CBD (cannabidiol) belongs to a family of compounds called cannabinoids.
The cannabinoids are unique because they exist outside of the body. When consumed, CBD can affect the endocannabinoid system in our body.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system or ECS exists in all mammals. This includes our pets like dogs, cats and even non-mammals like the goldfish.
In humans, the role of the ECS is a relatively new knowledge and more research is needed to fully understand it.
What we have known so far is the following:
The ECS functions as a regulatory system that plays a role in the vital organs, areas of the brain, as well as in the nervous and immune systems.
Its main job is to monitor all of these systems and ensure that they are operational.
If for some reason this is not the case, it will try to help by releasing biological compounds or enzymes.
CBD role in the ECS
You can think of CBD as the manager of your endocannabinoid system.
It doesn’t interfere with everyday work, but it ensures that your body‘s enzymes and chemical compounds are where they need to be at the right time.
However, CBD can occasionally interact directly with the ECS.
CB1 and CB2 receptors
In order for the ECS to operate, it must have an access point for cannabinoids like CBD.
This is done via two types of receptors (CB1 and CB2), which act as access points to the ECS.
However, to ensure that only the right connections take the right path, the receptors have a kind of “lock”.
If the receptors interact with the correct connection, the pathway is released and the ECS is asked to act.
The “key” of CBD does not fit perfectly into the “locks” of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but triggers subsequent effects by influencing the receptors in a different way.
Instead of unlocking the receptors directly, CBD comes in its own back door that fits its own unique access system.
When this happens, we experience some of the effects that CBD has been known for.
CBD isn’t the only substance that can stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors, but it‘s one of the few that doesn’t have mind-altering side effects.
In a situation where CBD does not interact directly with a receptor, it will still be able to help if it stimulates other chemicals and enzymes.
CBD can effect Serotonin level
The role of CBD as a versatile manager extends far beyond the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
It can also affect receptors that are not directly linked to the ECS.
This also includes receptors that trigger the release of serotonin (5-HT).
Serotonin is a chemical that promotes happiness and well-being.
CBD interacts with TRP channels
TRP channels are made up of cells and they monitor things like temperature and pain.
For example, if they detect a temperature that is too low or too high, they send a signal to the cell to which they are connected so that the body can take the appropriate action.
CBD has an effect on the liver
Ultimately, CBD also leads to a reaction of receptors in the liver (PPAR-alpha).
This can speed up the metabolism in the liver, and scientists still don’t fully understand this process.
CBD also plays a role in the production and degradation of enzymes.
Endocannabinoids
We previously mentioned that CBD belonged to a family of compounds called cannabinoids.
The cannabinoids exist outside of the body.
But, the human body has developed its own type of cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids.
These are similar to CBD in terms of their molecular structure, but they occur naturally – in the human body.
One of these compounds is called anandamide.
Large concentrations of anandamide are normally broken down by the body, but CBD has the unique ability to bind to the enzyme that is responsible for managing anandamide levels.
There is still a lot to discover about the possibilities associated with this reaction.
However, researchers believe that higher anandamide concentrations could play a role in nutrition, sleep patterns, and pain relief.
The potential role of CBD
The potential role of CBD is huge, spanning multiple physiological systems.
CBD supports the body‘s ability to keep everything in balance and function as it should.
It can take on different roles and influences a variety of biological processes.
The results can vary because our bodies are individually different, including the ECS and its receptors.
