CBD and Crohn's disease

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.

Symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and, in some cases, non-digestive symptoms (fatigue, malaise, joint inflammation...). They often last several weeks, after which remission phases can extend over several months. When attacks are intense, causing inability to eat and bleeding among other things, the patient will need to be hospitalized.

Causes of Crohn's disease

The causes of the disease, which consists of an inflammation of the walls and deep layers of the digestive tract, can be traced back to several factors:

• Genetic factors: the NOD2/CARD15 gene is associated with the disease;
• Autoimmune factors: inflammation is thought to result from an abnormal immune response to disturbances in intestinal flora, in particular through the production of cytokines by the immune system, which reinforce inflammation;
• Environmental factors: refined sugars, bacterial and fungal infections are just some examples. Tobacco, like stress, is not strictly speaking a cause of the disease, but once it has taken hold, it encourages attacks.

Studies focusing on the gut's failure to produce an essential fatty acid as a cause of the disease[1], have also opened up new avenues in the search for other possible treatments. Oxidation - the production of cell-damaging free radicals - is also a source of inflammation.

The mechanism of Crohn's disease

(Source: sante.lefigaro.fr/sante/maladie/maladie-crohn/quest-ce-que-cest)

Treatments for IBD

Conventional treatments involve multidisciplinary management: dietary measures, medication and even surgery (colectomy) in certain cases. To date, Crohn's disease remains incurable, so we can only act on the frequency of attacks and pain management.

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 mammalian endocannabinoid system, i.e. the set of neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors present in the nervous system and influencing basic physiological processes:

The effects of CBD on sleep

Thanks to its action on the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps regulate the day-night cycle. Consumption also promotes a state of deep relaxation, which can help relieve pressure and combat migraines.

The effects of CBD on pain management

CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve pain in joints and muscles.

The effects of CBD on inflammation

CBD can help the body fight inflammation. This can have a beneficial effect on chronic, self-imposed 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 activate these receptors, increasing their impact on regulating the gut's inflammatory and immune systems.

Clinical studies of CBD in Crohn's disease and IBD

In addition to stimulating natural receptors, numerous studies have highlighted the following characteristics of the CBD molecule:

• Anti-inflammatory CBD: according to a 2009 study[3] "the CB2-impacting molecule will help slow down the release of cytokines and thus inflammation". This property could help reduce diarrhoea.
• CBD antioxidant: A 2010 study[4] by British researchers reminds us that " CBD is a very powerful antioxidant, which leads to a reduction in free radical levels and therefore offers protection against tissue damage", in this case to the gut.
• Pain-relieving CBD: A 2012 study[5] highlights CBD's pain-relieving properties, notably through its anti-inflammatory action. In addition, CBD's activation of endocannabinoid receptors enhances serotonin production and thus acts directly on pain.

More generally, another randomized clinical study[6] from 2013 involved a group of Crohne's disease patients given CBD+THC* and another group given placebo. After 8 weeks of treatment, of the 11 subjects given CBD, 10 showed significant improvement, and of these 10, 5 went into complete remission.

Finally, a 2012 Italian study[7] on cannabidiol and inflammatory bowel disease concludes: "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 efficacy of drugs actuallyavailable for the treatment of disabling intestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis and also Crohn's disease. Because of 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 lead compounds for developing new pharmacological approaches to improve the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases."

* THC is a prohibited substance in France (if levels exceed 0.3%).

How to take CBD oil

Taking cannabidiol in oil form is one of the most effective ways to consume it. All you need to do is take a few drops with a pipette, directly under the tongue, for about a minute.

This allows CBD to enter the bloodstream very quickly, and ultimately the endocannabinoid system. Although taking CBD has no side effects, as each individual reacts differently to the molecule, it is advisable to start with the lowest dosage and then increase the number of drops until relief is achieved.

Not a fan of CBD oil? Prefer a more natural approach with flowers? Don't worry, we've put together a handy guide to help you consume them in the best possible way. And if you're looking for an ultra-powerful effect, discover our pure CBD concentrates, up to 99.7%.

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Before taking any CBD, you should seek the advice of your doctor.