The Benefits of Cannabis and Osteoporosis

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:

http://nof.org/articles/7

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19634029

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18426503

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19656492

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8199007.stm

The Benefits of Cannabis with Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease is a re-occurring inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract as well as an inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Not to be confused with another IBD disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's affects any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract rather than only the colon or large intestine. Genetics, heredity and/or environmental factors have been shown to lead to Crohn's disease.  This disease affects around 700,000 Americans mostly of European descent. Symptoms of the disease are loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, irregular menstrual cycle and fever. Inflammation of the GI Tract can also lead to diarrhea, bleeding, cramps, pain and constipation. (Source)

The enteric nervous system helps aid in gut function while the endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps to maintain gut motility, inflammation and sensation. Both systems contain Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 receptors making medical marijuana use a viable treat for Crohn's disease patients . (Source)

A pilot study of 32 patients of Crohn's disease was conducted at the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine conference at Leiden University in the Netherlands by Physicians in the Society of Cannabis Clinicians. Patients in this study showed  improvement in symptoms of vomiting, depression, nausea, gut pain, appetite, activity, fatigue, flareups and severity of flareups.(Source)

A study was completed at the University of Calgary in 2009 of 313 people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  The results of this study reported improvement of  abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and joint paint in which 17.6% of the patients used cannabis using the inhalation method. (Source)

A study in 2011 with 30 Crohn's Disease patients showed that 21 reported improvements in all symptoms.(Source) in 2013, 21 patients involved in  a study smoking 2 marijuana cigarettes a day. showed improvement in sleep and appetite.  These patients with Crohn's disease were subjects that had not responded to other treatments(Source)

In a questionnaire given at a clinic with 191 Crohn's disease patients, 48% reported use of cannabis to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain diarrhea and appetite were what the patients. Patients in the group that had abdominal surgery were more likely to use cannabis for treatment. (Source)

Source:

http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/

http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/28/medical-marijuana-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd/#

http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Crohns05.pdf

http://www.ima.org.il/imaj/ViewArticle.aspx?aId=375

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542356513006046

http://journals.lww.com/ibdjournal/Abstract/2014/03000/Cannabis_Use_Provides_Symptom_Relief_in_Patients.6.aspx

An Explanation of the Effects of the CB1 and CB2 Receptors

Cannabis has been found to have a direct effect on the cannabinoid receptors system in the brain. These receptors have a direct relation to appetite, pain-sensation, memory and mood. As the largest receptors in the body, they are influenced by ligands, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids like cannabis echinacea purpura, and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabis as well as the endocannabinoids are fat-soluble, or lipophilic. The two known cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2.(Source)

Plants create cannabinoids to help their homeostasis as a plant, having antioxidant properties to protect from UV rays which in turn helps the plant from disease. In animals, antioxidants help to protect as well from UV rays and free radical damage that can result in cancer and disease.(Source)

Interestingly, the marijuana plant also uses THC and other cannabinoids to promote its own health and prevent disease. Cannabinoids have antioxidant properties that protect the leaves and flowering structures from ultraviolet radiation - cannabinoids neutralize the harmful free radicals generated by UV rays, protecting the cells. In humans, free radicals cause aging, cancer, and impaired healing. Antioxidants found in plants have long been promoted as natural supplements to prevent free radical harm.

Cannabinoid receptors effect the G protein coupled receptor family, which are the cause of many diseases, 40% of all modern medicinal drugs target the G protein receptors.(source) The goal of the endocannabinoid system in the body is to maintain homeostatis, or an internal stable environment in the body. (Source)

Important Functions of the Cannabinoid System

There are many important and diverse functions to keep the body in a constant homeostasis. Here are a couple examples:

1. The cannabinoid system deals with autophagy, where a cell self-digests and recycles itself. This process keeps healthy cells healthy and also rids the body of malignant tumor cells having them consume themselves in a cellular suicide.
2. The cannabinoid system reduces pain to injuries. The injured tissue sends activators and sensitizer signals to stop excessive nerve cell firing, calming the sensation and the immune cells to not have them cause an excessive inflammation.
3. The cannabinoid system effects human behavior and mood. The receptors trigger a neuronal placticity, allowing for the brain to be open-minded and able to move beyond common patterns of thought to allow for creativity and aid in social interaction.

CB1 Receptor

CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system of the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. They are the biggest group of G-coupled receptors in the brain. Cannabinoids effect a reduction of the GABA mediated neurotransmission, which results in an increase of neuron excitability.(Source) They effect memory processing, pain regulation and motor control. (Source)

CB 2 Receptor

CB2 receptors are in the immune system and hematopoietic cells (Blood cells that help create other blood cells found in red bone marrow), white blood cells, tonsils and spleen. This receptor effects the relief of pain, and more research is showing that it effects smooth muscle, fibroblasts and others. The main function of the CB2 receptor is the regulation of cytokine release, which research is looking into the benefit of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer treatments. (Source) Cytokines signal cells to communicate in immune responses to inflammation, infection and trauma.(Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid_receptor

http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/mdd/v07/i11/html/1104feature_filmore.html

http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Cannabinoid-Receptors.aspx

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Cytokines.aspx