CBD is a yellowish fluid that is extracted from cannabis or hemp plant and it is the second most abundant component found in the cannabis plant.
It exhibits many useful biological and therapeutic properties through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and many other receptors in the body.
CBD oil does not contain THC and thus it lacks the ability to cause intoxication or ‘high’ making it useful for many different people and age groups without controversy.
CBD oil has found its use in alleviating the symptoms of many major disorders and diseases including cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, seizures, heart diseases, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
Muscular and Vascular Relaxant Property of CBD and its Benefits
Endocannabinoid receptors are found in smooth muscles. CBD is known to indirectly interact with these receptors by altering the levels of many endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide among others.
Thus CBD has an influence on the contraction of smooth muscles.
CBD is a potent vascular relaxant. It dilates the blood vessels and increases the blood flow to the concerned area. This helps in bringing about an analgesic effect. Increased blood flow can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety as well.
Blood carries many other useful constituents such as antibodies, anti-oxidants, etc. and increased blood flow can provide the concerned site with these constituents thus allowing faster healing and relief from infections, oxidative stress, etc.
Consequently, the muscle and vascular relaxant properties of CBD allows it to help relieve pain, prevent arterial blockage, alleviate anxiety, reduce muscle spasms, etc.
1. CBD reduces pain and muscle spasms
Pain and spasms occur as the symptoms of many common and prevalent disorders including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, etc.
It is important to find a natural and potent way to treat these symptoms, which does not possess major side effects in the long run.
CBD has been shown to have potent analgesic properties. It provides relief from pain and also reduces muscle spasms.
There are various mechanisms involved in the analgesic property of CBD and vasodilation is one of them.
CBD increases the levels of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, in the serum. Anandamide, in turn, is capable of causing vasodilation. It does so by relaxing the vascular smooth muscle by a non-cannabinoid mechanism.
Vasodilation has been linked to analgesia, relaxation and speedy recoveries from injury. Increased blood flow allows the affected site to heal faster by providing it with necessary endogenous chemicals.
It also helps remove the toxins from the affected area and allows the tissue to recover by absorbing nutrients and oxygen.
CBD also helps relieve muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis as well. CBD has been used in many preparations used to provide relief from the symptoms of multiple sclerosis including spasticity (muscle rigidity and spasms).
Abnormal CBD (abn-cbd), a synthetic analog of natural CBD, has been shown to relax mesenteric arteries in rat models by making changes in the ion channels. It has a potent hypotensive effect. Use of abn-cbd has been shown to relax the uterine wall during pregnancy.
Many other analogs of CBD have been shown to possess vasorelaxation properties. This points towards the natural vaso relaxant property of CBD, as the modified analogs possess significant vasorelaxant property.
Endocannabinoid has been shown to relax the vascular tissue by various mechanisms. The impact of CBD on these endocannabinoid (such as anandamide) can be responsible for its vasodilator effects.
Summary
CBD can reduce pain and spasms associated with many disorders due to its vasorelaxant and muscular relaxant properties.
2. CBD has anxiolytic effects
CBD has found widespread use as an anxiolytic substance. It helps attenuate symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD among others. Vaso and muscular relaxant property of CBD has a role to play in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety attacks exhibit symptoms like tingling in arms, cold feet, faintness etc. This is due to the lack of oxygen supply to the tissue.
CBD has a vasorelaxant effect which can dilate the blood vessel and increase the blood supply to the tissue. Therefore CBD can help provide relief from the symptoms of an anxiety attack.
Massage has been used a way to improve circulation in people suffering from anxiety. Creams and gels infused with CBD can be used for the massages, which can bring about the relaxation of muscles and vessels. This, in turn, allows for overall relaxation of the body and the mind.
Studies have shown that use of CBD creates a cerebral blood flow pattern that is consistent with anti-anxiety effect.
A study conducted to understand the effect of CBD on blood pressure also concluded that CBD causes a decrease in blood pressure (by multiple mechanisms including vasorelaxation) and this is responsible for its anxiolytic and analgesic effect.
Summary
CBD exhibits anxiolytic effects and provides relief from the symptoms of anxiety and/or anxiety attacks. This is mediated by the vasorelaxant properties of CBD.
3. CBD reduces the risk of arterial blockage and blood pressure
Hypertension is becoming increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyle and stress. High blood pressure has been linked to many diseases and disorders of the heart and brain.
It is important to keep it under check. CBD and its synthetic analogs have a hypotensive effect.
A placebo-controlled, random, crossover and double-blind trial was conducted to understand the effect of CBD on blood pressure.
t was reported that a single dose of CBD (600mg) given to the healthy volunteers was capable of reducing the blood pressure.
It was seen that the resting blood pressure went down in the volunteers. There was also a reduction in the blood pressure caused due to stress.
Studies in isolated arteries of rat and humans have shown that CBD has time-dependent and acute vasorelaxation effect. CBD binds to PPARgamma and activates it, which in turn relaxes the arteries. Inhibition of calcium channel is another mechanism involved.
Arterial constriction can cause a lot of damage to the heart and other parts of the body. CBD is capable of relaxing the vessels and thus reducing the risk of arterial blockage.
This helps reduce arterial inflammation as well. Relaxation of the arterial wall also reduces pressure and plaque buildup thus improving overall arterial health.
Summary
CBD is capable of relaxing the blood vessels, which in turn helps reduce blood pressure and maintains overall arterial health.
Dosage and Usage
The optimum dose of CBD oil varies from person to person depending on many factors such as the strength of the oil, age, diseases, tolerance of the person, etc.
Research and personal accounts of users indicate that the dose between 600mg-1500mg per day is well tolerated without adverse effects.
Users should not consume more than 1500mg/day of CBD oil as it can result in minor side effects. The side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, faintness, blood pressure issues, etc. Increased tremors in Parkinson’s patients have also been observed.
Low doses of 300-600 mg can be used every day for up to 6 months without major adverse effects. Users should start with low doses and slowly increase the dose while observing their symptoms for betterment.
This is the best way to figure out the optimum dose based on individual need.
CBD oil tinctures are available in various concentrations such as 100mg, 300mg, 600mg, etc. These can be taken by the sublingual method, which includes dropping the oil in the mouth, holding it under the tongue followed by swallowing.
CBD oil containing gels and creams are also available for topical use. The gel can be applied to the affected area to relieve pain.
Vaping of CBD oil is another alternative for adults. Edibles like candy containing CBD are also available in certain places.
Precautions
Studies have proven that CBD does not have major adverse effects as long as it is consumed with care.
Appropriate doses can be consumed for long durations without side effects. Machinery such as cars should not be operated right after CBD intake.
Contamination-free CBD oil should be purchased from trusted sources. A cheap and adulterated product can lead to potent toxicity. High doses could result in adverse effects such as dry mouth, low BP, dizziness, change in appetite, etc.
CBD has an impact on the metabolism of the drug by the liver. This leads to increased stay of the drugs in the bloodstream in the absence of breakdown.
The common drugs with which CBD can interaction includes anti-depressants, beta blockers, antibiotics, anesthetics, anxiolytics, anti-seizure, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), etc.
Change in the doses of these medications should help avoid side effects if the users are consuming them while they are also using CBD. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid CBD unless recommended by the healthcare provider.
Getting an expert opinion on dose can help avoid any adverse effects. Doctors can also provide help regarding possible drug interactions and how to avoid them.
Users should pay attention to details on the labels regarding strength, purity, etc. present on the bottle. Expert sellers can also provide some details on dosage and usage.
Summary
CBD has many potent biological properties and it is becoming famous as a natural alternative to drugs such as analgesics, anxiolytics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
CBD exerts the biological and therapeutic properties via various complex mechanisms and interaction with the different components of the human body. One such mechanism is the muscle and vascular relaxant property of CBD.
CBD relaxes the muscles and blood vessels. This results in many significant biological properties of CBD including a reduction in pain, alleviation of muscle spasms, anxiolytic effects, prevention of arterial blockage, hypotensive effects, etc.
The dose and mode of intake vary from patient to patient based on the condition and tolerance. 600mg is the most common dose for various conditions. Users should obtain pure and high-quality CBD for consumption. Consultation with health care provider regarding dose and drug interactions could be useful.
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