The Endocannabinoid System
Part 1
To understand Cannabinoids and Terpenes and how they work, we must understand the Endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) refers to a collection of cell receptors and corresponding molecules. Receptors can be seen as locks, the keys to these locks can be found in chemical molecules called Agonists or Ligands. The agonists bind to cells, relaying messages and giving the cell a specific direction.
The cell receptors found in the ECS respond to certain types of agonists. An agonist is a substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor. The two main Endocannabinoid molecules are 2AG and Anandamide There are two Primary Receptors in the ECS, CB1 receptor and the CB2 Receptor. Anandamide has a strong affinity for the CB1 Receptor and a much weaker affinity for the CB2. Where 2AG has a stronger affinity for the CB2 Receptor. Endocannabinoids are the body’s natural THC & CBD. Anandamide is considered the bliss molecule. Its released when we feel good and happy, eating chocolate also releases anandamide.
The two main Cannabinoids are THC & CBD. THC has an affinity for the CB1 receptor and partially binds to CB2. CBD has a slight affinity for CB2 receptor and works on certain enzymes in the ECS system, sometimes controlling Anandamide by clearing it out of the system and directing it elsewhere.
CBD also controls the effects of THC, reducing Psychotropic effects.
CBD is also a possible Gene Transcription Modulator, able to penetrate the cell wall and communicate with the cell.
Cannabinoid receptors are found all through the body giving rise to a variety of functions. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the Central Nervous System, CB2 receptors are found in the GI Tract, immune cells and Peripheral Nervous System.
The Endocannabinoid System helps to control many of the body’s day to day functions.
Endocannabinoids help to maintain Homeostasis or balance in the body. A disrupted ECS leads to CNS in-balance and can also disrupt messages from the brain. When the brain can’t communicate with the Central Nervous System it can’t tell the immune system what to do causing a long list of issues. When the body can’t produce enough endocannabinoids it then can’t regulate the functions mentioned above. This is called Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency.
Cannabinoids that are found in many common plants as well as Cannabis, are called, Exogenous Cannabinoids, meaning produced outside the body, Endogenous meaning produced in the body.
TERPENES
Terpenes are a class of Phytochemicals and are often responsible for the aroma and flavour of plants.
Terpenes are major constituents of plant resin and essential oils extracted from many common plants.
Terpenes are what make essential oils so beneficial.
Beta Caryophyllene is a Terpene, Beta Caryophyllene or BCP, is found in many plants, Black pepper, Clove, Hops and Copaiba Oil are just a few that are a good source. BCP is also found in Hemp.
Beta Caryophyllene selectively binds to the CB2 and is also a functional CB2 agonist. BCP is a common ingredient in many essential oils and is a major part of Cannabis. BCP does not bind to the CB1 receptor so it is non-psychoactive. Because BCP interacts with the Endocannabinoid system it is considered Cannabinetic, which means it works like cannabis medicine, in particular, CBD. It can also be considered a Cannabinoid itself because of the way it works with the Endocannabinoid system.
As discussed, because of BCP's affinity for the CB2 Receptor and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it can bring much needed relief in the same way that CBD does. Many studies have taken place on BCP, in one study in particular BCP was highly effective for anxiety, depression and mood balance
Further studies show the B-Caryophellene is also very effective on inflammation and nerve pain.
B-Caryophyllene & Cancer
Results suggest that β‐caryophyllene facilitates the passage of paclitaxel through the membrane and thus potentiates its anticancer activity.
http://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/105/26/9099.full.pdf
Benefits of BCP
Several biological activities are now attributed to beta-caryophyllene, such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and local anaesthetic activities.
BCP can also stop Epilepsy symptoms and control seizures
The use of BCP can tackle many problems associated with Endocannabinoid Deficiency. Depression, anxiety, pain, addiction and even may prevent cancer. BCP, bringing all the benefits of Cannabinoid medicine without:
• Psycho-Active effects.
• Fear of drug testing at work or on roadside
• Can be used for children
BCP systemically reduces inflammation, balances the Central Nervous System and assists the Immune System.
Terpenes help endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids bind to receptors and perform the necessary actions.
Some key factors about BCP:
• It improves metabolism (by increasing mitochondrial function)
• It protects against neurodegeneration (by reducing a leaky blood-brain barrier and inflammation)
• It reduces pain (by upregulating natural endorphins)
