How CBD compounds work
The cannabinoid is the active ingredient found in cannabis extracted from the hemp plant. CBD does not cause high like Marijuana rather have many therapeutic virtues. CBD is a molecule present in the Cannabis plant and has many proven benefits to the health and medicine industry too. Even though CBD’s molecular structure resembles THC, CBD has no psychotropic effects like intoxication, dizziness, which are characteristics of THC.
Studies have shown that CBD has several identified benefits related to healing injuries, strengthening bones, and curing chronic pains or aches. CBD works by interacting with the receptors present in our body and boost them. Similarly, it also has disease-fighting ability, relieving stress, and regulating sleep. All of these functions are regulated through The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) of the human body and plays a major role in balancing our body and controls our health as a physiological system. The ECS identified throughout the body, and the ECS is known as the bridge between the body and brain.
CBD is directly connected to ECS, and ECS functions include the Immune system as one of its roles.
CBD is known to heal injuries or fractures faster because it helps in boosting the recovery of tissues more quickly, on the other hand, it increases the strength of the immune system to fight various diseases.
How CBD helps in controlling bacteria spread
Our body is prone to many diseases, viruses, and bacteria daily. Sometimes these bacteria and germs are not critical, but at times they can spread into the body, and the spread of such bacteria then depends on the fighting capacity of our body against this spread. This ability is our immunity functioning through the immunity system. The ECS has receptors for the functioning of the immune system, and CBD also interacts with those receptors too. Even though the researches are still in the process of how the ECS and immunity are connected, but CBD has a significant role to play in immunity boosting.
Below are the effects of CBD properties on immunity
i) CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammatory response and isolates infected areas and prevents bacteria from spreading further
ii) CBD prevents rapid cellular growth of the bacteria
iii) CBD modulates the secretion of cytokines, i.e., large groups of proteins whose function is to signal molecules that regulate the body’s immunity
iv) CBD suppresses the production of chemokine, which guides the cells to an infected area so that the white blood cells can attack and destroy the microbes.
v) CBD also suppresses the T-cell production and function, ultimately leading to an increase in the immune system’s ability to remember foreign particles
Although CBD has several properties to fight against bacteria, it is only beneficial when there is an active infection present. Otherwise, for a healthy person, it’s not required to promote unnecessary cells death or stop cell growth or suppress the proteins that signal the immune system.
Hence, CBD can act as an antibiotic when there is any bacteria or disease present in the body. CBD can act as an antibiotic as well as boost the effectiveness of the medicine.
CBD properties and role as Antibiotic
CBD’s characteristics being non-psychoactive helps in harnessing it as an antibiotic. As the Cannabis age, the properties of their compounds also start transforming. Studies suggest the THC compound transforms itself into Cannabinol (CBN), which has proven to treat against infections and is a potent compound for antibacterial perspective.
Another compound commonly identified in the Cannabis plant is Cannabichromene (CBC). CBC is said to be a forgotten CBD but has regular matching CBD concentration. Researches over the years have shown the antibiotic potential of CBC. The compound is potent to act as anti-bacteria and possess moderate antifungal properties.
The third compound emerges out of all the compounds CBC, CBD and THC form CBG Acid, also said to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. The CBG acid is formed during the early stage growth of the cannabis plant and is found at sufficient levels.
The medical benefits of these compounds are said to be effective weapons and can war against the bacteria.
How CBD enhances the Bacteria resistance
The microorganisms-pathogens cause any harmful bacteria that lead to diseases and usually enter our body through the mouth, eyes, nose, or any other openings directly, also includes wounds and injuries at times. Once this bacteria or germs enter the body, they being the living organism starts on spreading themselves in the various parts of the body. Once they are covered to a certain amount, humans are more likely to catch any disease.
Below are the identified reasons how CBD compound can help fight resistant bacterias in the body to control the spread of the bacteria:
Stops the bacteria division: The bacteria that attack our body aims at increasing its acquired area. The origin of this bacteria in the body might be any part, but it grows cell by cell. The control of this spread is the responsibility of the immune system. The immune system needs to fight those germs and destroy them.
Sometimes, the efficiency of the immune system lowers. Here is when a CBD can help. CBD transmits signals to the ECS receptors and in turns those receptors to boost their performance. Another way CBD can help to control the spread is that CBD does not promote its growth and prevents it from growing naturally. In this way, the bacteria is restricted from going on further division from one to two or multiplying in number.
Lowers the expression of Bacteria’s key genes: The bacteria is a living organism too. There are various bacteria present in our body; some are necessary while some are harmful. So any bacteria tend to have cells and genes, unlike any other human cell. Similarly, any harmful bacteria also has key genes and cells that tend to spread over the body.
CBD prevents the cell division and autolysis genes and lowers them, helps in reducing the expression of bacteria’s key genes to spread.
Boosts the effect of antibiotics: Many kinds of research have proved that overuse of antibiotics is the main cause of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic needs compounds that can enhance the efficacy of the antibiotic and reduce antibiotic resistance.
CBD contains one such compound that helps in enhancing the effect of the antibiotic and less requirement of the main antibiotic for the same results when combined with CBD. Medicines mainly work towards eradicating the germ cells of the bacteria, and the same is the role of the immunity system. CBD thus plays an important role here in boosting the immunity cells as well as the efficiency of the antibiotic.
Read: Using CBD To Treat Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Conclusion
CBD is known to have many medicinal uses. Its main function is to boost the already present molecules and increase their efficiency. The same happens in the case of antibiotics, and CBD helps in increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics to fight against the bacteria while decreasing the antibiotic resistance of the same medicines.
CBD must have a purpose to be consumed through medicines, treatments, or supplements. It’s not recommended for a healthy person without any health issues as it might have side effects too. Even though it has properties to enhance the body balance, it’s always recommended to consult specialists before making any decision.