HOW DOES CBD AFFECT MY LIVER

A recent study revealed that greater dosages of CBD can be harmful to the liver. This article highlights the potential impact of CBD on the liver, including the d

CBD oil has few adverse effects in human clinical trials and scientific studies. Given that some CBD product claims may not be supported by research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies have begun to look more closely at the industry. The findings of a recent mouse study suggest that large doses of CBD may be harmful to the liver. Is there cause for concern? What side effects does CBD have on the liver? Learn more about can cbd improve your gut health?

What Is CBD

Cannabidiol (or "CBD") refers to a specific component of cannabis that does not produce an intoxicating effect. It is used as a dietary supplement to complement a healthy lifestyle. It can be taken as oil drops under the tongue, although it can also be found in drinks and creams. Although it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD oil may be purchased legally in the UK and many other countries worldwide. Evans (2020) noted that this product is often used for relieving pain, nausea, and tension, and more than a third of CBD oil users report that it reduces their anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the neurological system, stimulating their activity and promoting the endocannabinoid system's health. According to Corroon & Felice (2019), the system aids in maintaining homeostasis by sending signals along specific routes to control hormones, sleep, mood, appetite, and the immune system

Is CBD Oil Safe for Your Liver?

Some people are worried that using large amounts of CBD oil could harm their liver, based on the results of single mouse research in 2019. Mice in the study were given doses several times higher than humans, so it's highly improbable that the one drop of CBD oil recommended daily would have the same impact (Ewing et al. 2019). This means that the study does not reflect actual CBD consumption. Instead, experts say the results can be used to predict the effects of an overdose on CBD oil. The same applies to any supplement or medication. An overdose of any medication, such as grapefruit extract or ibuprofen, might have serious repercussions. Studies have indicated that exceeding the authorized dosage of ibuprofen can lead to peptic ulcers, other gastrointestinal issues, and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. More studies have demonstrated that CBD oil, when used at the recommended dosage, is safe and well tolerated by most people. This is the World Health Organization. Furthermore, contradictory studies have revealed that CBD oil's medicinal capabilities may enhance liver function thanks to its interaction with endocannabinoids to produce anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (Moltke & Hindocha, 2021).

Dosing Issues

Over-the-counter products may differ from what is indicated on the label. The FDA does not regulate the sale of CBD products. Hence different concentrations of the THC, may find their way in the cannabis market. Concerns about potential toxicity are heightened because "a recent independent research performed by ConsumerLab.com found that CBD doses in commercially accessible products ranged from 2.2 mg to 22.3 mg. CannaSafe, a cannabis testing facility, recently reported to the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) in California that between 69% and 80% of CBD products did not live up to their label claims. They note that the BCC's work to ensure the safety of cannabis products at the state level has already resulted in a noticeable improvement. The bureau successfully reduced pesticide contamination in cannabis from 25% to 5%.

CBD Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are the primary cause for caution when using CBD. The enzyme CYP3A4 is responsible for the metabolism of CBD. It can increase CBD's physiological action by taking prescription medication inhibiting CYP3A4. Rapid CBD breakdown is caused by other medicines that raise enzyme levels. CBD also affects the drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes. CBD can prevent cytochrome P450 from doing its job, resulting in dangerously high concentrations of prescription medicines (Rong, 2018). Because of these potential side effects, anyone taking medication should talk to their doctor before trying CBD.

CBD Side Effects

CBD is a popular option for those looking for a safer way to treat anxiety, pain, and discomfort than more traditional pharmaceuticals. However, it does have a few modest impacts when ingested in large quantities. These include:

• Dry mouth
• Appetite swings
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Diarrhea

 A mislabeled product containing more than 0.3% THC, or one derived from low-quality hemp or extracted with strong solvents, may cause some negative effects. These adverse effects are almost eliminated when using a high-quality CBD oil consistently. Drug interactions are possible since the enzymes that break down CBD are the same ones that break down the active ingredients in medicines. Since CBD inhibits certain enzymes, it can increase the risk of adverse drug interactions when combined with drugs used to treat liver disease. Because of this, you should talk to a medical professional before incorporating CBD oil into your daily regimen.

Conclusion

Few studies have shown that CBD, at low doses, negatively affects liver function. However, there are a few factors that must be remembered. In particular, you should avoid low-quality CBD, which might put your liver at risk by introducing toxins into the system. The other major risk factor is preexisting pharmaceutical use. Consult your doctor before using CBD if you are currently taking any drug processed by the liver. While the FDA strives to strengthen its monitoring and regulatory structure, CBD consumers should protect themselves by purchasing products that provides transparent laboratory testing, giving preference to states that have already enacted stringent rules regarding CBD, and using the products sparingly. Learn more about 6 ways to use cbd salve

References

Corroon, J., & Felice, J. F. (2019). The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by             Cannabidiol (CBD). Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 25.

Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds             Press.

Ewing, L., Skinner, C., Quick, C., Kennon-McGill, S., McGill, M., & Walker, L. et al. (2019). Hepatotoxicity of a Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in the Mouse Model. Molecules, 24(9), 1694.

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD             users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of cannabis             research, 3(1), 1-12.

Rong, C., Carmona, N. E., Lee, Y. L., Ragguett, R. M., Pan, Z., Rosenblat, J. D., ... & McIntyre, R. S. (2018). Drug-drug interactions as a result of co-administering Δ9-THC and CBD with other psychotropic agents. Expert opinion on drug safety, 17(1), 51-54.