Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural substance extracted from the hemp plant that has gained a lot of attention in the health sector over the past few years. In this article, we delve into one form of CBD, CBD isolate. We will discuss what characterizes this form of CBD, how it differs from other types of CBD, its uses and benefits. We will take a detailed look at the scientific research that opens up a broader understanding of the efficacy and safety of CBD isolate.
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Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'novel food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is a type of cannabidiol that contains only CBD - meaning that CBD isolate does not contain any other natural compounds found in hemp plants. Unlike CBD isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products contain a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds naturally found in hemp that work together to produce the so-called "Entourage" effect. The “entrainment effect” is that when CBD, THC and other cannabinoids naturally found in hemp are used together, their effect is more effective than when they are used alone. Compared to full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate can also be described as a single-molecule substance.
CBD isolate is the right choice for those who want to try CBD oil and see for themselves its benefits, but want to avoid any trace of THC (a cannabinoid known for its psychoactive nature), as some full-spectrum CBD products may contain a small amount of THC, which in Lithuania must not exceed the permissible limit - 0.2%. It should be noted that broad-spectrum CBD oil also does not contain THC material, which is why this choice is considered better than CBD isolate, since broad spectrum oil contains not only CBD, but also other beneficial cannabinoids such as CBC, CBN and CBG.
How does CBD isolate work?
Scientific studies have shown that plant-derived cannabinoids, such as CBD isolate, interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for many physiological processes in the human body, including appetite, pain, and immune response. regulation and maintenance of homeostasis. Cannabinoids work in the human body by binding to receptors in the ECS, i.e. CB1 and CB2 receptors. This interaction can help regulate the body's central nervous system as well as emotional and immune responses.
Potential CBD effects include the following areas:
- strengthening of the immune system (immunomodulation);
- effect on tumor formation (anticancer effect);
- fighting inflammation (anti-inflammatory effect);
- prevention of nausea (antiemetic effect);
- regeneration of the nervous system (neuroprotection);
- anxiety reduction (prevention of anxiety);
- reducing/preventing seizures in people with epilepsy (anticonvulsant effect);
- pain relief (analgesic effect).
Scientific research shows that CBD may also affect the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) serotonin receptor in addition to the cannabinoid receptors. Serotonin is a chemical that can condition our mood, and a lack of it can lead to anxiety, insomnia or even depression. This interaction is a good explanation for CBD's ability to relieve symptoms associated with anxiety or other similar medical conditions in some people.
A study conducted in 2015 on mice showed that although CBD isolate does offer some health benefits, it does not actually have the broad therapeutic effects that are felt when using full spectrum CBD products. The results of the same study show that CBD isolate is most effective in relieving pain of a certain origin or reducing discomfort caused by swelling only when it is used in certain doses. Meanwhile, the effect of full-spectrum CBD products is usually characterized by this feature - as the dose of the product increases, the effectiveness of these products also increases.
CBD Isolate: Potential Uses
CBD isolate may help relieve symptoms associated with the following medical conditions:
1. Anxiety relief
Several scientific studies show that CBD has anti-anxiety effects. It probably works by changing the brain's response to a chemical already mentioned in this article, serotonin.
For example, 2019 study examined whether CBD is capable of improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety. Study participants - 72 adults with clinically diagnosed insomnia or anxiety disorder. The results of this study showed that as many as 79% of participants reported reduced anxiety. Almost 67% of the study participants improved their sleep quality after the first month. Based on the data from this study, the researchers concluded that CBD may be beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders and that it is well tolerated by most people. Another 2019 study showed that CBD has the potential to significantly reduce the condition of adolescents who regularly experience social anxiety.
2. Relief of pain and inflammation
People often use CBD isolate or other types of CBD for a variety of inflammatory conditions and pain relief, including the following:
- pain caused by arthritis;
- side effects caused by chemotherapy;
- chronic back pain;
- fibromyalgia;
- neuropathic pain.
Although CBD isolate has been found to be effective in relieving pain, research suggests that full-spectrum CBD products may be even more effective because the cannabidiol in their composition works synergistically with other natural substances, which enhances the analgesic effect.
3. Epilepsy
It is known that CBD can be useful in alleviating seizures caused by epilepsy. According to The Epilepsy Society of America, research on CBD and epilepsy offers hope for those with the condition.
The results of a study conducted in 2017 suggest that CBD can facilitate the control of epileptic seizures in certain forms of epilepsy. It is important to note that as new research is constantly being done, people with epilepsy should discuss the possibility of integrating CBD into their epilepsy treatment plan with a healthcare professional.
4. Oncological diseases
Currently, research is being intensively conducted regarding the effects of CBD on the symptoms caused by oncological diseases and chemotherapy. Some studies have already been done in animals show that CBD has the potential to prevent the formation of cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute indicates that CBD can alleviate some cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment (including nausea and vomiting).
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CBD Isolate: Risks and Side Effects
CBD isolate is known as a CBD product that can cause only minor side effects, especially since it contains completely removed THC material and terpenes. However, it may cause the following adverse reactions in some people:
- changes in appetite, i.e. increase or decrease;
- diarrhea;
- easy fatigue;
- weight changes, i.e. decrease or increase;
- insomnia;
- irritability.
CBD can also interact with some prescription or over-the-counter medications, so it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using CBD or other hemp products. It is also worth noting that CBD can interact with certain food supplements. Individuals interested in trying CBD should check the packaging of the medications or supplements they are taking to see if there is a warning about certain ingredients in these products. These are usually cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and so on. CBD is known to interfere with the metabolism of these drugs. One study in mice showed that CBD may also increase the risk of liver toxicity if consumed in extremely high doses.
CBD isolate: a summary
CBD isolate can become a great alternative for those people who are not inclined to choose full or broad spectrum CBD products. It can be especially useful for those who have been wanting to try CBD for a while, but want to avoid even minimal THC - although this can also be achieved with broad-spectrum CBD oil. CBD isolate has several benefits, including its ability to relieve pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
However, many studies show that some of these benefits may be even more noticeable when using full-spectrum CBD products in particular. When choosing a CBD isolate, make sure that the manufacturer whose CBD products you intend to try has a high reputation and reliability - always read the product label carefully, familiarize yourself with the research analyzes of CBD products carried out by third-party laboratories. In this way, you will be assured that the CBD you choose does not contain heavy metals or other potentially harmful chemicals and impurities.