Anxiety: CBD, a potential natural alternative

In Europeach year, 25% of the population suffers from depression or anxiety.. These pathologies affect human beings in many ways, including social life, productivity and health. Democratized in recent years, Cannabidiol (CBD) is said to have great psychiatric potential, notably as an antidepressant and anxiolytic compound. The aim of this paper is to review animal studies using CBD as an anxiolytic-like compound and then as an antidepressant. All this with a view to a large-scale approach that would lead to an improvement in human well-being.

CBD AND STRESS 

We all suffer from it to a greater or lesser extent, and stress has become an integral part of many people's daily lives. Nevertheless, natural alternatives do exist. CBD appears to be the culmination of the problem. The molecule is said to act on mood-enhancing hormones, reducing stress without the psychotropic effect of THC.

A study conducted by Vanderbilt University [6] has developed the idea that brain cells produce their own endocannabinoids. Their mission is to reduce the sensation of stress. As a result, by acting directly on endocannabinoid receptors, CBD could play a significant role in the disappearance of depressive behaviours.

NEW STUDIES INHERENT IN WIDESPREAD WELL-BEING 

Other research shows that it may also have anxiolytic, anti-epileptic and anti-inflammatory effects. CBD is also found in the composition of medicines prescribed to alleviate certain types of pain.   

Animal trials were carried out at the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP-São Paulo) [7].. The latter provides a more precise answer to the issues surrounding this product. Scientists agree that cannabidiol (CBD) has a new benefit: it reduces anxiety. In addition, a single dose of cannabidiol has been shown to have a prolonged effect (7 days in rats) on depression. More specifically, other research presented in the journal Molecular Neurobiologysuggest that CBD activates mechanisms that repair neuronal circuits in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. CBD then induces an increasing variation in neurotrophic factor levels. Neurotrophic factor plays a vital role in neuronal survival and neurogenesis. These effects reinforce earlier studies, developing the idea of CBD triggering neuroplastic mechanisms in the hippocampus, an area directly involved in the neurobiology of depression.

What's more, CBD is said to act more quickly and therefore have a more direct and significant effect on a so-called depressed patient. For example, antidepressants generally take 2 to 4 weeks to produce an explicit result.A single dose of CBD in rats models of depression, on the other hand, proves far more effective. In fact, CBD eliminated symptoms the same day, with beneficial effects lasting a week. These results confirm those of previous research.

CONCLUSION 

This package attempts to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of CBD in the treatment of depression, both in animal models and in humans. Experts believe that CBD's potential benefits against depression are linked to its positive effect on serotonin receptors in the brain. Low serotonin levels are probably linked to depression. So it's important to know that CBD doesn't necessarily increase serotonin levels, but it can affect the way your brain's chemical receptors react to the serotonin already in your system.

As mentioned, this is an area that is still being actively studied, with new research and reviews being published every year. As researchers begin to better understand CBD and its benefits, information on how to use the product will continue to evolve. To be continued...

Perhaps you have more specific questions about CBD and its uses?

Through our articles, we try to answer you:

• Chronic pain
• CBD and sleep disorders
• CBD and Alzheimer's
• Its action on the endocannabinoid system
• General dosages and tips on taking CBD
• Can CBD help your pets?

Sources

[1] - Cannabis Education, Research, and Support

[2] - Antidepressant-Like and Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Cannabidiol: A Chemical Compound of Cannabis sativa - CNS & neurological disorders drug targets - August 2014

[3] - International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 16, Issue 6 - July 2013

[4] - How to use CBD for anxiety - Emma Stone ... November 21, 2019

[5] - Cannabinoid Regulation of Fear and Anxiety: an Update - Eleni P. Papagianni & Carl W. Stevenson ... April 27, 2019

[6] - Endocannabinoid Signaling Collapse Mediates Stress-Induced Amygdalo-Cortical Strengthening - Neuron ... January 13, 2020 

[7] - Effects of Acute Cannabidiol Administration on Anxiety and Tremors Induced by a Simulated Public Speaking Test in Patients With Parkinson's Disease - NIH ... January 7, 2020