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CBD, Cells, and the Endocannabinoid System
Feb
Recent research has continued to explore how cannabinoids interact with cells at a foundational level. Some studies have examined how cannabinoids may interact with cellular pathways involved in viral processes, including research related to COVID variants.
While we’re not diving into that research here, it did get us thinking.
The idea that CBD interacts with cells throughout the body isn’t new. Today, we’re taking a closer look at what CBD does in the body at a cellular level — how it interacts with cellular systems and what that may mean for overall wellness.
Cells and the Endocannabinoid System
Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells, each with their own structure and function. When CBD is introduced into the body, it interacts with systems that play a role in cellular communication.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system that helps the body maintain balance. CBD interacts with components of this system across many major systems in the body, including the brain, skin, and immune system.
For example, the immune system contains several types of cells, including T-cells, which play an important role in immune function. Research has shown that CBD interacts with CB2 receptors found on immune cells, which are involved in signaling pathways related to inflammation — a process the body commonly uses in response to stress or imbalance.
CBD and Cellular Processes
One area researchers continue to study is how CBD interacts with cellular processes such as cell proliferation.
Cell proliferation refers to the process by which cells grow and divide to replace older or damaged cells. This is a highly regulated and complex activity in healthy tissue.
When normal cellular signaling becomes disrupted, researchers have observed changes in how cells behave. Preclinical studies have explored how cannabinoids may influence these processes, though much of this research is still ongoing and primarily conducted in laboratory settings.
There is also research examining how CBD may interact with oxidative stress pathways. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to regulate them. Researchers continue to study how cannabinoids influence cellular signaling related to oxidative balance.
In published studies, CBD has been shown to interact with immune signaling pathways at the cellular level, influencing how certain immune cells activate and communicate. These findings continue to be explored as part of broader research into the endocannabinoid system.
CBD and Stem Cell Research
Another emerging area of research involves CBD and stem cells.
Stem cells are cells that have not yet specialized into a specific cell type. They play a role in normal tissue maintenance and repair and are found in places such as bone marrow and fat tissue. Over time, stem cell activity naturally changes as the body ages.
Some early-stage research has examined how cannabinoids may interact with stem cell signaling when studied alongside other therapies. These findings are still being explored, and much of the research remains preclinical.
Additional studies have looked at cannabinoid interaction with inflammation-related pathways in neurological research models. While these findings are still under investigation, they highlight the growing interest in how cannabinoids interact with the body at a cellular level.
Looking Ahead
While much of this research is still developing, it’s clear that CBD’s interaction with cellular systems is an area of growing scientific interest. Ongoing studies continue to explore how the endocannabinoid system influences cellular communication and balance.
As research evolves, our understanding of how cannabinoids interact with the body at a foundational level will continue to grow.
FDA Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
