A number of age-associated diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, are closely tied to ageing, a complex and inevitable biological process. The need for interventions that can increase both the quantity and quality of life becomes more and more urgent as the burden of age-related disorders increases globally. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one possible contender in this field.
Uncovering how CBD may affect the ageing process is being done in an increasing amount of research. Research into how CBD affects important biological processes including oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy has revealed a promising new way for CBD to support healthy ageing. Here, basing on the recent publication, we dig into these complex connections and investigate how CBD may be the key to opening up a brand-new age of anti-aging techniques.
CBD: battling oxidative stress
When the balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants within cells is not correct, oxidative stress, a hallmark of ageing, takes place. The accumulation of cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction are two processes coming from this imbalance. With its strong antioxidant effects, CBD has shown promise as a protector against oxidative stress.
Due to its phenolic hydroxyl groups, studies have shown that CBD functions as a direct scavenger of reactive oxygen species, neutralising these damaging processes. Furthermore, CBD’s effect in minimising oxidative damage raises with its ability to fight mitochondrial malfunction. The role of CBD in stimulating the Nrf2 signalling pathway, a crucial defensive mechanism against oxidative stress, is particularly intriguing. CBD gives cells the ability to fight off the effects of oxidative damage by activating genes that produce antioxidant enzymes, potentially extending life.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory arsenal
Inflammaging is a condition of constant, low-grade inflammation brought on by extended immunological activation. It frequently occurs along with ageing. CBD has drawn attention for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It demonstrated the ability to reduce the expression of genes and cytokines that are associated with inflammation. The inflammation is both an adaptive response and an accelerator of ageing. It emphasises the potential significance of CBD.
CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation is mostly a result of interactions it has with numerous receptors and signalling pathways. CBD orchestrates a symphony of anti-inflammatory reactions by activating receptors such CB1, CB2, TRPV1, GPR55, A2a, and PPAR. For instance, one of the ways CBD reduces inflammation is by regulating the NF-B pathway, a key actor in inflammaging. Notably, the impact CBD has on intestinal microbes opens up a fascinating new area for research into inflammaging.
CBD’s role in cellular renewal
The process through which cells regenerate and recycle themselves, known as autophagy, is essential for preserving cellular health and preventing age-related illnesses. Dysfunctional autophagy has been associated with a number of ageing-related disorders and adds to the development of cellular waste. The ability of CBD to initiate autophagy pathways via nutrient-sensing mechanisms presents a novel strategy for preventing cell damage brought on by ageing.
CBD has the potential to be an autophagy inducer due to its capacity to activate the SIRT1 pathway, block the PI3K/AKT pathway, and modify the ERK1/2 signalling cascade.
Furthermore, its regulating effects on autophagy are complicated by interactions with receptors like CB1, CB2, TRPV1, and TRPV2. CBD may be able to slow the decline in cellular function that comes with ageing by targeting autophagy, potentially increasing both lifespan and good health.
Ageing & health-related treatment: CBD potential
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in interest in the medicinal potential of CBD in treating age-related illnesses. The health of the older population is seriously threatened by diseases associated with ageing. Notably, CBD has proven effective as a treatment for a number of age-related illnesses. CBD therapy has demonstrated potential benefits for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. CBD demonstrated to lessen A plaques and improve spatial learning and memory in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Its antioxidant and autophagy-inducing properties help slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease. Similar to this, CBD has shown to have anti-parkinsonism benefits in Parkinson’s disease. It is via upregulating antioxidant enzymes and scavenging reactive oxygen species.
The use of CBD for treating cognitive loss, which is frequently linked to ageing and neurodegeneration, has also been investigated. Although CBD has demonstrated beneficial effects on brain activity and functional connectivity, its effects on cognition are still unclear, and its potential advantages have not yet been completely studied.
Elderly people frequently experience hypertension. However, research examining CBD found it to have vasodilatory effects. Although CBD seems to have potential advantages for hypertensive hearts, its effects on lowering systemic blood pressure are still unknown.
Another prevalent age-related illness, diabetes mellitus, has seen positive effects with CBD. This includes lower glucose levels and defence against oxidative stress and inflammation. Applying CBD to skincare products has shown promise as an anti-aging. All due to its advantages in scavenging reactive oxygen species and accelerating wound healing. Additionally, CBD has demonstrated tumour-suppressing effects in a number of tumours. It was affecting the inflammatory, cell death, and tumour microenvironment pathways. In osteoarthritis, CBD demonstrated potential for lowering inflammation and improving pain and physical function.
CBD and safety
The safety profile of CBD has been thoroughly examined, and normally mild side effects like diarrhoea, appetite loss, and drowsiness have been noted. High CBD doses, however, may come with hazards, including the possibility of liver damage or drug interactions. Despite the encouraging results, we need further research to clarify the mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and potential hazards of CBD’s anti-aging properties. An exciting path to enhancing the health and quality of life for ageing people is provided by the potential of CBD in reducing age-related disorders.
Ageing: CBD’s potential
The complex interactions of CBD with oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy make a strong case for its anti-aging benefits. The complicated processes and bidirectional effects of CBD call for more investigation as anti-aging research develops. Because of its role in eliminating free radicals, capacity to reduce chronic inflammation, and potential to speed up cellular renewal processes, CBD stands out as a promising candidate for extending healthy ageing. Despite obstacles and contradictory results, CBD has the potential to change the way anti-aging therapies are implemented. CBD’s potential to improve ageing holds promise and curiosity surrounding this natural substance.