CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the main cannabinoids found in the cannabis family of plants. Health and wellness products made from CBD are widely used for treating a variety of ailments that commonly affect us. There is no wonder in this because cannabis products have been used for medical purposes in various traditional and folk medicines since ancient times. According to Herodotus, Scythians used hemp as part of their funeral rites. High-grade hemp CBD oil is used for medical purposes because of its versatility and ease of use. Here, we will investigate using CBD oil for bone health.
Cannabidiol Or CBD
Cannabidiol is the major cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Legally available cannabidiol products like CBD oil are made using hemp extracts because of their low THC content. CBD produces its therapeutic effects by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). People are using products like high-grade hemp CBD oil for treating the symptoms of a wide variety of ailments due to its effectiveness and lack of side effects.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is common to all vertebrates. This system plays a crucial role in regulating homeostasis and many other important bodily functions. It is made up of a network of chemical messengers like hormones and neurotransmitters found in every part of the body. This helps the ECS to control all vital physiological functions of the body, and any issue with it makes you sick. For example, it controls body temperature, metabolism, heartbeat rate, gastrointestinal function, and so on.
The ECS is made up of three parts and they are listed in detail below:
- Cannabinoid Receptors: Endocannabinoids produced by our body and phytocannabinoids like CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors.
- Endocannabinoids: These cannabinoids are naturally produced by our bodies.
- Enzymes: The enzymes metabolize both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids into useful metabolites that are utilized by cells and tissues of the body.
The phytocannabinoids are similar in structure to the endocannabinoids, and this is the reason they produce their effects on our bodies. The two main cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. According to recent studies, the G coupled protein molecule GPR55 is also considered a cannabinoid receptor. The GPR55 receptors are expressed in the brain and peripheral tissues of the body.
CBD Health Benefits
The health benefits of CBD are due to its therapeutic effects like anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, stress-reducing, anticonvulsant, sleep-inducing, neuroprotective effects, and many more. The most widely used cannabidiol product for this purpose is CBD oil made using hemp plant extracts that have less than 0.3% THC. Besides, studies have shown that CBD’s positive effect on the ECS, reduces bone loss and helps to maintain bone health.
CBD Oil To Slow Bone Loss
CBD produces its therapeutic effects by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of ECS. Preclinical studies show that ECS plays an important role in bone metabolism. Having said that, the results are not conclusive, and because of this more research is conducted to better understand this mechanism. Also, according to many scientists, this mechanism is pointing to the therapeutic use of CBD for preventing or slowing down bone loss.
The Mechanism Of CBD Slowing Down Bone Loss
Research has shown that the ECS receptors CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in bone cells osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Also, the GPR55 receptors are found in the osteoclasts. Studies in mice have shown that the blocking of CB1, CB2, and GPR55 receptors prevented bone loss by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts, i.e. bone absorbing cells. On the flip side, this will prevent bone formation as CB1 and CB2 receptors are also present in osteoblasts, which are the bone-forming cells. Another study has found that blocking GPR55 did not affect the process of bone formation. So, it is assumed that slowing bone loss without inhibiting bone-building results in increased bone density.
It has been found from studies that CBD health benefits of improving bone health are because it positively interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS while it inhibits the action of GPR55 receptors. As a result, the bone formation action by osteoblasts is not affected, but the bone breakdown by osteoclasts is reduced or inhibited. This results in increased bone density.
However, the above-mentioned effect of CBD has an inherent flaw. The body breaks down and removes damaged or worn-out bone and replaces it with healthy bones. If the bone removal process is inhibited, bone health will be poorer and can result in bones that are more prone to fracture or breakage.
These are some of the important points that you must keep in mind before using CBD for maintaining bone health.