The topic of Health is very relevant, and having a healthy lifestyle has become popular. In this regard, the number of studies related to alternative therapies for treating various diseases and the natural relief of chronic conditions is also growing.
It is not surprising that CBD is also becoming more and more popular worldwide and in the UK in particular.
It is crucial for us at PATCH ADAM that our customers, both current and future ones, clearly understand what phytocannabinoids are (CBD is a prominent representative) and how they possibly affect the human body.
This article is about the popular phytocannabinoids and non-psychoactive cannabis compounds that we mostly use in our products. That inspires us to create the best natural CBD experience for your !
What are Phytocannabinoids?
Let's start with the definition of cannabinoids, a class of chemical compounds that may interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.
And Phytocannabinoids are plant-based cannabinoids.
The hemp derived phytocannabinoids produced by glandular trichomes cover the surface of the plant. Research found that phytocannabinoids may resonate very organically with the receptors in our bodies.
Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids System
The body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the connection through which CBD and other phytocannabinoids may affect our body and well-being.
A complex cellular is a signaling system that regulates the critical biological processes in the human body.
Research links ECS to the following processes:
- appetite and digestion
- maintaining the cardiovascular system
- metabolism
- inflammation and other immune system responses
- sleep
- the functioning of the nervous system
- promote the growth of bone and muscle tissue
What is the Difference Between Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids?
The ECS may consists of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that the body produces) and endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body, including the brain. Endocannabinoids may bind to receptors in a specific area of the body to signal that ECS needs to take action when needed.
Hemp derived phytocannabinoids may play an important supporting role here. They may improve the binding of endocannabinoids to receptors for greater effectiveness. And some types of phytocannabinoids may even be capable of mimicking endocannabinoids in their functions.
The system's potential leading role is to promptly respond to malfunctions in the body to correct the situation as soon as possible and prevent a critical state and take care of the restoration of cells in case of damage or aging.
An example would be a reaction to inflammation or pain.
What are the Benefits of Phytocannabinoids?
You may have a question: "If our body produces endocannabinoids on its own, why should we take additional phytocannabinoids?"
Most researchers may believe that CBD, like other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, that may prevent the breakdown of endocannabinoids. And possibly also improve the binding and effectiveness of endocannabinoids to endocannabinoid receptors.
At the same time, psychoactive phytocannabinoids may independently bind to cannabinoid receptors and possibly activate them (for example, a feeling of euphoria).
So, the main answer is: Phytocannabinoids may help homeostasis disrupted by genetics or lifestyle factors. Lifestyle also includes stressful situations at home and work, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, lack of rest, and infectious diseases that deplete the body.
All these factors negatively affect the system's efficiency, and phytocannabinoids may possibly come to the rescue in this.
Whether the cannabinoids are swallowed sublingually (drops under the tongue), inhaled through an inhaler, or used as a cream, they may work well for various specialized receptors. And possibly Throughout the body, and have a beneficial effect on ESC's ability to balance the body.
Therefore, the benefits of phytocannabinoids are so valuable!
The list of Phytocannabinoids
Interestingly, cannabis is considered a "symbiotic human plant" among researchers because it may contain very similar molecules to those found in the human body.
More than 100 cannabinoids have been found in the plant, the most popular and studied being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). However, the rest are also fascinating. Below we will consider the most popular and studied ones.
Psychoactive cannabinoids
For a cannabinoid to be psychoactive, it must interact with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This interaction has varying degrees of psychoactivity. The psychoactive phytocannabinoids are not only used to achieve "get high", but they also may have therapeutic value (despite being off the shelf).
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a moderately psychoactive component of cannabis, and it forms by the oxidation of THCA (not psychoactive, read below).
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known psychoactive component of the plant, causing euphoria, often described as feeling "high", because THC binds to the CB1 receptors.
What is THCV?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a psychoactive cannabinoid that may induce vigor and euphoria.
Non psychoactive cannabinoids
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most popular non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
CBD may well react with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body providing an effect.
People with sleep disorders may try to use it. CBD widely used to be applied internally and externally.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid commonly found in cannabis strains low in THC and high in CBD. Interestingly, like THC (a psychoactive component), it may react with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. BUT! CBG may work to a minimal extent, avoiding a state of altered consciousness.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive ingredient. It may be better absorbed by the body when consumed raw (such as cannabis juice).
What is CBC?
Cannabichromene (CBC) is not as popular and studied as, for example, THC, but it may equally be helpful. It is not a psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it does not make you feel high.
It may participate in neurogenesis (an increase in neurons and the structural restructuring of neural networks in the brain).
What is CBDV?
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that does not give a euphoric high. Moreover, now, cannabis is the only plant in which this component is found. The concentration of cannabidivarin in most popular marijuana strains is relatively low, making it difficult to obtain.
Research may have shown that CBDV, like CBD, may effect a variety of symptoms and conditions.
CBD oils may contain the required dosage of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids and are beneficial.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids that combine to possibly give an "entourage effect" that may give the best user experience, such as Multivitamin Oral Drops.
Is it Possible to Overdose with Phytocannabinoids?
Not a single death was recorded from an "overdose" of phytocannabinoids from cannabis. Only too high a dosage and an inadequate individual response may be possible.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the term "overdo it" refers more to psychoactive phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids created in laboratories.
The dosage of phytocannabinoids is individual. It may depend on your health status, metabolic rate, body weight, route, and consumption purpose.
The Cannabinoid Toxicity report states: "Despite the wider availability of cannabis, the most significant cannabinoid toxicity related to the abuse of Synthetic Cannabinoids, which are known to have more adverse effects."
In the case of psychoactive cannabinoids, an acute overdose is unlikely. Signs of using too many psychoactive cannabinoids may include extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, increased heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, high blood pressure, and severe nausea or vomiting, which can cause unintentional injury.
When it comes to non-psychoactive cannabinoids, and in particular, CBD, according to WHO, are non-toxic, and may have no severe side effects or risk of dependence.
Phytocannabinoids Side Effects
Side effects are associated with high dosages of psychoactive cannabinoids, in particular THC, which are temporary. Cannabis can potentially have several unwanted side effects, including:
- thirst or dry mouth
- problems with concentration
- dry eyes
- tiredness or lethargy
- headaches and dizziness
- increased heart rate
- anxiety and other mood changes
In more rare individual cases, it may also cause:
- hallucinations, paranoia, and panic attacks
- nausea and vomiting
Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, especially in the correct dosage, may have very mild side effects due to individual intolerance.
Do Other Plants Have Cannabinoids?
Cannabis is not the only plant that may contain cannabinoids. However, it is cannabis that is the main "inspirer" for research on its constituents' properties.
Other sources of plant phytocannabinoids (or their analogs) contain cannabinoids, possibly in smaller amounts.
Echinacea
This plant is well known to all of us. Echinacea is slightly different from cannabis because it contains cannabimimetic that can possibly bind to CB2 receptors.
Helichrysum Umbraculigerum
This plant may have some antidepressant properties due to cannabigerol (CBG), which we mentioned above, and found in the cannabis plant.
Electric Daisy - Acmella oleracea
The electric daisy may have analgesic properties and is part of the external pain relievers. It may block pain receptors on nerve endings.
Chinese Rhododendron
The essential oil extracted from Chinese rhododendron may have potent therapeutic properties. Studies say the plant contains cannabinoid analogs (CBCs) such as cannabichromene. A type of cannabicyclol (CBL) and a kind of cannabicitran (CBT).
Liverwort - Radula Marginata
This plant contains acid, which may interact with receptors in the nervous system. However, it is non psychoactive. In practice, you may use it to treat the liver, gallbladder.
Cacao - Theobroma cacao
The most delicious natural antidepressant! All the components may deactivate the FAAH enzyme, which usually breaks down the endocannabinoid - anandamide.
This name comes from Sanskrit and translates as "bliss". This endocannabinoid may be responsible for the pleasant feelings of joy and euphoria, and relaxation in the body. Therefore, the consumption of natural chocolate (not to be confused with milk or white) increases anandamide in the brain.
Research confirms that natural chocolate does contain three compounds that may act as medicinal cannabinoids.
Black Pepper - Piper nigrum
The plant contains terpenes, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which functions as a cannabinoid. Like other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, BCP may bind to CB2 receptors for anti-inflammatory effects. Black pepper extract may be very effective in medicines for arthritis and osteoporosis.
Kava (Piper methysticum)
This plant became famous as an anti-anxiety drink.
The components of Kava probably, like THC, may affect the CB1 receptors.
Distributed in the states of Oceania, particularly throughout Polynesia, it widely used as a ritual drink.
Thanks to its active substances- kavalactones, the plant may have relaxing, antibacterial, anesthetic, and diuretic properties. Some have compared the effect of drinking it to alcohol, and however, despite some psychoactive effects, Kava is not addictive.
Tuber Melanosporum (Black Truffles)
It seems that not only chocolate can "present happiness". It appears that black truffles may also mimic the endocannabinoid anandamide, which possibly creates a sense of contentment and joy in the body.
Conclusion:
The human body requires constant maintenance of balance. The regulatory responses taken to restore balance throughout the body are known as homeostasis and the endocannabinoid system potentially responsible for them.
Endocannabinoid deficiency may play a role in developing many diseases.
The phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants potentially may mimic and complement the effects of endocannabinoids produced in the body. By acting on key receptors, cannabis cannabinoids may have significant potential. According to WHO, phytocannabinoids like CBD are safe and non-addictive.
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