About Cannabinoids
About Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a type of natural compounds that are present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Out of the 480 different compounds that exist in the plant, more then 100 are classified as cannabinoids. The most famous of these compounds is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another famous cannabinoid.
What are cannabinoids?
Subclasses Cannabinoids
The cannabinoids are separated into major & minor subclasses. Some of the most common cannabinoids are:
- Cannabigerols (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
- Other cannabinoids including cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE) and cannabitriol (CBT)
Endocannabinoids
The human endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating various processes in the body. The endocannabinoid system is a brain derived, complex cell-signaling system. We know it plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including: sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. Endocannabinoids existst and are active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. Endocannabinoids have been found to play a role in almost every important life-support and signaling system in the body.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. Phytocannabinoids, like those found in cannabis oil, can help restore balance to the endocannabinoid system and treat diseases caused by imbalance or malfunction. The interaction between cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in the body is similar leads to a cascade of reactions inside the cells. Unlike synthetic pills and medications, cannabinoids are recognized by the body as natural, and do not have the same level of negative side effects.
Cannabinoid receptors
Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors that are present on the surface of cells to produce their effects. The two main types of cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2, and they are located in various parts of the central nervous system. When cannabinoids interact with the brain’s limbic system, it may alter memory, cognition, and psychomotor performance. On the other hand, the mesolimbic pathway can affect the reward and pleasure responses, and pain perception can also be altered.
Medicinal research on cannabinoids
In recent decades, medicinal research on Cannabis sativa L. has progressed rapidly, and a lot of evidence indicates that Phytocannabinoids are useful for a variety of ailments. Simultaneously, impressive advancements in cannabinoid formulations and delivery technologies have been reported, extending the prospective use of cannabinoids as a useful medical treatment. Although cannabinoids have piqued interest for centuries, new scientifically sound insights regarding their therapeutic potential have emerged in the last several decades.