The best known is THC for its psychotropic effects. However, it is clear that this is not the only component of the hemp plant. There are other compounds that, after being studied in animals, Petri dishes and even in people, have given excellent results.
One of these is CBD or cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid that stands out for not being psychoactive and offering an important list of therapeutic benefits. Extracted from hemp, CBD is used by some people to alleviate the ailments of chronic arthritis, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal diseases and even some types of cancer. But can it help my bones?
There are recurring reports of new known benefits of this cannabinoid for different pathologies and disorders. Now we bring you some interesting facts about the use of CBD and its effects on the bone system and the treatment of its diseases.
What is the skeletal system?
In the animal kingdom, practically all creatures have a skeleton. It can be internal, as in mammals, or external, as in arthropods. What matters is that the skeleton is what allows us to move with precision and coordination, along with muscles and joints.
The human skeletal system is composed of 206 bones, but also contains cartilage, tendons and ligaments that help them connect to muscles or to other bones. All these components of the skeletal system have different characteristics and functions, having hard and soft, rigid and flexible elements.
Bones are the hardest and most resistant parts of vertebrates. They are composed of calcium and other minerals, and red blood cells are created inside them. Cartilage is found at the ends of the bones, to cushion and protect them. They are flexible and made of collagen. Ligaments and tendons are thick, fibrous tissues. The former join the bones together with the joints and the latter join them to the muscles.
Why use CBD?
Among all the components of the hemp plant, of which there are already more than 100, cannabidiol or CBD has been shown to have a particularly effective effect in strengthening bones. This is the main non-psychoactive compound of the plant and according to studies on mice, it helps to regenerate and consolidate fractured bones.
It is not that the other phytocannabinoids are not effective, but research has shown that CBD not only helps to weld fractured bones, but also gives them more strength and resistance. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol has also been studied for medical treatments in this area. However, it does not seem to have the same results in fractures, even in combination with other cannabinoids.
On the other hand, several studies suggest that CBD helps to form collagen fibers around the broken bone. Remember that collagen is a protein that provides a lot of resistance and elasticity to the tissues that contain it. Thus, when the bone is treated with CBD, once it is healed, it will be more difficult to break and suffer from bone diseases such as arthritis.
The Endocannabinoid System and Bone Health
Among the different systems that are part of our body, there is one that was recently discovered, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is in charge of maintaining the balance between different functions of the organism, from the most basic and vital, to those related to consciousness. This system also controls bone growth throughout life.
The endocannabinoid system is directly linked to the immune system, so it can also prevent the onset of bone diseases. One of its functions is to regulate the amount of bone material that is broken down, the production of new bone cells and the fat that accumulates in the bones. In this task, CB1 and CB2 receptors play an important role.
CB1 and CB2 receptors, among others, are the main components of the endocannabinoid system. The CB1 receptor is associated in old age with the development of osteoporosis. On the other hand, bone metabolism, as well as bone decay over time, corresponds to the CB2 receptor. These receptors are compatible with those found in hemp, which is why our body responds so well to the consumption of this plant.
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