Entourage Effect
Cannabinoid Synergies:
The Entourage Effect in Full-Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil
If you’ve been exploring the world of cannabinoids for a while, you’ve probably heard of the most abundant cannabinoids: THC and CBD. Fun fact: scientists have also begun to study several other cannabinoids, which may be present in full-spectrum hemp CBD oil in trace amounts. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of these cannabinoids and how they might possibly be shown to affect the body, according to preliminary scientific research.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
First, it’s important to note that full-spectrum hemp CBD oil includes all compounds present in the whole plant. Full-spectrum oil extraction doesn’t exclude anything that’s in the original, and 1776 Naturals uses a clean, safe method called supercritical CO2 extraction. No alcohols or other solvents are used. Aside from CBD and trace amounts (less than 0.3%) of THC, additional substances present in full-spectrum CBD oil may include other cannabinoids, aromatic terpenes, earthy-tasting flavonoids, chlorophyll, fatty acids, and waxes.
The Body’s Natural Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Some scientists are excited to study how individual cannabinoids might actually affect the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). In general, out of all the cannabinoids, THC and CBD seem to have the most preliminary research studies associated with them, because these substances have been more abundant than other hemp ingredients. In addition, some scientists suggest that all the ingredients present in full-spectrum hemp CBD oil might even turn out to have an entourage effect, or a cannabis synergy in the body. Here’s some quick background: because of the ECS, complicated chemical reactions in our bodies yield cannabis-like substances, as well as neurotransmitters that affect receptors in cells of organs like the brain, muscles, heart, digestive tract, and even the immune system, according to a paper in the journal Neuro Endocrinology Letters. That’s why it’s especially interesting for scientists to hypothesize about how some lesser-known, non-psychoactive cannabinoids might potentially interact with the body’s natural processes.
CBG
Enzymes in the hemp plant may break down cannabigerolic acid into THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids like CBG. Scientists have studied CBG mostly in cell cultures and in mice. For instance, one study in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology demonstrated a reduction in certain indicators of inflammation in mice with induced colitis. The authors encouraged future research into the possibility of using CBG as a promising potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects millions of people. In addition, a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences cited CBG’s neuroprotective effects, both in animal models and in cells. This particular research study, done on cells in the lab, showed reduced neuroinflammation, and the study authors encouraged future use of CBG “against neurodegeneration.” Finally, a more recent international study showed positive effects of CBG on neuroinflammation, in combination with CBD, in cell cultures.
CBN
Over time, in older cannabis, THC becomes cannabinol, or CBN. One study in the journal Psychopharmacology showed that rats ate larger, longer-lasting meals after being treated with CBN. In contrast, they ate significantly less when treated with CBD. In another study from the journal Archives of Oral Biology, scientists injected rats’ muscles with CBD, CBN, or both. The most long-lasting effects occurred with both in combination. The study authors concluded that “peripheral application” of these cannabinoids may turn out to relieve pain from conditions like temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia.
Do CBG and CBN Work Well in Humans?
Keep in mind that until we have positive results from a rigorous type of human research study called a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, scientists will say that most cannabis research is only preliminary. This is partly because results of animal studies or cell cultures often turn out very differently in human trials. Furthermore, in quality clinical trials, scientists control for lots of other factors that might affect results so that others can better rely on their research. In conclusion, the entourage effect is an exciting possibility for further study.