the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a fundamental role in homeostasis. The ECS is involved in fertility, appetite regulation, pregnancy, pre- and postnatal development, pain sensation, mood, the pleasurable effects of voluntary exercise and the formation of memory. The ECS, it seems, plays an important part in the development and plasticity of the human brain throughout a person’s lifetime. There is a good reason why mammalian bodies produce their own cannabinoids, in particular anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
When the ECS is disrupted, or if a person’s genetics do not encode cannabinoid receptors or endocannabinoids properly, health problems occur. The ECS can be disrupted by injuries or illnesses, which can form a part of an inflammatory event (e.g. a long-term viral or bacterial infection) that can cause both short- and long- term changes to the functioning of the ECS. Age also plays a factor in how the ECS functions, just as the brain changes over the course of one’s lifetime. Keeping the ECS “in balance” could therefore help overcome or theoretically even prevent conditions that affect the human brain as it ages. There are several neurological and mood disorders where disruption to the ECS is seen. Some of these conditions are genetic and can occur at any age, whilst others are more likely to occur as we age (although there may still be a genetic component). Some are also autoimmune conditions. There are several studies and reports suggesting that CBD and other cannabinoids (including THC in some instances) may be useful for the treatment of neurological and mood disorders such as:
2 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2022
Categories |