Imperial College Researchers Discover That CBD Blocks Pain Pathways
Posted by Lewis Olden on
Those who truly believe that Cannabis is a therapeutic and has a number of medicinal properties, particularly pertaining to pain management. New research that was undertaken by Imperial College in London may be able to explain why cannabis provides pain relief. The research focused on how CBD, a key active compound within cannabis, acts on nerve cells within the body.
A research team that was directed by Michael Sodergren discovered that rat neurons cultured in a laboratory could be made less sensitive to capsaicin. Capsaicin is an active component within chilli peppers. It is a chemical irritant to humans and mammals too. It produces a sensation of burning with any tissue that it encounters.
The research team discovered that CBD blocked pain signalling pathways. In comparison with untreated neurons, the nerve cells that were treated with CBD seeing an increase in calcium and a reduction in the levels of cAMP, which is a key signalling molecule in the pain pathways.
According to the Imperial College research team, the findings illustrate how cannabis compounds directly act on neurons. This could provide an explanation as to why CBD has a therapeutic effect in patients with acute and chronic pain.
Studies such as this are vital to collate clinical evidence that begins to gather a true understanding of how cannabis derived molecules such as CBD can assist those living in pain. This is a substantial finding and may lead further research being carried out to develop an even more comprehensive appreciation of how CBD can block pain pathways.
What is CBD?
CBD is the shorthand for cannabidiol. CBD is a chemical compound that is found within the Cannabis Sativa plant. More commonly known as marijuana or hemp.
CBD is a naturally occurring substance and there is increasing evidence to support claims that it can assist with inflammation, pain, sleep, anxiety and stress.
CBD is available in the UK in a variety of forms. The most common CBD product on the market is CBD oil. CBD oil is placed underneath the tongue to be absorbed by the blood vessels under the tongue. This is an efficient method of using CBD.
CBD Patches are becoming an increasingly popular method of using CBD. A CBD Patch is similar in size to a normal plaster. However, it is infused with CBD. To get relief from symptoms of chronic issues, you simply apply the CBD patch to venous part of your body, like the top of your arm, inside of your wrist or on your ankle. The patch is to be kept on for 24 Hours to achieve the maximum effect.
Your body heat activates the patch and causes it to release a small amount of CBD through your skin and into your bloodstream. Think of it like an IV without the pesky needles.
When you apply a transdermal CBD Patch to your skin, you set up a drug concentration gradient. That means the patch contains a lot of cannabinoid, while your skin does not. When a substance (like heat or CBD) is in high concentration, it naturally wants to spread out into the surrounding area.
We recommend that you place the Patch on the outer side of your upper arm for a period of 24 hours for the most effective results.
This concept is similar to pouring boiling water into a coffee mug and leaving it sitting on your counter. The hot water contains a lot of heat, while the atmosphere around it doesn’t, because of this difference (the gradient), the heat naturally “spreads out” into the air around it.
The nice thing about transdermal delivery is that it bypasses your lungs, liver, and stomach (places where your body filters or breaks down the cannabinoid). This means you get 100 percent of the CBD.
CBD Vape oils are also growing in popularity, especially with younger consumers of CBD.
CBD drinks are also a growing market. CBD drinks are affordable and can easily fit in with your daily routine. They taste great too which is important to some CBD users who do not like the taste.
