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| Benefits of Cannabis for Osteoporosis |
54 million Americans suffer from
Osteoporosis. It is a disease meaning “porous bone”. The holes
in the bones can result in broken bones from minor accidents.(Source)
Experts believe cannabis can slow the progression of tissue loss
leading to Osteoporosis. This is from findings of how interactions
with the CB1
and CB2 receptors maintain bone density.
Cannabis works along with the
endocannabinoid system to effect the CB1
and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are in the skeletal nerve
terminals. They regulate the bone formation. CB2 receptors initiate
bone formation while also slowing bone resorption.(Source)
Bone metabolism is natural in mammals
where the minerals in the bone are renewed. Osteoblasts are bone
forming cells. Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells. Osteoporosis
occurs when the bone formation is reduced and fat can accumulate in
the bone marrow.
Research shows two findings where
associations with the CB2 receptors relate to osteoporosis. In one
study, CB2 mutant mice resulted in low bone mass. The other shows a
tie with the gene CNR2 that encodes the CB2 receptor. When the CNR2
gene is compromised it increases the tendency for postmenopausal
osteoporosis. Bone loss slows when a cannabinoid drug is given to
the mutant mice or women with postmenopausal symptoms.(Source)
A study by the Arthritis Research
Campaign looked at the CB1 receptor in mice with bone loss. They
also investigated the reasoning behind an increase in fat cells in
marrow with aging bones. Osteoporosis was slowed when the mice were
given treatment with cannabinoids to increase CB1 receptor function.
First, the CB1 receptors regulated the osteoclast cells activity,
slowing down the resorption. Secondly, the CB1 receptors were able to
differentiate between the osteoblast and fat cells. This resulted in
the osteoblast cells being increased and the fat cells
decreasing.(Source)
The study done by Stuart Ralston,
from the University of Edinburgh said:
"This is an exciting step forward,
but we must recognize that these are early results and more tests are
needed on the effects of cannabis in humans to determine how the
effects differ with age in people. We plan to conduct further trials
soon and hope the results will help to deliver new treatments that
will be of value in the fight against osteoporosis." (Source)
Source:
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