How do cannabinoids work for different conditions?
Supplements based on cannabinoids are increasingly being used for various ailments, both in horses and in humans. How do cannabinoids work and why are they so effective for many conditions? In this article, we provide an overview of the research on the functioning of these signaling substances and the symptoms for which cannabinoids can be used.
Cannabinoids
Clove
15 January '21 • 5 min reading time
How does it work?
About 30 years ago, scientists discovered that all vertebrate animals, including horses and humans, have a so-called 'endocannabinoid system'. This system is very important for a range of physical processes. Oxygen transport, proper signal transmission in the nervous system, bone formation, and digestion are all influenced by this system. Mental health is also linked to the endocannabinoid system. It acts as a bridge between body and mind, ensuring that a person or animal remains physically and mentally balanced.
Signaling substances and receptors
In the endocannabinoid system, signals are spread throughout the body with the help of signaling molecules, cannabinoids, and special receptors. Together, they form the largest network of receptors in our body. We can produce the signaling molecules ourselves, or we can get them through our diet. The cannabinoids ensure that the signals are transmitted properly and that the immune system and central nervous system function correctly. The goal is always to maintain a stable balance in the body, despite external influences. Imbalance can lead to health problems and diseases, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other harmful substances like pesticides or toxic plants in feed.
Plant-based cannabinoids
The discovery of cannabinoids is relatively recent. We have only known for about 30 years that this system exists and that cannabinoids from certain plants also fit the receptors in our bodies. This offers numerous possibilities to support the health and balance of humans and animals with cannabinoids from plants. Plants that contain many cannabinoids include plants like hemp and clove.
Helpful for many conditions
Cannabinoid supplements are given to horses in the case of:
- Digestive problems and poor appetite
- Gastric ulcers
- Low immunity
- Allergies
- Pain complaints
- Laminitis
- Sweet itch
- Mites and other skin problems
- Inflammation, for example, in the joints
- Fatigue and chronic stress
- Metabolic problems like insulin resistance
- Accumulation of waste products and liver problems
Below, we explain for each of these conditions how a supplement with cannabinoids can support your horse.
Cannabinoids for digestive problems
Cannabinoids support the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation is reduced, and the substances support the health of the intestinal wall. Cannabinoids also stimulate healthy bowel movement (motility). Researchers attribute a positive effect to cannabinoids for nausea, diarrhea, reduced bowel movement, abdominal pain, chronic bowel inflammations, and even colon cancer.
Cannabinoids for gastric ulcers
There are cannabinoid receptors in the stomach wall that help regulate/reduce stomach acid secretion. Because excessive stomach acid production plays a role in the development of gastric ulcers, cannabinoids can help reduce the risk of ulcers.
Cannabinoids for low immunity
Cannabinoids play a crucial role in the immune system, as shown in numerous studies. When immunity is not optimal, supplementing with plant-based cannabinoids can boost the immune system. This helps the horse regain balance and cope better with negative external influences.
Cannabinoids for allergies
Even in allergies, such as pollen allergies, cannabinoids can help restore balance. Allergies consist of several small inflammatory reactions that affect immunity. By properly supporting the immune system, your horse can deal more easily with allergic reactions. Additionally, there is likely a direct effect on the so-called 'mast cells' that cause allergies, although this mechanism is not yet precisely understood.
Cannabinoids for pain complaints
There are cannabinoid receptors in the parts of the brain and spine that register pain. Providing plant-based cannabinoids can help control pain signals in the central nervous system. Research has shown a reduction in pain signals.
Cannabinoids for laminitis
Did you know that cannabinoids can also help your laminitic horse? Laminitis in horses is an inflammation of the hoof wall, which is very painful. Cannabinoids act as painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents and also support immunity. This promotes healing and reduces the likelihood of a recurrence. Research has shown that cannabinoids reduce chronic inflammations. They likely suppress the substances that cause inflammation and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory substances.
Bronnen Calignano A, La Rana G, Giuffrida A, Piomelli D. Nature. Control of pain initiation by endogenous cannabinoids. 1998 Jul 16;394(6690):277-81. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9685157
Gamble L-J, Boesch JM, Frye CW, Schwark WS, Mann S, Wolfe L, Brown H, Berthelsen ES and Wakshlag JJ (2018) Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Front. Vet. Sci. 5:165. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
Malfait AM, Gallily R, Sumariwalla PF, et al. The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000;97(17):9561–9566. doi:10.1073/pnas.160105897 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/
Klein TW. 2005. Cannabinoid-based drugs as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Nat Rev Immunol. 2005 May;5(5):400-11. https://greenwaytherapeutix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2005-Klein-Nature-Publishing-Group-Cannabinoid-based-drugs-as-anti-inflammatory-therapeutics-.pdf
zzo AA, Coutts AA. Cannabinoids and the digestive tract. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(168):573-98. doi: 10.1007/3-540-26573-2_19. PMID: 16596788. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16596788/
Martínez V, Iriondo De-Hond A, Borrelli F, Capasso R, Del Castillo MD, Abalo R. Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals? Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 26;21(9):3067. doi: 10.3390/ijms21093067. PMID: 32357565; PMCID: PMC7246936. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246936/
Tóth KF, Ádám D, Bíró T, Oláh A. Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the \"C(ut)annabinoid\" System. Molecules. 2019;24(5):918. Published 2019 Mar 6. doi:10.3390/molecules24050918
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429381/
Scarante FF, Vila-Verde C, Detoni VL, Ferreira-Junior NC, Guimarães FS, Campos AC. Cannabinoid Modulation of the Stressed Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci. 2017;10:411. Published 2017 Dec 19. doi:10.3389/fnmol.2017.00411 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5742214/
Morena M, Patel S, Bains JS, Hill MN. Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2016 Jan;41(1):80-102. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.166. Epub 2015 Jun 12. PMID: 26068727; PMCID: PMC4677118. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4677118/
Nagappan A, Shin J, Jung MH. Role of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 in Insulin Resistance and Its Biological Implications. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(9):2109. Published 2019 Apr 29. doi:10.3390/ijms20092109
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6540410/
Parfieniuk A, Flisiak R. Role of cannabinoids in chronic liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Oct 28;14(40):6109-14. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.6109. PMID: 18985799; PMCID: PMC2761570.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18985799/
