Dermanell - Information about CBD

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The medicinal use of the hemp plant dates back 5,000 years. 489 essential components of the hemp plant have now been identified. Along with terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds, phytocannabinoids are enjoying particular interest. 

Es konnten bislang 70 Phytocannabinoide in der Hanfpflanze nachgewiesen werden. Davon am besten bekannt sind Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) und Cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the best-known phytocannabinoids of the hemp plant (refined cannabis). Due to its diverse potential, which also has medicinal uses, interest and scientific research surrounding this cannabinoid have steadily increased in recent years. But why the hype surrounding CBD, and where does it even come from?The chemical-sounding substance is of natural origin and has a very long medical history. The following article explains why and how we have been benefiting from the cultivated plant hemp (refined cannabis) for years, and how the rediscovery of this useful plant, and especially CBD, came about. You will also learn more about the functionality and use of CBD products. 

Did you already know that: 

•  Until the 1920s, approximately 60% of prescribed painkillers were cannabis-based.
• Hemp oil, CBD, and other valuable components of the hemp plant have no intoxicating effects and can be used for health purposes. The WHO also classifies cannabidiol (CBD) as safe.
• All parts of hemp can be used sensibly, in the spirit of sustainability, and their cultivation is supported by the EU.
• Hemp as a crop (cannabis) requires minimal environmentally harmful fertilizer use and no pesticides, and can therefore also contribute to achieving climate goals. 

The medicinal use of the hemp plant dates back 5,000 years. Hemp is therefore one of the oldest cultivated plants on earth and supports humanity in a wide variety of areas of life. 

Hemp's uses are diverse. Ranging from medicine to clothing, as insulation in construction, as a material for indestructible, malleable material (used successfully as an experimental body material by automobile manufacturer Ford in the USA in 1949), as fuel, and as food. This is due, among other things, to its cultivation. The hemp plant produces very high yields and requires little fertilizer and no pesticides. The EU is now already promoting the cultivation of low-THC varieties of industrial hemp. 

In addition to CBD, hemp plants contain many other relevant compounds. To date, approximately 489 essential components have been identified in the hemp plant. In addition to terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant substances, phytocannabinoids, including CBD, are particularly popular. More than 100 phytocannabinoids have been identified in the hemp plant to date. The most well-known of these are tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs), cannabidiols (CBDs), cannabinols (CBNs), and cannabigerols (CBGs).

The psychoactive, or intoxicating, component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol, which binds to the CB1 or CB2 receptor (endocannabinoid system) of the human body to exert its activity. 

Nowadays, mechanical methods can be used to remove the neurogenic (intoxicating) and addictive substances from THC, producing a natural anesthetic. 

The non-psychoactive ingredient cannabidiol binds to various receptor systems in the human endocannabinoid system. This system can be viewed as a communication system that acts between the body and the brain. It consists of various receptors to which molecules dock to ensure the transmission of signals. Endocannabinoids, so-called active substances produced by the body itself, act within this system. 

In addition, there are exogenous cannabinoids that are very similar to human cannabinoids and act in a similar way within the human endocannabinoid system, but must be supplied externally. Regardless of whether they are produced internally or supplied externally, these substances bind to receptors in the human body to activate various processes. 

Difference between CBD and THC 

CBD and THC are two of the best-known components of the hemp plant. Compared to CBD, THC is responsible for the controversial psychological effects of cannabis. Like CBD, THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and, in high doses, can even counteract the psychological effects of THC and enhance THC's analgesic properties. Other phytocannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, also exert potent pharmacological effects. However, they have no or very little psychological effect. 

In summary, CBD is considered an effective, well-tolerated, and, above all, safe component of the hemp plant. It is particularly interesting for self-medication due to its wide spectrum of effects and lack of side effects. The use of cannabidiol is therefore enjoying increasing popularity in the medical field. 

There are several different options for extracting and isolating CBD. The most commonly used method is extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide. Additionally, decarboxylation, i.e., the conversion of the carboxylic acid into the pharmacologically active cannabinoids, is required before and/or afterward. 

In summary, there are the following options for obtaining pure CBD:  

Extraction (= extraction or isolation) Synthetic production 

CO2 extraction is one of the most commonly used methods. It is particularly popular due to its low environmental impact and lack of toxicity. However, this process is also considerably more expensive than other extraction methods. 

In addition, the following extraction methods are available:  

Ethanol extraction  

Hydrocarbon extraction  

Oil extraction 

How does the most commonly used CO2 extraction work? 

During CO2 extraction, the CO2 is in a state of transition from liquid to gas. This method is also used, for example, in the decaffeination of coffee. When the liquid CO2 comes into contact with the flowers and leaves, the CBD and other plant compounds are dissolved. 

Selection of the most important mechanisms of action of CBD that have been researched to date 

•  Like capsaicin, CBD stimulates the vanilloid receptor type 1. This stimulation contributes to analgesic and antipruritic effects. This is the result of a study by Bisogno T, Hanus L, De Petrocellis L, Tchilibon S, Ponde DE, Brandi I, Moriello AS, Davis JB, Mechoulam R, and Di Marzo. 
• CBD binds to the nucleoside transporter 1 and enhances the adenosine signaling pathway, thereby harmonizing the increased release of neurotransmitters (noradrenaline, adrenaline).  
• CBD binds to the GPR55 receptor, thereby enhancing its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. 
• Cannabinoids, including CBD, are potent free radical scavengers and have cell-protective and cell-regenerating properties. Hence its excellent effect on skin diseases and dry skin. 

Other important possible mechanisms of action of CBD: 

• Highly antibacterial 
• Relieves and stops psoriasis and atopic dermatitis 
• Boosts the immune system 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• Relieves vomiting and nausea 
• Inhibits cell growth in tumors and cancer cells 
• Promotes bone growth 
• Neuroprotective