Researchers have clarified the mechanism of action of CBD in inflammation

Scientists from the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, in cooperation with researchers from Italy, Austria and the USA, have identified the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of hemp cannabinoids. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol and other hemp cannabinoids have previously been observed in scientific research, but only now have researchers clarified the exact way these compounds work on the immune system.  

Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD

In an article published on August 29, 2023 in the journal Cell Chemical Biology, scientists from the University of Jena describe the results of research on the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis. It was already known from previous research that hemp cannabinoids, including CBD, have this effect, but the exact cause was not clear.

CBD inhibits the pro-inflammatory response and activates the anti-inflammatory response

Scientists have studied how various cannabinoids, including CBD and the psychoactive THC , affect human immune cells. They found that all tested compounds inhibited the formation of pro-inflammatory messenger substances in cells, while activating the production of substances that alleviate inflammation.

CBD was found to induce a change in immune cells and switch the pro-inflammatory response to an inflammation-inhibiting response. Scientists managed to determine that CBD activates the enzyme 15-lipoxygenase-1, which triggers the production of messenger substances that calm down inflammation.  

In the summary of the article, the scientists write that: " switching the production of pro-inflammatory substances in cells to the production of anti-inflammatory substances is a likely mode of action of CBD and a promising strategy for the treatment . "

Results of animal studies 

The results obtained on cell cultures were confirmed in vivo in a study on mice. In the longer term, the results may result in new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diseases involving inflammation, including: autoimmune diseases.  

Fewer side effects

Treatment with non-psychoactive CBD additionally solves the problem of side effects (e.g. a daily feeling of intoxication in patients during therapy) that must be taken into account in the case of cannabis drugs containing THC.

The endocannabinoid system, hemp and the immune system – previous research

Structure and functions of the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system covering the entire human body, which, broadly speaking, is responsible for maintaining the body's balance (homeostasis). 

It consists of three basic elements: 

• endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG , i.e. substances produced by the human body that have a structure analogous to cannabinoids found in hemp,
• CB1 and CB2 receptors scattered throughout the body , which connect to endocannabinoids and hemp cannabinoids ,
• enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase) responsible for the breakdown of endocannabinoids, which have already done their job.

Endocannabinoid system receptors mediate the effects of cannabis on the immune system. It can be said that THC and CBD hemp cannabinoids replace endocannabinoids in activating the immune system and modulating its action.

Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD – research

One study showed that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the organ regeneration process in which stem cells take part. Researchers have proven that CB2 endocannabinoid system receptors are involved in rebuilding the level of lymphocytes in patients after bone marrow transplantation and retaining B lymphocytes in the bone marrow responsible for the production of antibodies - e.g. to fight pathogens.

The same CB2 receptor also participates in the process of mobilizing one of the groups of white blood cells (neutrophils) to defend the body against bacteria. Another study described in the mentioned analysis showed that AEA (an endocannabinoid produced by the body) activates the immune response to pathogenic antigens appearing in cells. In turn, 2-AG (the second endocannabinoid), which has been studied in animal models, participates in the modulation of inflammation using T and B lymphocytes.

In 2020, a research analysis which shows that CBD inhibits the inflammatory response. One theory is that CBD may cause the degradation of malfunctioning immune cells to protect the body from excessive inflammatory responses. of hemp cannabinoids to stop or slow down the immune response can be used to treat diseases in which the immune system is dysregulated .

This is not the only hemp news from beyond our western border. At the end of August 2023, the German federal government decided to decriminalize the purchase and possession of small amounts of cannabis. There are voices that this is a direct path to full legalization of the sale, purchase and possession of recreational marijuana in Germany. Let us recall that medical marijuana has been a legal prescription drug in this country since 2017.