Functional bowel disease , also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a chronic gastrointestinal pathology characterized by impaired intestinal motility and symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, digestive disorders. intestinal transit and changes in stool consistency . The exact pathophysiology of functional colopathy is not fully understood, but several hypotheses have been put forward.
- A common hypothesis is related to visceral hypersensitivity , where patients with functional colopathy exhibit increased sensitivity to normal intestinal stimuli, such as distension. Studies have shown increased neuronal activity in sensory pathways in the gut in patients with IBS, suggesting altered pain perception.
- Another hypothesis is linked to dysregulation of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is responsible for the regulation of intestinal motility and digestive function. Alterations in neurotransmission, peptide release, and NES modulation have been observed in IBS patients.
- Studies have also suggested a role for low-grade inflammation and alterations in intestinal flora (dysbiosis) in the pathophysiology of functional colopathy. Markers of inflammation have been detected in the intestinal mucosa of IBS patients, and alterations in the composition and diversity of intestinal flora have been reported.
When it comes to treatments, several approaches are commonly used to relieve symptoms of functional colopathy. Dietary changes, such as eliminating certain trigger foods (e.g., FODMAPs ), may help reduce symptoms in some patients. Antispasmodics , such as dicyclomine, are often prescribed to relieve intestinal spasms. Transit-regulating medications , such as loperamide or lubiprostone, may be used to treat diarrhea or constipation associated with functional colopathy.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments may vary between individuals, and some patients may not respond satisfactorily.
Although the precise mechanisms of functional colopathy remain incompletely understood, recent research suggests that hemp flowers rich in CBD, terpenes and flavonoids may offer therapeutic potential in managing the symptoms of this condition . This article explores the mechanisms of action by which these hemp compounds may improve the symptoms of functional colopathy, based on scientific studies.
1.Mechanisms of action of CBD in irritable bowel syndrome
1.1 Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD
1.2 CBD would allow better regulation of intestinal motility
Disturbances of intestinal motility, such as visceral hypersensitivity and abnormal contractions, are common features of functional colopathy. Preclinical studies suggest that CBD can positively influence intestinal motility by acting on cannabinoid receptors present in the digestive system. These interactions could help normalize intestinal motility and reduce the symptoms of functional colopathy.
1.3 Analgesic effects of CBD
Abdominal pain is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of functional colopathy. CBD and other hemp compounds have demonstrated analgesic properties by modulating pain pathways and inhibiting the transmission of pain signals. These effects could help alleviate the pain associated with functional colopathy and improve the well-being of patients.
2. Effects of terpenes and flavonoids:
In addition to CBD, hemp flowers contain a variety of terpenes and flavonoids that may also play a role in managing the symptoms of functional colopathy. Certain terpenes, such as myrcene and limonene, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties .
Additionally, flavonoids found in hemp, such as quercetin and kaempferol , have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects . These compounds may work synergistically with CBD to enhance the beneficial effects in managing the symptoms of functional colopathy.
3. Scientific evidence and clinical studies on the benefit of CBD hemp in the treatment of functional colopathy:
Although research on the use of hemp flowers in functional colopathy is still limited, some preliminary studies have shown promising results. For example, a study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology examined the effectiveness of CBD in reducing symptoms of functional colopathy in patients. The results showed a significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life of patients treated with CBD compared to the placebo group.
It is important to note that the use of hemp flowers for the management of symptoms of functional colopathy should be approached with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Potential drug interactions and individual differences should be considered. Additionally, additional clinical studies are needed to better understand specific mechanisms of action, determine appropriate doses, and establish effective treatment protocols.
4. How to consume hemp flowers to benefit from their benefits in treating the symptoms of functional colopathy?
CBD flowers offer several options for improving the symptoms of functional colopathy. A common method is vaporization, which involves heating CBD flowers to a temperature often between 160 and 190°C to produce an inhalable vapor containing beneficial compounds such as CBD, but also terpenes and flavonoids. This method allows rapid and effective absorption of these active ingredients.
Another option is to consume it in the form of CBD oil . At Maison Sativa, all of our hemp flowers are grown organically, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and our CBD oils are produced from our flowers, guaranteeing optimal quality and purity.
In this article, we have used information from different scientific sources to support our points. Here is a list of sources we consulted:
- Wong, B.S., Camilleri, M., & Eckert, DJ (2019). Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 114(5), 747-756.
- Hasenoehrl, C., Taschler, U., Storr, M., & Schicho, R. (2018). The gastrointestinal tract—A central organ of cannabinoid signaling in health and disease. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 30(6), e13366.
- De Filippis, D., Esposito, G., Cirillo, C., Cipriano, M., De Winter, BY, Scuderi, C., ... & Iuvone, T. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces intestinal inflammation through the control of neuroimmune axis. PLoS One, 6(12), e28159.
- Russo, EB (2018) The Case of the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: No “Strain”, No gain. Frontiers in plant science, 9, 1969
- Leffler, DA, Kurlander, JE, & Shah, SM (2020). Review article: treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 51(11), 1140-1152.
- Sharkey, K.A., & Wiley, J.W. (2016). The role of the endocannabinoid system in the brain–gut axis. Gastroenterology, 151(2), 252-266.
- Camilleri, M., & Katzka, D.A. (2019). Irritable bowel syndrome: methods, mechanisms, and pathophysiology. Genetic Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders, 52, 489-500.
- Oláh, A., Markovics, A., Szabó-Papp, J., Szabó, PT, Stott, C., Zouboulis, CC, ... & Bíró, T. (2016). Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Experimental Dermatology, 25(9), 701-707.
- De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, RJ, Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., ... & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Bread, 160(1), 136-150.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there are other studies and research available on the subject. It is also recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice on the use of hemp flowers for functional colopathy.