Cannabidiol (CBD) produces its therapeutic effects by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This improves the neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system functioning. Due to this, people are using CBD products for treating a multitude of symptoms of various diseases. For example, it is used for treating epilepsy, sleep disorders, anxiety issues, depression, diabetes, etc. Studies have shown that CBD relieves the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. You might be wondering how? Read on to know how cannabidiol works to reduce the symptoms of muscular dystrophy.
An Overview Of Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is an umbrella term that includes more than 30 disorders. MD causes the deterioration and weakness of skeletal muscles, and there is no permanent cure for it. These disorders differ from each other according to the muscles they affect, the progression, and the age of onset. They are caused due to the genetic mutation of the genes that are responsible for maintaining muscle structure and function. As a result, the muscles become weak and leads to progressive disability. The symptoms depend on the type of MD, and they are given below.
- Balance
- Walking
- Thinking
- Emotional expression
- Swallowing and breathing
- Motor control
- Cardiovascular function
- Chronic pain
The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made of chemical messengers like hormones and neurotransmitters that are spread throughout our body, and it is common to all vertebrate mammals. Cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), THC, and others found in the hemp plant produce their effects by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS.
The ECS regulates homeostasis through its network of chemical messengers. It manages pain perception, body temperature, inflammation, etc. The CB1 receptors of this system are concentrated in the central and peripheral nervous systems, while CB2 receptors are mainly associated with the immune system.
Using CBD For Treating The Symptoms Of Muscular Dystrophy
CBD benefits like its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and other psychoactive effects are useful for treating the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. Consuming it improves the mood in MD patients because it increases the level of neurotransmitter anandamide.
CBD Benefits
- Pain: CBD helps to reduce chronic pain due to MD due to its positive effect on vanilloid receptors that regulates pain perception.
- Inflammation: CBD helps to reduce inflammation in MD due to its interaction with CB2 receptors of the ECS that are mainly part of the immune system. Keep in mind that inflammation is an immune response.
- Cardiovascular Issue: In some people, MD causes high blood pressure, and this can be reduced by CBD because of its vasodilatory effect.
Apart from these effects, CBD helps to relax people suffering from MD due to its calming effect, and it is a better option than pharmaceutical painkillers due to its minimal side-effects. More researches are conducted to better understand how CBD is useful for treating the symptoms of muscular dystrophy.