Because I want to know WHY things work. And there are many phytocompounds besides cannabis oil that can accomplish many of the same effects. Definitely why the essential oils are so effective, in my opinion. All the people talking about the gut brain and neurotransmitters...I am here to tell you that is old news. Start reseraching the endocannabionoid system to get a grip on its potential. That is the new cutting edge. Implications of the endocannabinoids system The endocannabinoid system has unique characteristics differing from other neurotransmitter systems. First, the endocannabinoids act as neuromodulators that inhibit the release of other neurotransmitters such as GABA (the main inhibitor neurotransmitter) and glutamate (the main exciter neurotransmitter). The synapses are the communication between two neurons. The presynaptic neuron that is the one that releases the neurotransmitters, and the postsynaptic is the one activated by the neurotransmitters. The endocannabinoids are retrogrades that are released from the postsynaptic neuron. The postsynaptic neuron, in response to a stimulus, synthesises and releases the endocannabinoids in the synaptic cleft stimulated by the cannabinoid receptors on the presynaptic neuron, which inhibits the release of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, the endocannabinoids are not located in the synaptic vesicles (vesicles placed inside the presynaptic neuron which contains the neurotransmitters), and are synthesised on demand from the membrane phospholipids and immediately released in the synaptic clef (Picture 1). The main endocannabinoid systems function is the regulation of body homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in multiple aspects of the neuronal functions, including learning and memory, emotion, addictive like behaviour, feeding and metabolism, pain and neuroprotection. It is also involved in the modulation of different processes at the cardiovascular and immunological levels, among others. The distribution of the CB1 receptors in the brain correlates with the pharmacological actions of the cannabinoids. Its high density in the basal ganglia is associated with the effects on the locomotor activity already mentioned. The presence of the receptor in the hippocampus and cortex are related to the effects in learning and memory, and with the psychotropic and antiepileptic properties. The low toxicity and lethality are related with the low expression of receptors in the brain stem. The endocannabinoid system interacts with multiple neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, histamine, serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine, prostaglandins and opioid peptides. The interaction with these neurotransmitters is responsible for most of the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids. Both synthetic cannabinoids and fitocannabinoids act due to the interaction between the cannabinoid receptors. The location and distribution of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the immune system, the bone marrow cells and white blood cells, perfectly matches the cannabis immunomodulatory effects. Depending on the specific cannabinoid, dose and pathophysiology, the endocannabinoid system has immunosupressive or immunostimulant effects, frequently known as “immunomodulatory”, the name that includes all the effects. The presence of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the organs involved in the intake of nutrients and energy balance such as the liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, spleen, skeletal muscle and adipocytes, explains the therapeutic action of cannabinoids on the regulation of energy and food balance. One of the known applications of Δ9-THC and other compounds that act in the same way at a receptor level, is an increase in hunger and in dietary intake in the case of anorexia produced by H.I.V. or terminal cancer. In such cases, Δ9-THC can activate CB1 and CB2 peripheral receptors causing the fast intake of blood glucose, which is stored as fat in the adipocytes, and consequently producing an increase in the urge to eat and the amount eaten. The common sweet cravings resulting from the intake of cannabis can be explained in the same way. The opposite approach may be considered to reduce dietary intake, that is by blocking CB1 and CB2 peripheral receptors. The recently banned rimonabant (Acomplia) caused loss weight and a decrease in dietary intake, however, this cannabinoid was withdrawn from the market because it caused depression and suicidal tendencies (Picture 3).
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:57:48 +0000
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