What are Phytocannabinoids? How Do They Differ from Cannabinoids and More?
The word phytocannabinoid is often used, particularly in reference to the cannabis plant. What precisely are phytocannabinoids? Well, if you've ever used cannabis products, you've undoubtedly heard of them. Alternatively, you've most likely heard of THC and CBD. These are two examples of active phytocannabinoids present in cannabis plants.
What precisely are phytocannabinoids?
These are cannabinoids generated by the cannabis plant's trichomes. If you ingest a phytocannabinoid-rich substance, these molecules will interact with the body's receptors to cause a variety of psychoactive and medicinal effects. Exogenous and plant-derived cannabinoids are known to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to create a sensation of well-being.
The difference between phytocannabinoids and cannabinoids
Many individuals may be confused between these two sorts of chemical substances. They are extremely distinct, despite the fact that they are generated by biological species and assist in regulating and balancing numerous biological activities.
Cannabinoids are classified into two real types: phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. The former is generated by plants, whilst the latter is typically produced by humans.
Endocannabinoids serve to balance key elements and processes in the human body to achieve optimal functioning capability. When this equilibrium is reached, the condition is known as homeostasis.
Endocannabinoids have the ability to activate the homeostatic effect. This contributes significantly to restoring the body's balance and wellness. However, determining the quantity of endocannabinoids in the body is difficult since they are often accessible "on-demand."
The effects of phytocannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system
The ECS is responsible for ensuring optimal function and contains endocannabinoids. The ECS consists of three components:
"messenger" chemicals that the body normally synthesizes.
receptors to which the messenger molecules attach
And enzymes that break them down.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system.
CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system. They are effective in controlling a variety of brain activities.
Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are mostly located in immune cells that circulate throughout the body and the brain, as well as a few chosen neurons in the brain area. As a result, they are excellent at boosting immune responses.
When you consume a phytocannabinoid-rich substance, it will interact with these ECS receptors. The sort of regulatory response from the body will be determined by the impact induced by its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Furthermore, the quantity of phytocannabinoids is important in determining the severity of the effects.
Common phytocannabinoids and their effects
Within the cannabis plant, there are 113 known phytocannabinoids. Some have been found to be more useful to patients than others. These components include:
Cannabinol (CBN): antibiotic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant.
Cannabidiol (CBD): anticonvulsant, antioxidant, pain reliever, treatment for psychotic disorders, spasm relief, and anti-inflammatory.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, relieves pain, and induces a euphoric high.
Cannabigerol (CBG): anti-fungal, antibiotic, relieves pain, and anti-inflammatory
Cannabichromene (CBC): anti-fungal, antibiotic, relieves pain, and anti-inflammatory
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): relieves anxiety and induces a euphoric high
Final word
Cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant are known as phytocannabinoids. THC is the most widely used phytocannabinoid, closely followed by CBD. Phytocannabinoids are known to interact with the ECS to create a variety of health effects.
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