The 7 Health Benefits Of Castor Oil

Many know castor oil's health properties and is widely used for medicinal purposes. Yet, this vegetable oil's use for health is often underrated, for a number of reasons. This vegetable oil is found from the seeds of the castor plant, which is found in Africa and India. So, what are the health properties of this vegetable oil that makes it so special? Here is a look at the seven different benefits of this oil and how it is different.

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1. For pain

Castor oils' anti-inflammatory properties make it be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent useful in treatment of swollen joints and tissues. You can take this oil orally in a glass of water to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis as well. This oil can also work wonders to offer relief to back pain and abdominal pain and is also useful in menstrual cramps.

2. For hair

This vegetable oil has fatty acids and Vitamin E, both of which help you in your hair growth. All you need to do is to apply this oil on your hair and scalp to increase blood circulation and free the scalp from fungal as well as bacterial infections. Applying castor oil also ensures that you check hair loss.

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3. As laxative

The laxative benefits of this vegetable oil are well known. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil starts functioning and helps in digesting the food as well as cleanses the system and improves the bowel movement. No wonder, it helps during constipation too.

4. For skin

The skin properties of castor oil are well known to all. Using this vegetable oil on your skin helps it be hydrated and also be free fro infections. No wonder, it helps treat skin diseases like acne too. If you use the oil regularly you will be able to keep wrinkles in control too. In fact, if you apply this oil to babies, it can help prevent cases of diaper rashes too.

5. For immunity

It's been researched and found out that castor oil, when applied to the body, helps increase the count of T-11 cells in the body thus strengthening the immune system. The total number of lymphocytes increases within 24 hours too.

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6. For allergies

Are you suffering from allergies? Well, this oils' anti-allergic properties can help. If you have allergies related to skin and naso-pharyngeal area, just take five drops of castor oil in water in an empty stomach.

7. For warts, moles and cysts

Applying this oil also helps treat warts, moles and cysts. Apply the oil with a pinch of baking soda will help solve the problem of cysts. In fact, using castor oil packs also helps dissolve cysts in the ovary.

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Sage Herb Benefits And Information

Herbs were widely used by our ancestors long time ago and now, they still hold the same value as before. Herbs are very popular especially in the kitchen. They are used for various reasons. Mostly, they are added to dishes to make them more flavorful and aromatic. Some like to grow herbs indoor because of their beautiful foliage and fragrance. In addition, herbs contain properties that make them excellent remedies for common ailments.

Sage herb is one of the most popular herbs around. Herb lovers prefer using sage and growing them at home.

Here are some information that make sage herb one of the most favorite herbs around:

It has a unique history
It symbolizes domestic virtue, wisdom, skill, self esteem, longevity, and good health. It is also believed to possess some magical powers that can help protect those who grew them in their homes. People of long ago planted sage herb to ward off evil spirits with its strong scent.

It is easy to grow
Sage herb is one of those herbs that thrive in warm climates. You can grow them in your backyard garden where they can have lots of sun. Just make sure you keep the soil moist to help your sage grow faster and healthier.

It can be used fresh or dried
Nothing can be more delicious than having fresh sage added into your recipe. Sage has a strong pungent odor that can tickle your taste buds. On the other hand, sage still retains its aroma and flavor even if it is dried.

Benefits of Sage Herb:

It has culinary value
One of the main reasons why people love sage herb is that it can be used to add flavor to your favorite dishes. It can be sprinkled over your dishes or add in your chicken or turkey stuffing. It also gives off a wonderful aroma that can make mouths water.

It has aesthetic value
If you want to have a purposeful plant in your house, you should consider growing sage herb. It comes in various colors of pink, fuchsia, purple, blue, white, and red foliage. The attractive colors of sage herb can add color to your kitchen and yards. Placing them in pots of different colors, shapes and sizes can surely make them beautiful ornaments in your home.

It has medicinal properties
Studies proved that it contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties which make it an excellent remedy for some common illnesses. Long before the production of toothpastes and gargles, sage herb was used to clean the teeth and keep the mouth fresh and protected against harmful bacteria that can cause sore throat or inflammation of the gums. It is also used to treat upset stomach, excessive sweating, and colds.

Knowing the important information and benefits of the sage herb will help you realize just how useful it is. It has a rich history, it can be grown easily, and can be used fresh or dried. It can also be used to decorate the house, enhance the flavor of food, and of course, as medicine for some common ailments.

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Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

Aloe vera is known primarily for its cooling and soothing properties, especially for treating burns, irritation, and various skin conditions. But this herb has other uses, which are not as popular but certainly no less beneficial. Aloe vera juice benefits include improved digestion, blood circulation, detoxification, and pain relief.

Aloe vera gel is obtained from the leaves of the aloe plant, and may be applied topically or added to drinks. Aloe vera juice contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B-complex, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, and manganese. It is also safe to drink daily - in fact, experts recommend drinking at least two glasses every day to obtain maximum aloe vera juice benefits. Here are some of the most common aloe vera juice benefits:

Digestive aid

Aloe vera juice stimulates colonic irrigation, the process of loosening and washing out waste materials from the digestive system. These include food residues, toxins, and bacteria. These wastes can clog the intestinal lining and prevent nutrients from getting fully absorbed. Studies show that taking aloe vera juice regularly over several weeks can help break down residues and improve colonic irrigation. It also regulates the production of stomach acids, preventing digestive problems like ulcer, acid indigestion, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Anti-inflammatory and pain relief

Aloe vera juice benefits people with rheumatoid arthritis analgesic and anti-inflammatory abilities. It helps relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improves joint movement to prevent waste buildup. It also contains mucopolysaccharides, which are basic sugars essential in cell regeneration. This helps rebuild muscle tissues and disperse damaged cells. Its cooling ability also alleviates pain and inflammation.

Cancer and blood disease prevention

Another important element in aloe vera juice is acemannan, which is believed to increase the production of white blood cells. This helps the body fight bacteria and viruses, as well as prevent the growth of cancer cells. It is currently being studied for potential use against breast and ovarian cancer, leukemia, and diseases caused by low blood cell counts.

IMPORTANT: Aloe vera juice is considered a dietary supplement, so it is does not follow the same regulations as standard medicines. Some aloe vera products contain silica, starch, gluten, or other extenders that can hinder aloe vera juice benefits and even harm your health. To stay safe, buy only products that are GMP-compliant and avoid those that contain artificial additives, such as food colors and flavorings.

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10 Fascinating Health Benefits Of Strawberries

Strawberries are officially a superfood! They taste great, are versatile cooking ingredients, are available all year around, and the nutrition they offer is through the roof. Eating strawberries regularly has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits.

Any good nutrition regime is going to include high amounts of antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C, flavonoids, phytochemicals, and ellagic acid. Strawberries have all this, plus they are also rich in folate, iodine, potassium, and magnesium. This rich variety of healthy components is what makes strawberries such a great superfood. Here are just 10 of the health benefits strawberries provide:

1. Boost your Immune System - a strong immune system helps you fight off infections and disease, both large and small.

2. Fight Cancer - a lot of different cancers. The high levels of ellagic acid are especially helpful here since it can render cancer causing molecules ineffective. Studies have shown that strawberries' abilities to fight free radicals and work against potentially cancerous cells can fight breast, esophagus, pancreas, prostate, colon, and skin cancer.

3. Maintain Good Eyesight - the antioxidants and potassium can both fight macular degeneration in different ways. The elimination of free radicals helps prevent cataracts and degeneration of the optical nerve, preserving your eyesight. The potassium helps maintain the right amount of pressure on your eyes so you don't experience ocular disturbance.

4. Prevent Alzheimer's Disease - strawberries fight against the free radicals that attack brain tissue as you age, keeping your brain younger, which can slowdown or even avoid, the progression of Alzheimer's. The iodine also works to promote strong brain function.

5. Fight Wrinkles - this may mean more for your mental health than your physical health, but it's still worthwhile. Strawberries help your skin build collagen (the component that keeps your skin firm), which usually starts to decline with age.

6. Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory - strawberries power to prevent inflammation is another way they keep your skin looking young. However, this health benefit also helps prevent joint ache and arthritis.

7. Great Source of Fiber - no one wants waste to accumulate in their intestines, but it's hard to eat enough fiber to keep things moving along. Strawberries are a rich source of fiber that can keep your intestines clean and help slowdown your blood's absorption of sugar.

8. Fight Heart Disease - strawberries do this by reducing the bad type of cholesterol that can lead to plaque build up on your heart. The Vitamin B nutrients in strawberries make your heart muscles stronger.

9. Regulate Your Blood Pressure - The magnesium and potassium in strawberries counteracts many of the effects of too much salt that could otherwise result in high blood pressure. This is another way strawberries also help prevent coronary disease.

10. Healthy Babies - the folate in strawberries can prevent birth defects. Ingesting high amounts of folate during pregnancy can help with the healthy development of your baby's spinal cord, skull, and brain. The earlier in your pregnancy you start eating the strawberries, the better it will be.

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Benefits Of Sweet Potato For Burning Fat

Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of sweet potato, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from sweet potato - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

This potato has a naturally sweet taste, and has an outer skin that is thin and comes in different colors, including orange, yellow, purple, and white. The flesh inside is orange.

They are available in various shapes and sizes, from a round, granite-like shape with tiny points on both ends to lengthy, curved shapes with ends that taper. Sweet Potatoes are always in season.

Fat Burning Benefits of Sweet Potato

These potatoes contain unparalleled health properties. One advantage is that its root storage proteins have been proven to possess strong antioxidant properties.

Actually, approximately 33% of the antioxidants in glutathione are found in these potatoes; glutathione is an antioxidant that is manufactured by the internal mechanisms of the body. This could account in part for the restorative powers of the sweet potato.

This root vegetable is likewise known for its capability of stabilizing blood sugar and lowering resistance to insulin. This is why it is a good food for diabetics. The carotenoids found in these potatoes help to regulate blood sugar levels.

They are high in Vitamin A as beta carotene. Additionally, they are high in Vitamin C and manganese, and also contain dietary fiber, potassium, iron, copper, and Vitamin B-6. Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and beta carotene are all extremely potent antioxidants that help to protect the body's cells and cell membranes from harmful free radicals. Nutrients like these, due to their protective qualities, are capable of helping in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer of the colon. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory properties that help to eliminate inflammation in illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and osteoarthritis. If you either smoke or live with a person who smokes, the abundant amount of Vitamin A found in the potatoes can help to protect your lungs from the harmful effects of smoke or secondhand smoke.

Proper Preparation of the Sweet Potato

Pick the potatoes that feel firm, are weighty in comparison to their size, and do not contain any markings or soft areas. Do not purchase sweet potatoes that are visible in the store's refrigerated section, because the extremely cool temperature can make them lose their flavor and nutritional benefits.

These potatoes should be kept in a cool, dark, and dry location; this will help them to remain fresh for approximately for 10 days. Storage in plastic bags is inadvisable. They need to receive sufficient ventilation. They do tend to develop sprouts if they receive too much sunlight or are subject to extremely warm temperatures.

When you choose organically grown these potatoes, eat the entire thing if you want. If not organic, remove the skin, which can have dye or wax on it, once the potato is cooked.

Bear in mind that the fleshy part of the potato oxidizes after cutting it open, so you should get into the habit of putting them in a container filled with cold water until it is time to cook them.

As far as serving ideas are concerned, you can always serve an old-fashioned, plain, baked sweet potato, which is a delightful taste treat. It also makes a perfect snack or picnic food served cold.

You can find a great deal of recipes for this type of potato, including potato pies, breads, puddings, muffins, and various other desserts. You definitely will be able to find one to suit your fat-burning taste buds.

Additionally, cut up, steamed sweet potatoes taste great when they are added to cooked tofu and broccoli. A light vinaigrette dressing is also a delicious addition.

They can also be pureed or mashed, plus you can sprinkle on some chopped chives for a pretty appearance and good taste.

Proper Amount to Eat

The portion size for one person is one medium-sized sweet potato, which is approximately 2 inches in diameter and 5 inches in length.

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Turmeric: Healthy, Yummy and Easy!

Turmeric is a plant native to India and part of the ginger family. Most of the population knows it as the orange/yellow spice in curry. In addition to curry, it is frequently used in mustards, butters, and cheeses. It has a slightly bitter taste but complements many dishes. The root of the plant is used for its medicinal qualities.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

In Chinese and Indian systems of medicine, turmeric has been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory. In addition to the oil, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory, it is believed that curcumin, the pigment that gives turmeric its color, is the primary pharmacological agent. In studies, curcumin has shown to be comparable to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter drugs like Motrin and Ibuprofen (World Health Foods). However, curcumin has NO toxicity to it. All the medicines do.

Curcumin has also been shown to reduce the signs of colitis in mice. This is important for those suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) (ie - Chron's, ulcerative colitis, etc). The mice that received curcumin lost more weight than the control animals and when checked for signs of colitis, they were significantly reduced. But what is also very cool about this study? The improvement was done at a low dose, the amount you would easily put in foods. Although curcumin has shown to be safe a very large doses, it is being shown that you don't have to have that much to enjoy the benefits. (World Health Foods)

I have severe IBS-C and am always looking for alternative means to help with this condition. Turmeric is something I add into my diet, through capsules, every day. It is a pill filled with turmeric and black pepper. The black pepper helps the body to absorb the curcumin in the turmeric. Taking just one capsule a day helps to reduce the amount of inflammation I have. It's enough that I can actually feel the difference.

There has been research showing that taking turmeric extracts can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and in one study worked just as well as ibuprofen. (World Health Foods)

ANTIOXIDANT

This is a word that is thrown out a lot, we all know it's good, but not many of us know what it means. Antioxidant means that the substance inhibits oxidation in the body. Not helpful right? Here is a VERY simplified explanation. Your body has things called "free radicals." These free radicals are needed to fight off viruses and such. However, free radicals do this by damaging things. When they damage your cells, DNA, etc., it can cause cancer, aging, and a variety of other diseases. So, your body uses antioxidants to keep the free radicals in line. There are many different things that cause you to have free radicals, and having too many can be dangerous. Also, not having enough antioxidants in your body to counter the free radicals can also be dangerous. So, the moral of the lesson? Make sure you get antioxidants! Turmeric is a way you can do that!

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are why curcumin has shown to be effective for arthritis, cancer prevention, inhibiting cancer cell growth, reducing childhood leukemia risk, improving liver function, protecting cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol, and protecting against Alzheimer's.

OMEGA-3s

A recent study indicates that Turmeric may help your body turn Omega-3s into useful DHA and EPA (these help brain function). The body is inefficient at turning plant based Omega-3s into EPA and DHA. Yet these are what the body needs. This is a problem for people who have a hard time getting Omega-3s into their diet. I am one of those people. I need to be able to convert plant based Omeag-3s into DHA and EPA because I have a hard time digesting fish based Omega-3s.

The study showed, in animals, that when turmeric was added to their diet, the body created 50% more DHA (Steven Devries). That's fantastic! Just adding turmeric in the diet can improve your body's ability to improve brain function.

WHAT CONDITIONS DOES IT HELP?

Although the western scientific evidence is still working on researching turmeric, the spice has been used in multiple cultures around the world for medical purposes. Turmeric has been used to treat, prevent, or aid in symptoms in regards to arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, gallbladder disorders, flatulence, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothaches, bruises, colic, cancer, bacterial infections, and viral infections.

Many of these conditions just need a small dose (enough to flavor your food) of turmeric in order to start getting positive results. However, other conditions may need more. It is always important to consult with your physician or your alternative medicine practitioner before taking turmeric in large doses.

WHERE DO I GET IT?

You can buy turmeric, as a spice for your food, in most grocery stores. However, if you have local spice stores or ethnic markets, go there to get your spice. The quality is generally better which means the health benefits will be better too.

Make sure to buy turmeric. Don't by curry powder. Curry is a mixture of different spices. You want only turmeric. Make sure you store it in a sealed container, away from light and in a dry place (cabinets work great!). If you buy the actual rhizome, keep it in the refrigerator.

Don't like the taste of turmeric in your food? That's OK! You can purchase turmeric pills on the Internet. Basically, it's just a capsule full of turmeric. I personally buy Swanson's brand of Turmeric and Black Pepper. The pepper makes smaller doses of turmeric more effective.

IS IT SAFE?

Turmeric is always safe when taken in amounts found commonly in food. It is usually always safe in medicinal amounts as well, however it is not safe for women during pregnancy when it is at such high doses (Steven D. Ehrlich). As is always the case, if you have any medical conditions, you will want to seek the advice of medical personnel or your alternative health practitioner before utilizing in medicinal amounts.

You should always let your doctor know you are taking turmeric. Especially if having surgery. It is possible that it thins your blood slightly.

EATING AND COOKING

Many of us in the Western Hemisphere do not know how to cook with turmeric. That's OK! It's easier than you think. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your diet.

• Add it to your scrambled eggs or egg salad.
• Add to sautéed apples.
• Add to frittatas.
• Add to steamed vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, and onions.
• Make tea with turmeric, milk, and honey.
• Add to a mayonnaise dip.
• Toss it with roasted vegetables.
• Add it to rice.
• Add to recipes that have lentils.
• Sprinkle into sautéed vegetables. This works very well with Kale.
• Add to salad dressings.
• Use on chicken.
• Use on fish.
• Add to casseroles.
• Add to macaroni salad.
• Add to potato salad.
• You can also use it like salt or pepper and just sprinkle it on dishes.

I hope this is helpful to you. Turmeric is a great spice and it gives great health benefits. In addition, it is so easy to add to your diet. Take a small step in improving your health, and add Turmeric to your food.

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7 Major Fish Oil Health Benefits

Fish oil benefits? You bet! Fish oil health benefits are important and wide-ranging. Proven by numerous clinical studies, fish oil benefits range from brain health to heart health to pregnancy health. Fish oil health benefits come primarily from the two Omega 3 essential fatty acids in fish oil -- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and to a lesser extent EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). 

While plant sources such as flax seed will provide the body with Omega 3 oil, the body must convert it into DHA and EFA, and that conversion can be difficult for some people or for elderly people. However, fish oil provides the body with DHA and EPA in a natural form that can easily be assimilated.

Here are seven major fish oil benefits:

1. Lowers blood triglycerides - high levels of triglycerides are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

2. Helps reduce likelihood of blood clots - fish oil benefits include the prevention of blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.

3. Lowers mild high blood pressure - fish oil helps lower blood pressure when it is due to high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

4. Reduces inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and gout - fish oil health benefits come from the DHA and EPA that reduce the amount of inflammation-causing substances.

5. Lowers risk of developing Altzheimer's Disease - studies have found that fish oil seems to help protect the nervous system.

6. Reduces depression rates - the lack of DHA has been linked to higher incidence rates of depression.

7. Improves immune system function - fish oil benefits and studies have linked lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer to the consumption of fish oil.

And there are even more fish oil benefits! 

From lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration to reducing the risk of osteoporosis to benefits for Type II diabetics, fish oil health benefits are truly spectacular. However, there are some precautions that you should be aware of when considering your sources for fish oils. Some fish oils can contain:

* Contaminants such as PCB's and heavy metals like mercury

* Additional additives to keep the fish oil from becoming rancid during the transporting and encapsulating process

* Low DHA levels

Inferior and contaminated fish oil products do exist, while at the same time fish oils are available that are harvested from pristine ocean waters. Be sure the fish oils you consume to enjoy fish oil health benefits contain high levels of DHA and EPA and are free from the heavy metals. Read as much as you can about even more fish oil benefits that provide an amazing array of health benefits.

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How CBD Works | Cannabidiol – CBD oil

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant, has generated significant interest among scientists and physicians in recent years - but how CBD exerts its therapeutic impact on a molecular level is still being sorted out. Cannabidiol is a pleiotropic drug in that it produces many effects through multiple molecular pathways. The scientific literature has identified more than 65 molecular targets of CBD.

Although CBD has little binding affinity for either of the two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), cannabidiol modulates several non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels. CBD also acts through various receptor-independent pathways—for example, by delaying the “reuptake” of endogenous neurotransmitters (such as anandamide and adenosine) and by enhancing or inhibiting the binding action of certain G-protein coupled receptors.

Here are some of the ways that CBD confers its manifold therapeutic effects.

Serotonin Receptors

Jose Alexandre Crippa and his colleagues at the University of San Paulo in Brazil and King’s College in London have conducted pioneering research into CBD and the neural correlates of anxiety. At high concentrations, CBD directly activates the 5-HT1A (hydroxytryptamine) serotonin receptor, thereby conferring an anti-anxiety effect. This G-coupled protein receptor is implicated in a range of biological and neurological processes, including (but not limited to) anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea and vomiting.

5-HT1A is a member of the family of 5-HT receptors, which are activated by the neurotransmitter serotonin. Found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, 5-HT receptors trigger various intracellular cascades of chemical messages to produce either an excitatory or inhibitory response, depending on the chemical context of the message.

CBDA [Cannabidiolic acid], the raw, unheated version of CBD that is present in the cannabis plant, also has a strong affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor (even more so than CBD). Preclinical studies indicate that CBDA is a potent anti-emetic, stronger than either CBD or THC, which also have anti-nausea properties.

Vanilloid Receptors

CBD directly interacts with various ion channels to confer a therapeutic effect. CBD, for example, binds to TRPV1 receptors, which also function as ion channels. TRPV1 is known to mediate pain perception, inflammation and body temperature.

TRPV is the technical abbreviation for “transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V.” TRPV1 is one of several dozen TRP (pronounced “trip”) receptor variants or subfamilies that mediate the effects of a wide range of medicinal herbs.

Scientists also refer to TRPV1 as a “vanilloid receptor,” named after the flavorful vanilla bean. Vanilla contains eugenol, an essential oil that has antiseptic and analgesic properties; it also helps to unclog blood vessels. Historically, the vanilla bean has been used as a folk cure for headaches.

CBD binds to TRPV1, which can influence pain perception.

Capsaicin—the pungent compound in hot chili peppers—activates the TRVP1 receptor. Anandamide, the endogenous cannabinoid, is also a TRPV1 agonist.

GPR55 - orphan receptors

Whereas cannabidiol directly activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor and several TRPV ion channels, some studies indicate that CBD functions as an antagonist that blocks, or deactivates, another G protein-coupled receptor known as GPR55.

GPR55 has been dubbed an “orphan receptor” because scientists are still not sure if it belongs to a larger family of receptors. GPR55 is widely expressed in the brain, especially in the cerebellum. It is involved in modulating blood pressure and bone density, among other physiological processes.

GPR55 promotes osteoclast cell function, which facilitates bone reabsorption. Overactive GPR55 receptor signaling is associated with osteoporosis.

GPR55, when activated, also promotes cancer cell proliferation, according to a 2010 study by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai. This receptor is expressed in various types of cancer.

CBD is a GPR55 antagonist, as University of Aberdeen scientist Ruth Ross disclosed at the 2010 conference of the International Cannabinoid Research Society in Lund, Sweden. By blocking GPR55 signaling, CBD may act to decrease both bone reabsorption and cancer cell proliferation.

PPARs - nuclear receptors

CBD also exerts an anti-cancer effect by activating PPARs [peroxisome proliferator activated receptors] that are situated on the surface of the cell’s nucleus. Activation of the receptor known as PPAR-gamma has an anti-proliferative effect as well as an ability to induce tumor regression in human lung cancer cell lines. PPAR-gamma activation degrades amyloid-beta plaque, a key molecule linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is one of the reasons why cannabidiol, a PPAR-gamma agonist, may be a useful remedy for Alzheimer’s patients.

PPAR receptors also regulate genes that are involved in energy homeostasis, lipid uptake, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic functions. Diabetics, accordingly, may benefit from a CBD-rich treatment regimen.

CBD as a reuptake inhibitor

How does CBD, an exogenous plant compound, get inside a human cell to bind to a nuclear receptor? First it has to pass through the cell membrane by hitching a ride with a fatty acid binding protein (FABP), which chaperones various lipid molecules into the cell’s interior. These intracellular transport molecules also escort tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the brain’s own marijuana-like molecules, the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2AG, across the membrane to several targets within the cell. CBD and THC both modulate receptors on the surface of the nucleus, which regulate gene expression and mitochondrial activity.

CBD also exerts an anti-cancer effect by activating PPARs on the surface of the cell’s nucleus.

Cannabidiol, it turns out, has a strong affinity for three kinds of FABPs, and CBD competes with our endocannabinoids, which are fatty acids, for the same transport molecules. Once it is inside the cell, anandamide is broken down by FAAH [fatty acid amide hydrolase], a metabolic enzyme, as part of its natural molecular life cycle. But CBD interferes with this process by reducing anandamide’s access to FABP transport molecules and delaying endocannabinoid passage into the cell’s interior.

According to a team of Stony Brook University scientists, CBD functions as an anandamide reuptake and breakdown inhibitor, thereby raising endocannabinoid levels in the brain’s synapses. Enhancing endocannabinod tone via reuptake inhibition may be a key mechanism whereby CBD confers neuroprotective effects against seizures, as well as many other health benefits.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects are in part attributable to its inhibition of adenosine reuptake. By delaying the reuptake of this neurotransmitter, CBD boosts adenosine levels in the brain, which regulates adenosine receptor activity. A1A and A2A adenosine receptors play significant roles in cardiovascular function, regulating myocardial oxygen consumption and coronary blood flow. These receptors have broad anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.

CBD as an allosteric modulator

CBD also functions as an allosteric receptor modulator, which means that it can either enhance or inhibit how a receptor transmits a signal by changing the shape of the receptor.

Australian scientists report that CBD acts as a “positive allosteric modulator” of the GABA-A receptor. In other words, CBD interacts with the GABA-A receptor in a way that enhances the receptor’s binding affinity for its principal endogenous agonist, gamma-Aminobutyric acid  (GABA), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. The sedating effects of Valium and other Benzos are mediated by GABA receptor transmission. CBDreduces anxiety by changing the shape of the GABA-A receptor in a way that amplifies the natural calming effect of GABA.

Canadian scientists have identified CBD as a “negative allosteric modulator” of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, which is concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. While cannabidiol doesn’t bind to the CB1 receptor directly like THC does, CBDinteracts allosterically with CB1 and changes the shape of the receptor in a way that weakens CB1’s ability to bind with THC.

As a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1receptor, CBD lowers the ceiling on THC’s psychoactivity—which is why people don’t feel as “high” when using CBD-rich cannabis compared to when they consume THC-dominant medicine. A CBD-rich product with little THC can convey therapeutic benefits without having a euphoric or dysphoric effect.

Photo credits: CPD events, Lafaza, CGStudio

Original article source: Shamanic-reiki-healing.com