The ECS system (endocannabinoid system) is present in the bodies of all mammals, including humans and horses. All body cells have receptors that receive and transmit signals. Through these signals, various body processes are controlled. The ECS system has two types of receptors:

• CB1 receptors: These are mainly found in the cells of the central nervous system, including the brain. Additionally, these receptors are present in a number of organs.

• CB2 receptors: These are primarily found in immune cells.

Where CB1 receptors are involved in processes such as pain, fine motor skills, and memory, CB2 receptors are involved in disease resistance, recovery from inflammation, and regeneration of body cells. The CB2 receptors receive signals that affect the body's self-healing ability.

Cannabinoids

The exact mechanism behind CB2 receptors is currently being slowly unraveled. Cannabinoids are the signaling molecules that transmit messages to the receptors. Both naturally produced cannabinoids in the body and cannabinoids from plants can be used for this purpose. Cloves contain many different cannabinoids. Unlike CBD from cannabis, these cannabinoids do not contain THC and do not cause drowsiness or a high. Thanks to a supplement of plant-derived cannabinoids, the entire ECS system works better, and all signals are then better transmitted to the receptors.

Regulation of the immune system

There are roughly four pathways through which cannabinoids play a role in the immune system. All four are related to regulating the different parts of the immune system. This must actively occur when there is an invader or when damage occurs to the body, but also without attacking the body's own cells or giving an exaggerated reaction. This is what happens in conditions such as allergies or autoimmune diseases. Regulating the immune system is therefore very precise, and CB2 receptors require cannabinoids for this purpose.

Difficult words

For those not afraid of difficult words, the four routes through which cannabinoids are involved in regulating the immune system are:

• Apoptosis: The regulated breakdown of cells that are no longer needed or even harmful. For example, cells in the immune system that attack the body must be broken down. This process is called apoptosis and is stimulated by cannabinoids.

• Controlling the growth of immune cells and therefore moderating the immune response when necessary.

• Suppressing cytokine and chemokine production: these are signaling molecules in the immune system that come from mast cells. They are active in combating inflammation. Too much activity from mast cells can cause allergic reactions.

• ‘Turning on’ Treg cells: these cells play a role in regulating inflammatory responses throughout the body. By activating them, the body can better fight inflammation itself and stop it in time.

Cannabinoids can help combat inflammation and other problems in the body. Additionally, cannabinoids help prevent 'mistakes' in the immune system itself, such as autoimmune reactions and allergies. Thanks to cannabinoids, the ECS system works optimally, restores balance in the body faster, and improves the body's own healing ability.

Clove as a supplement

By giving your horse cannabinoids from cloves, you supplement the ECS system. When this system works better, the horse can solve problems more quickly. Resistance increases, pain disappears, and inflammation is inhibited. Additionally, your horse experiences less stress, as signals from the brain are better transmitted. Together, this results in better self-healing ability, for example in horses with laminitis, insulin resistance, EMS, sweet itch, tension, fatigue, and joint problems.

Sources:

Radu Tanasescu, Cris S. Constantinescu. Cannabinoids and the immune system: An overview. Immunobiology, Volume 215, Issue 8, 2010, Pages 588-597, ISSN 0171-2985,

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171298509001880

Sadiye Amcaoglu Rieder, Ashok Chauhan, Ugra Singh, Mitzi Nagarkatti, Prakash Nagarkatti,

Cannabinoid-induced apoptosis in immune cells as a pathway to immunosuppression. Immunobiology, Volume 215, Issue 8, 2010, Pages 598-605, ISSN 0171-2985,

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171298509000709

Oláh Attila, Szekanecz Zoltán, Bíró Tamás. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: “High”-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 2017. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487