Diet and Supplements

Phytocannabinoids: With the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) during the 1980s provided researchers a new perspective on the compounds in hemp and marijuana identified 40 years before. And one of the new perspectives was how these compounds interacted with the human body.

Phytocannabinoids: (Phyto) - For Plant Was The Name Given To These Compounds

Over 80 phytocannabinoids have been identified in marijuana and hemp. The psychoactive phytocannabinoid in marijuana  known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) represents only one of the many phytocannabinoids being studied for its health benefits.1

The more science learns about the effects of the ECS in supporting brain health, enhancing immune function, maintaining a healthy inflammatory response, and promoting GI health, fertility, bone health, etc. Now there is more interest in finding phytocannabinoids in nature and learning how they affect human health.

Because of this interest, phytocannabinoids have now been identified in many plants outside of the Cannabis species. An example is in plants like clove, black pepper, echinacea, broccoli, ginseng, and carrots.2

Phytocannabinoids In Hemp

Most people have heard of cannabadiol (CBD), but this is only one of many components in hemp that interacts with the ECS. 

Two other phytocannabinoids include:

Cannabichromene (CBC)

• CBC research began in the 1980's when it was found that it would act upon a normal inflammatory response in rats.3 Recently CBC has shown to promote brain health,4 skin health,5 and keep normal movement in the digestive system.6

Cannabigerol (CBG)

• CBG research focuses on how it supports nervous system health. CBG has multiple jobs in the ECS. These include inhibiting the re-uptake of anandamide. Although still unknown, but CBG could possibly provide support for immune function, skin health, and being in a good mood. And CBG is found in much higher levels in industrial hemp than in marijuana.7

Phytocannabinoids In Other Plants

Current research has found phytocannabionids in many other plants. Some of these include:

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP)

• BCP is found in the flowers and leaves of hemp, and since only the hemp stalk is used in supplements, BCP content gets lost. But, BCP is contained in many other plants, i.e. cloves and black pepper. BCP joins itself to the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. This helps maintain a healthy inflammatory response while at the same time promoting health to the digestive system, skin, and liver.8,9

Diindolylmethane (DIM)

• DIM is a compound that is produced in our bodies when consuming vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. DIM is a readily available dietary supplement. Just like beta-caryophyllene, DIM binds to the CB2 cannabinoid receptor.10 The immune system is abundant in CB2 receptors, this could explain benefits of these foods especially in immune system health.

Alkylamides

• Alkylamides also play a role in the ECS, that is generating interest. It is found in the herb Echinacea, These compounds act on the CB2 receptor for regulation of cytokine synthes is and immune function support.11 This helps explain the common uses of Echinacea.

Falcarinol

• Falcarinol is found in carrots, celery, parsley, and Panax or Asian ginseng. Falcarinol compound binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor but has the opposite effect of anandamide. Because of this, falcarinol can cause allergic skin reactions due to the blocking of our own ECS from regulating local inflammation.12

Yangonin

• This phytocannabinoid is found in the Kava plant (Piper methysticum). This compound binds to CB1 receptors and acts on GABA receptors in the nervous system. Yangonin has shown to promote relaxation and regulate responses to stress, however, it could be unhealthy for the liver.13

Information and knowledge of the endocannabinoid system is growing at a rapid rate. Science and scientists continue their research in order to find more phytocannabinoids in foods/plants that will benefit human health.

References

1. Borgelt L, Franson K, Nussbaum A, Wang G. The pharmacologic and clinical effects of medical cannabis. Pharmacotherapy 2013;33(2):195-209.
2. Gertsch J, Roger G, Vincenzo D. Phytocannabinoids beyond the cannabis plant – do they exist? Br J Pharmacol 2010;160(3):523-529.
3. Wirth P, Watson E, ElSohly M, et al. Anti-inflammatory properties of cannabichromene. Life Sci 1980;26(23):1991-1995.
4. Shinjyo N, Di Marzo V. The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells. Neurochem Int 2013;63(5):432-437.
5. Izzo A, Capasso R, Aviello G, et al. Inhibitory effect of cannabichromene, a major non?psychotropic cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa, on inflammation?induced hypermotility in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2012;166(4):1444-1460.
6. Oláh A, Markovics A, Szabó?Papp J, et al. Differential effectiveness of selected non?psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrheic skin and acne treatment. Exp Dermatol 2016;25(9):701-707.
7. De Meijer E, Hammond K. The inheritance of chemical phenotype in Cannabis sativa L.(II): cannabigerol predominant plants. Euphytica 2005;145(1-2):189-198.
8. Gertsch J, Leonti M, Raduner S, et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proc Natl Acad Sci 2008;105(26):9099-9104.
9. Klauke A, Racz I, Pradier B, et al. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014;24(4):608-620.
10. Yin H, Chu A, Li W, et al. Lipid G protein-coupled receptor ligand identification using β-arrestin PathHunter™ assay. J Biol Chem 2009;284(18):12328-12338.
11. Raduner S, Majewska A, Chen J, et al. Alkylamides from Echinacea are a new class of cannabinomimetics Cannabinoid type 2 receptor-dependent and-independent immunomodulatory effects. J Biol Chem 2006;281(20):14192-14206.
12. Leonti M, Casu L, Raduner S, et al. Falcarinol is a covalent cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist and induces pro-allergic effects in skin. Biochem Pharmacol 2010;79(12):1815-1826.
13. Tang J, Dunlop R, Rowe A, et al. Kavalactones Yangonin and Methysticin induce apoptosis in human hepatocytes (HepG2) in vitro. Phytother Res 2011;25(3):417-423.

Cannabinoids: Plants and medicine have come around like never before. With more research taking place and more information coming to the medical field, there are now more options for ailments, conditions, diseases and disorders. Chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez analyzes the data and brings insight to these developing medicines and treatments. How they can help patients, what can they do and what can't they do?

Most associate cannabinoids with the marijuana plant. This is the most recognized cannabinoid compound - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what causes feelings of euphoria.

However, scientists have identified cannabinoids in many plants, which include black pepper, broccoli, carrots, clove, echinacea, and ginseng. None of these will get you high. But with an understanding of how the cannabinoids in these various plants affect the human body can create a path to important health discoveries.

Plants Are Medicine

Many modern drugs were developed through plant research. Researching compounds in these plants led to discovering life saving drugs and furthered the knowledge of how the human body functions. An example is the foxglove plant, which gave us digoxin and digitoxin. Two very important heart medications.1

Humans have been especially resourceful when finding plants for pleasure or to decrease pain.

Caffeine provides energy, while nicotine from tobacco stimulates and relaxes. This explains why tobacco is still popular even though we know the health risks of smoking.2

Pain-Relieving Drugs & Their Origin

Aspirin

In ancient times, medical practitioners drank tea made from willow tree, in order to reduce fever and pain. It took hundreds of years for scientists to find and isolate the active compound, which is salicylic acid. This led to the discovery of aspirin and from there, it evolved into inflammation reduction.4

Anesthetics

Coca plant leaves were used by the Incan's in South America. It was used to treat headaches, wounds, and fractures. However, the coca plant also brought about cocaine. But is an effective anesthetic. To have an understanding of how cocaine blocks pain has created common anesthetics like lidocaine, which is used in dental procedures.5

Opiates

Scientists studying opium from the poppy plant, have discovered opiate receptors in the human body and how they manage pain. This led to morphine, codeine, and other opiate based medications.3

Human Health & Cannabis

Cannabis has been used for centuries. Chinese text from the year A.D. 1 has recorded the use of hemp in treating over 100 ailments, which date back to 2737 B.C.6 After this, the tops of the cannabis plant were cultivated for their psychoactive attributes. While this was happening a different strain of the plant was grown for industrial hemp use, in making clothing, paper, biofuels, foods, and other products. 

Based on the controversy surrounding marijuana, it has not been easy for researchers to study the effects of the non-THC components in cannabis. THC was identified in the 1940's, but it was not until 50 years later that research revealed humans (and almost all animals) have a system of cannabinoid receptors.

Humans make cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and they act on these receptors.7

This system is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is involved in multiple processes, which include:

• Pain Sensation
• Appetite
• Memory
• Mood

Ever hit your toe, digest a piece of fruit or forget a password? Then the ECS was involved.

Discovery of the ECS along with the natural compounds identified in cannabis helped science and medicine. Researchers called these compounds phytocannabinoids, from the prefix “phyto" for plant. Over 80 phytocannabinoids have now been discovered in marijuana and hemp. THC is just one of the many compounds being studied for their health benefits.8

Cannabis & THC Moving Forward

Now that many plants are known to contain these compounds, phytocannabinoids are no longer just associated with cannabis.9 Chances are you have some source of phytocannabinoids in your diet right now.

Remember it could be just a small amount, and not all phytocannabinoids interact strongly with the ECS.

How Far Has This Research Developed?

Current research shows that some of the phytocannabinoids in hemp, clove, and black pepper can support the ECS to promote relaxation, decrease nerve discomfort, and improve digestive health. And as these compounds do not contain THC there is no mind-altering effects. Therefore, the option of using phytocannabinoids for health benefits, without feeling the psychoactive effects is definitely something to look forward to.10

References

1. Gurib-Fakim A. Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow. Mol Aspects Med 2006;27(1):1-93.
2. Singh Y, Blumenthal M. Kava: an overview. Distribution, mythology, botany, culture, chemistry and pharmacology of the South Pacific’s most revered herb. Herbalgram 1997;39(suppl):34-56.
3. Brownstein M. A brief history of opiates, opioid peptides, and opioid receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1993;90(12):5391-5393.
4. Vainio H, Gareth M. Aspirin for the second hundred years: new uses for an old drug. Pharmacol Toxicol 1997;81(4):151-152.
5. Ruetsch Y, Thomas B, Alain B. From cocaine to ropivacaine: the history of local anesthetic drugs. Curr Top Med Chem 2001;1(3):175-182.
6. http://www.thenorthwestleaf.com/pages/articles/post/traditional-chinese-medicine-how-marijuana-has-been-used-for-centuries [Accessed April 16, 2018].
7. Pertwee R. Cannabinoid pharmacology: the first 66 years. Br J Pharmacol 2006;147(Supp 1):163-171.
8. Borgelt L, Franson K, Nussbaum A, Wang G. The pharmacologic and clinical effects of medical cannabis. Pharmacotherapy 2013;33(2):195-209.
9. Gertsch J, Roger G, Vincenzo D. Phytocannabinoids beyond the Cannabis plant – do they exist? Br J Pharmacol 2010;160(3):523-529.
10. Russo E. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid?terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol 2011;163(7):1344-1364.

The therapeutic effects of Cannabidiol or CBD, is often the cannabinoid’s pain soothing effect that gets talked about. Headaches are the most common source of pain for the general population. Therefore, it makes sense that CBD use for migraines and headaches is an obvious.

Migraines and headaches can be a medical mystery, but usually their causes are brought on by problems with brain stem centers. The only treatments thus far, has been painkillers i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen. Triptan medications, which constricts the blood vessels in order to block pain pathways in the brain are used as well. But is there a better more natural way to treat headaches and migraines? 

Cannabis Has Been Treating Headaches For Quite Awhile

CBD oil for headaches is not a new therapy. Cannabis is mentioned as treatment for headaches in ancient texts that go back thousands of years. However, its use didn't become familiar in the west until the 19th century when it would be prescribed by doctors as a tincture.

Today conclusive clinical evidence is incomplete, as far as, medical cannabis and hemp oil use for headaches. But scientists do know when it comes to CBD oil use for headaches and migraines, that the endocannabinoid system is working in conjunction with the compounds. 

The Endocannabinoid System & Migraines

A theory brought about a possible contributing cause of migraines is dysfunction in the endocannabinoid system or (ECS). This is the body's network of receptors and cannabis-like chemicals that respond and regulate:

• Pain
• Immune system
• Mood
• Sleep
• Appetite
• Memory

Researchers have noted ECS mechanisms that could have a connection to migraine attacks.

Anandamide (AEA) is one of the prime endocannabinoids in the body. It is both a painkiller and has been found to power the serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.

The clearest record of endocannabinoid dysfunction that contributes to migraines is from a study in 2007 at the University of Perugia and published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. Researchers measured endocannabinoid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with chronic migraines and found significantly lower amounts of Anandamide. These findings, could "reflect an impairment of the endocannabinoid system in these patients, which may contribute to chronic head pain.” 

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency? Migraines Could Be A Sign

The link between lower levels of endocannabinoids in migraine patients has contributed to the formulation of what has been termed Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. This theory was developed by Neurologist and Cannabinoid Researcher Dr. Ethan Russo. 

The theory comes from how many brain disorders are inadequate or missing neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. Russo has suggested “a comparable deficiency in endocannabinoid levels might manifest similarly in certain disorders that display predictable clinical features as sequelae of this deficiency.”

In an interview he describes how, “If you don’t have enough endocannabinoids you have pain where there shouldn’t be pain. You would be sick, meaning nauseated. You would have a lowered seizure threshold. And just a whole litany of other problems.”

Russo relates these deficiencies can be addressed through introduction to plant cannabinoids, which act almost like those found in the body, by stimulating the endocannabinoid receptors. There is CB1 agonists such as Marinol and Nabilone have been tested for migraines, Russo suggests that the ECS needs a “gentle nudge” rather than a “forceful shove” given by these synthetic alternatives. He suggests small doses of whole plant cannabis, which contain “additional synergistic and buffering components, such as CBD and cannabis terpenoids.” 

Cannabidiol CBD Oil: Migraines

Russo in particular singles out CBD (Cannabidiol) in that it brings balance to the endocannabinoid system. In his interview with Martin Lee from Project CBD he says, “cannabidiol is an endocannabinoid modulator, in other words, when given chronically it actually increases the gain of the system…. So, if there’s too much activity in a system, homeostasis requires that it be brought back down. If there’s too little, it’s got to come up. And that’s what cannabidiol can do as a promoter of endocannabinoid tone.”

Scientists still are not exactly sure of how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Unlike psychoactive THC, CBD does not bind with any of the endocannabinoid receptors. Instead it activates a host of other non-endocannabinoid receptors, which work in the development and treatment of migraines, i.e. the 5-HT1A serotonin and TRPV-1 receptors.

Another possible explanation is CBD’s role as a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, which breaks down anandamide in the body. By inhibiting its production the theory is that it might lead to higher levels of pain relieving endocannabinoid. This is something that would benefit migraine sufferers.

Lack Of Clinical Evidence

Currently there are no gold standard, double blind, placebo clinical studies published to back up any accounts that suggest CBD or cannabis is an effective treatment for headaches and migraines.

One placebo controlled study has been conducted, documenting the safety and efficacy of synthetic THC medication Dronabinol for migraines. However, the results are still pending.

The largest study to take place was done from a retrospective basis. It was published in 2016 and found that out of 121 participants that suffer from migraines and were prescribed medical cannabis by a doctor; 103 participants found their migraine frequency reduced by half.

Can Cannabidiol Cause A Headache?

There are those who tried CBD and noted persistent headaches and even migraines. Does CBD cause headaches, even though the research suggests the contrary.

Those who reported getting headaches after taking CBD oil noted that the oil they bought was low quality, and the ingredients used included ethanol, various alcohols, preservatives and harsh chemicals.

When purchasing CBD oil for migraines or other conditions, get the best quality, not the cheapest!

How To Use CBD For Head Pain

There are different ways to apply CBD oil for headaches. If taking CBD for tension headaches, migraines or general headaches, there are many way to administer. Probably the simplest and most effective ways of using CBD is the sublingual method.

With this method one places a few drops of oil underneath the tongue. There it permeates through the membrane and makes its way to where it needs to go.

This isn’t the only method and many others can be just as effective. Make sure to do research when looking for CBD products online and the methods of administering these products.

Just like the nature of migraines, CBD for headaches and migraines is still not completely and scientifically understood. But with continued research of CBD and Cannabinoid based medicine, the future of sufferers of headaches and migraines will get better.

Injury Medical Clinic: Migraine Treatment