5-HT1A, opioid receptors, PPARy, and TRPV. Below is a short description of each target and how it protects the gastrointestinal tract.
- CB1 – these receptors are found in the enteric or intrinsic nervous system are in part responsible for regulating health and function of the G.I. tract
- GPR55 – this is also found in the gut and is involved in gastrointestinal functions including intestinal inflammation and gut motility; it is also found in the brain and helps with appetite and satiety (feeling full) and may play a central role in regulating food intake
- 5-HT1A Receptors – these are also found in the enteric nervous system and control certain G.I. functions like gut motility and secretion; the receptors also are involved in how the gut perceives discomfort and pain
- Opioid Receptors – these have been found to regulate the gut-brain axis and produce dysfunctional effects among bacteria in the gut; interaction with CBD can help modify this process
- PPARy – this is very highly represented in the gut and interaction with CBD may reduce and regulate intestinal inflammation
- TRPV – this stands for transient receptor potential vanilloid; TRPV1 and TRPV4 are found in the intestines and upon interaction with CBD reduces inflammation
Pharmacokinetics of CBD
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body affects specific substances like food, medications or CBD after it has been administered. How a substance enters the body can be through oral, transdermal, inhalation or intravenous administration. In general, CBD does appear to have positive effects on the intestinal barrier and gut microbiome. Studies have shown the following results of the body interaction with CBD:
- CBD alters intestinal permeability (control of material passing from inside the G.I. tract to the rest of the body)
- CBD reduces cytokines, thereby increasing intestinal permeability
- CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory agent throughout the G.I. system
- CBD reduces cytokine-induced oxidative stress and increases intestinal permeability
Final Thoughts on CBD and the Gastrointestinal System
Researchers around the world are discovering more health benefits of CBD and have already established its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotectant, anxiolytic, and antioxidant capabilities for body and brain health. Among the many systems that CBD appears to help through its molecular-level communication with the body’s many systems, is the gastrointestinal system. All in all, CBD seems to be a good all-natural supplement to take for maintaining good G.I. health.
References
- Brown, Kevin et al. (2024). The Modulatory Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in the Gut. Cells, 13, 1618.
- Chen, Y. et al. (2020). Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 11, 180.
- Khosropoor, S., et al. (2023). The Role of PPARgamma. Phytomedicine, 114, 154771.
- Zou, S. and U. Kumar. (2018). Cannabindoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. International Journal of Molecular Science, 19, 833.