CBD Could Lessen THC’s Side Effects
Researchers at the University of Mississippi National Center for Natural Products Research have made a significant discovery. A study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience revealed they identified the location of CB1 receptors to which CBD. This is the same receptor that THC binds to. This discovery opens up a world of possibilities. It suggests that CBD could be developed to target specific CB1 receptors throughout the body, enhancing the benefits of THC while reducing its undesirable side effects. This potential to control the influence of CBD on CB1 receptors could lead to the development of CBD interventions for a range of conditions.
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a protein located throughout the body in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates metabolism, mood, appetite, and memory. Both THC and CBD affect these receptors but in different ways. THC is allosteric, meaning it alters the CB1 activity. For example, THC binds to CB1 receptors and can turn feelings of discomfort off, but it also has harmful side effects like memory loss and addiction. CBD interacts with CB1 receptors and diminishes their functions, so it has many possible uses. It is a harmful allosteric compound which acts as an inhibitor of CB1 activity. Researchers are finding it may decrease CB1 affinity for THC.
The research team, led by Amar Chittiboyina, discovered the molecule’s location on the protein that CBD affects. This suggests new possibilities for researchers to develop CBD that targets specific locations on the CB1 receptors to achieve desired outcomes. For example, a synthetic CBD could efficiently alter the CB1 receptor to reduce discomfort or enhance the metabolism.
William Neal, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Mississippi Center, is researching to determine if CBD’s ability to interfere with an opioid receptor’s functioning could alter the effects that opioids produce to benefit the person taking CBD. For example, people taking the novel CBD who are addicted to opioids may experience more effects from drug abuse, leading them to stop managing discomfort with opioids. This has the potential to reduce drug addiction.
“If we can pinpoint how CBD interacts with multiple targets on a molecular level, we will be in a stronger scientific position to develop solutions relevant to public health,” said Chittiboyina.
CBD’s potential to reduce drug addiction is a significant breakthrough. However, it is just the beginning. The findings of this research project are still being finalized, and more research is needed. CBD’s potential as a therapeutic intervention is encouraging, but it is critical to continue exploring and understanding its effects. Pinpointing the location of CBD’s effect on CB1 receptors is a significant step forward, but there is much more to be done.
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