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CBD and Crohn's disease
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4 min
What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It mainly affects the colon and small intestine, but unlike ulcerative colitis (an autoimmune disease), the inflammation can extend from the mouth to the anus.
The symptoms of this Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in some cases, non-digestive symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and joint inflammation. These symptoms often last several weeks, followed by periods of remission that can extend over several months. When attacks are severe, causing, among other things, an inability to eat and bleeding, the patient will need to be hospitalized.
The causes of Crohn's disease
The causes of the disease, which consists of inflammation of the walls and deep layers of the digestive tract, are related to several factors:
- Genetic factors : the NOD2/CARD15 gene is associated with the disease;
- Autoimmune factors : inflammation would come from an abnormal immune reaction to the disruption of the intestinal flora, in particular through the production of cytokines by the immune system, which reinforces the inflammation;
- Environmental factors , such as refined sugars and bacterial and fungal infections, are examples. Tobacco, like stress, is not strictly speaking a cause of the disease, but once the disease has taken hold, it can trigger flare-ups.
Studies investigating the intestinal deficiency of an essential fatty acid as a cause of the disease [1] have also opened new avenues for research into other possible treatments. Oxidation, the production of free radicals that damage cells, is also a source of inflammation.
The mechanism of Crohn's disease
IBD treatments
Conventional treatments involve a multidisciplinary approach: dietary measures, medication, and even surgery (colectomy) in some cases. Crohn's disease remains incurable to date, and therefore, treatment can only focus on reducing the frequency of flare-ups and managing pain.
The effects of CBD on Crohn's disease
CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.), but unlike THC, it has no psychoactive effects. This molecule impacts the endocannabinoid system in mammals, which is the network of neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors present in the nervous system that influence basic physiological processes.
The effects of CBD on sleep
Thanks to its action on the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps regulate the day-night cycle. Furthermore, its consumption promotes a state of deep relaxation, which can help relieve stress and combat migraines.
The effects of CBD on pain management
CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve pain , whether joint or muscular.
The effects of CBD on inflammation
CBD can help the body fight inflammation. This can have a beneficial effect on chronic and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia, for example.
In addition to these effects, the main endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are present throughout the digestive system [2]. Taking CBD will lead to the activation of these receptors, thus increasing their impact on the regulation of the inflammatory and immune systems of the gut.
Clinical studies of CBD on Crohn's disease and IBD
In addition to stimulating natural receptors, numerous studies have highlighted the following characteristics of the CBD molecule:
- CBD's anti-inflammatory properties : according to a 2009 study [3], "the molecule impacting CB2 receptors helps slow the release of cytokines and therefore inflammation." This property may help reduce diarrhea.
- CBD antioxidant : A study carried out in 2010[4] by British researchers recalls that " CBD is a very powerful antioxidant, which leads to a reduction in the level of free radicals and therefore offers protection against tissue damage", in this case that of the intestine.
- CBD for pain relief : A 2012 study [5] highlights the pain-relieving properties of CBD, particularly due to its anti-inflammatory action. Furthermore, CBD, by activating endocannabinoid receptors, improves serotonin production and thus acts directly on pain.
More generally, another randomized clinical trial [6] from 2013 was conducted on a group of patients with Crohn's disease who were given CBD+THC* and another group who received a placebo. After 8 weeks of treatment, of the 11 subjects who received CBD, 10 showed significant improvement, and among these 10, 5 achieved complete remission.
Finally, a 2012 Italian study [7] on cannabidiol and its effects on inflammatory bowel disease states the following in its conclusion: “The beneficial effects of CBD have been widely demonstrated in chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This molecule possesses an extraordinary range of beneficial effects that can slow the course of the disease, improve symptoms , and potentially increase the effectiveness of existing medicationsfor treating debilitating bowel discheckouts such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Due to its low toxicity, even in humans, and its complete absence of any psychotropic side effects, CBD may represent a new molecule or one of the key compounds for developing new pharmacological approaches to improve the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.”
* THC is a prohibited substance in France (if the level exceeds 0.3%).
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