CBD OIL FOR LIVER AND KIDNEY DISEASES

To understand how CBD works in liver and kidney disease, it’s important to first explore the role of the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cellular regulatory network present throughout the body that plays a fundamental role in regulating numerous physiological processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune response. The ECS consists of three main components: receptors, endocannabinoids (which are molecules produced naturally by the body, similar to cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant), and enzymes that synthesize and break down these endocannabinoids.

The ECS has two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are mainly located on immune system cells.

Both types of cannabinoid receptors are present in the skin, liver, kidneys, heart, and other internal organs, making them potential targets for CBD and the many beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant.

HOW DOES CBD AFFECT THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

CBD exerts its effects through several different mechanisms:

Indirect modulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors: CBD may help modulate and influence the function of CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly, for example, by inhibiting the breakdown of endocannabinoids, thereby increasing their levels and effects within the body.

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the human body that play crucial roles in regulating many vital physiological processes.

-Mood regulation: Endocannabinoids affect the release of neurotransmitters, thereby regulating mood and reducing symptoms of depression.

-Pain relief: They help reduce the perception of pain.

-Appetite: They regulate appetite.

-Sleep: They influence sleep cycles and rest.

-Immune system: They modulate immune system function, affecting inflammatory processes and immune responses.

Endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG are key players in these processes. CBD therefore delays the breakdown of these compounds, resulting in increased endocannabinoid levels in the body.

Effects through other receptors: CBD also interacts with other receptors such as GPR55 and 5-HT1A (serotonin) receptors, which influence pain perception and anxiety.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: CBD can reduce inflammation and has antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage.

So, CBD’s effects are complex and act through multiple biological pathways, explaining its potential benefits in various health conditions.

RECOGNIZED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Leading researchers at the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) also acknowledge the critical role of the endocannabinoid system in maintaining our health. This is emphasized in a 2013 report by NIH scientists Pal Pacher and George Kunos, who state that “modulating the endocannabinoid system holds therapeutic potential for virtually every disease affecting humans.”

THE ROLE OF CBD OIL IN LIVER AND KIDNEY DISEASE

Much depends on how the two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, function. In both the liver and kidneys, CB1 and CB2 receptors are closely linked. If the CB1 receptor is overstimulated and CB2 receptor signaling is insufficient (or vice versa), this can indicate various disease states in the body.

Chronic liver disease is a serious public health issue affecting millions worldwide.
It has been observed that in conditions such as fatty liver, kidney disease, diabetes, and other diet-related metabolic disorders, CB1 receptor signaling is excessively active while CB2 receptor stimulation is inadequate.

This is where CBD comes in, as it fine-tunes the endocannabinoid system by downregulating CB1 receptors while mimicking and enhancing CB2 receptor activity.

Specifically, in the liver and kidneys, CB1 signaling is profibrotic, which means it encourages the formation of fibrous connective tissue in response to injury or damage. In contrast, CB2 signaling is antifibrotic, meaning it inhibits fibrosis and dilutes the blood.

Fibrosis is a pathological process where normal tissue is replaced by excessive connective tissue, or scar tissue. This overproduction of scar tissue disrupts normal tissue structure and organ function, leading to a decline in the affected organ’s performance. Conditions like cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are severe states characterized by excess fibrosis, and this also applies to chronic kidney disease.

During fibrosis, the balance between CB1 and CB2 receptors is disrupted. Therefore, treatment strategies for fibrotic conditions aim to enhance CB2 signaling while concurrently downregulating CB1.
CBD does exactly this, potentially preventing scarring in vital organs.

WHAT DO STUDIES SAY?

The liver-protective ability of CBD was the focus of a 2017 study* published in Scientific Reports, which examined the effects of CBD on mice given enough alcohol to mimic chronic and excessive alcohol consumption.

The study found that CBD oil significantly reduced fat accumulation and liver damage. The authors concluded that “CBD may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcoholic liver diseases associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and steatosis [fatty change], justifying further research during human clinical trials.”
* https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319965199_Cannabidiol_attenuates_alcohol-induced_liver_steatosis_metabolic_dysregulation_inflammation_and_neutrophil-mediated_injury

Another study examining the effects of CBD oil on liver health administered CBD and other cannabinoids (CBDA, CBG, CBN) to laboratory rats over eight months. Published in the journal Cell Death and Disease, the study found that CBD oil eliminated stellate cells, which cause scar tissue formation in the liver.

“...It appears that CBD may help improve liver health and reduce the effects of liver damage. More human studies are needed, but current evidence supports the idea that using CBD oil is not only safe but may also have a therapeutic role in treating liver diseases.”

HOW SHOULD I DOSE CBD FOR LIVER AND KIDNEY DISEASE?

Individual responses to CBD vary, so there is no one-size-fits-all dosage. The generally accepted advice is to start with a low dose and gradually increase the amount. On our Dosage Guide page, you will find detailed information about CBD dosing.

SHOULD I BUY A BROAD OR FULL-SPECTRUM CBD OIL?

For liver and kidney damage associated with alcohol consumption or unrelated to alcohol use, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum CBD oil that contains no THC. However, if the primary goal is to reduce alcohol consumption, research suggests that a full-spectrum CBD oil containing THC may be more beneficial.

It is important to note that the effects of CBD Oil can vary between individuals, and the perception of effects or the degree of effectiveness may differ depending on the person and circumstances. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new treatment to ensure it is appropriate for you. What to Watch Out For When Ordering CBD Oil?