What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds naturally present in some species of the plant kingdom. The Cannabis Sativa species has more than 100 of these compounds. In our body, the cannabinoids of this plant interact with the central nervous system (brain) and the rest of the body. (organs, muscles, etc.) as if they were endocannabinoids, which the body produces naturally. Of the more than 100 phytocannabinoids in Cannabis Sativa, the best known are CBD or Cannabidiol, which makes up almost 40% of the plant's resin extract, and THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. In today's article we are going to look at other cannabinoids in the plant and their functions, in order to understand the so-called "entourage" effect. This term basically refers to the way in which cannabinoids, terpenes and other nutrients in the plant act as a team and offer us all this therapeutic potential. Let's look at some of the most important cannabinoids-
Cannabigerol (CBG):
Non-psychoactive cannabinoid with an antibacterial effect. CBG slows down bacterial growth and has a mild antibiotic effect, reduces inflammation, inhibits the growth of cancer and tumor cells, and promotes bone regeneration.
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Cannabichromene (CBC):
This non-psychoactive cannabinoid has recently been associated with a potentiating effect on neuronal stem cells. This indicates its ability to help us maintain a healthy brain and prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
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Cannabidiol (CBD):
It is the most well-known cannabinoid in the plant today. It has a bright yellow color and has tremendous therapeutic potential. CBD attaches to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our nervous system and among its many applications, CBD helps combat any disorder caused by chronic inflammation, regenerate and protect the nervous system (neuroprotector), relieve pain, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce symptoms associated with cancer and many more! -
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
It is the cannabinoid known for the famous psychoactive effect of the plant, although it is not present in CBD oils, it has a therapeutic potential investigated by numerous scientists around the world such as Dr. Cristina Sánchez, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). THC influences memory, concentration, pleasure, coordination, sensory and time perception, and appetite.
- CBDA or cannabidiolic acid: is the precursor of CBD. Various studies on CBDA highlight its ability to reduce nausea, vomiting, stress and an anti-tumor effect.
- THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid: is the non-psychoactive precursor of THC present in the raw plant. Its properties when isolated are: reduction of nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite, protective capacity for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and antispasmodic.
