Although cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids, it has numerous health benefits. Initial studies have shown that CBDA can treat anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and some types of cancer.
Even though very little research has been conducted to determine the potential benefits of CBDA, scientists believe this cannabinoid could help reduce the need for drugs that have harmful long-term side effects for patients.
What is CBDA?
CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is present in most cannabis plants in small amounts. Because it is non-intoxicating, it is legal in almost all states. CBDA also has greater bioavailability, which means it is more easily absorbed by the body (up to 11 times better) when taken orally compared to CBD.
Based on studies carried out on animals, it is evident that CBDA is stronger and more potent than CBD. This is because it interacts more effectively with the body to manage various health issues.
How Does CBDA Work?
Unlike cannabinoids that bind directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBDA interacts with the endocannabinoid system by blocking the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. These enzymes are linked with inflammation caused by infections or injuries, so by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme, CBDA can relieve inflammation and pain.
In a study carried out on rodents, scientists discovered that CBDA affected serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that carries signals between the nerve cells in the brain and the entire body. Serotonin is essential to basic human functions like mood, sleeping, eating, digestion, nausea, blood clotting, and wound healing.
The radiation and chemotherapy used during cancer treatments trigger the release of excess serotonin, thereby causing vomiting and nausea. While vomiting can be managed with medication, nausea is a lot more challenging to control.
Scientists have shown that CBDA affects the 5-HT serotonin-producing receptors in the body. This means it can be used as a medication to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CIMV). However, there is a need for additional research.
Therapeutic Benefits of CBDA
Because only limited research has been carried out on CBDA, its potential benefits are still largely unknown. However, early results have been promising, and a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits are being looked at, including:
Anti-Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to injury, illness, and stress. The immune system responds to these conditions by increasing blood flow to the affected region and promoting the repair of damaged tissue.
But when inflammation lasts for an extended period, it becomes a significant problem. Chronic inflammation is usually the result of severe health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Research on cell cultures shows that CBDA could have anti-inflammatory properties since it is a selective COX-2 inhibitor.
The COX-2 enzyme causes inflammation by producing pro-inflammatory compounds known as prostaglandins. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen work by blocking the effects of these enzymes. However, long-term use of these drugs can damage the gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, researchers have focused on developing selective COX-2 inhibitors that block the COX-2 enzymes without causing major damage to the stomach and intestinal lining. CBDA works like NSAIDs without damaging the gut.
Anti-Nausea
The interaction between the gut and the brain causes nausea. This interaction results from different factors, such as hormones, viruses, and medications. Once the balance between the gut and the brain is disrupted, an area of the brain known as the vomiting center is triggered.
The vomiting area is in charge of all the muscles involved in vomiting. As soon as your brain gets the signal that something is wrong in your stomach, it tells those muscles to start contracting so that you can get rid of the cause of the problem.
During animal studies, it was discovered that CBDA was more effective than CBD in preventing nausea and vomiting because of its interaction with the 5-HT1A receptor. Tests have shown that CBDA can achieve the same anti-nausea effects as CBD while using a dosage that is 1,000 times smaller.
CBDA is also potentially effective against anticipatory nausea cancer patients feel before chemotherapy. There is currently no medication available to treat this type of nausea, so this is an exciting development.
Anti-Cancer
A study at Hokuriku University in Japan showed that CBDA effectively inhibited the growth of a specific type of breast cancer cells. The cells of this type of breast cancer have a concentration of the COX-2 enzyme that is higher than usual. Although the findings are promising, more research is needed to determine how the CBDA works.
Apart from inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, researchers have found that CBDA could potentially be used to limit the migration of these cells. A medication that prevents cancer cells from migrating would be able to prevent the condition from spreading throughout the body.
During the study, it was also noticed that CBDA reduced the efficacy of the Id-1 protein, which helps boost cancer cell growth and survival. The cannabinoid also increases SHARP1 expression, suppressing cancer’s spread from where it started.
Anti-Anxiety
Although CBD has been mentioned as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression, the acidic CBDA is potentially more effective. Apart from the fact that CBDA affects the same receptors as CBD, it works as an antidepressant at doses that are 10 to 100 times smaller than those required for CBD.
Anti-Seizures
The only CBD drug approved by the FDA is an anti-seizure medication called Epidiolex. Epidiolex is used for the treatment of epilepsy that is resistant to other drugs. The manufacturer of Epidiolex has carried out several tests to compare the efficacy of CBDA to CBD when it comes to preventing seizures. Early results have shown that CBDA may be more bioavailable and faster-acting than CBD.
This means that small doses of CBDA would effectively prevent seizures, thereby reducing the probability of side effects caused by long-term use.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
More research has shown that using phytocannabinoids to regulate the endocannabinoid system has several benefits for cardiovascular health. It is also seen that cannabinoids, including CBDA, can help to manage cardiovascular issues such as heart attack (myocardial infarction), hypertension, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), atherosclerosis, and metabolic disorders.
Using phytocannabinoids to inhibit the CB1 receptors has several positive effects in treating cardiometabolic disorders.
Where To Find The Best CBDa Products?
CBDa is a great way to treat everyday aches and pains and can be used for several other medical reasons and will only continue to skyrocket. Like most shopping, knowing who you’re buying from and how reputable they are is essential. You don’t want to take shortcuts, especially with something you plan to ingest or put in your body.
When it comes to reputable and reliable brands like Torch that sell cannabis products, there is no better place than Delta 8 resellers. For all of your cannabis needs, Delta 8 resellers have hundreds of respectable brand names and products that are ideal for you. Choose from hundreds of products to help with anxiety, including pens, cartridges, flowers, CBD products, and more. You can also sign up for a wholesale account to place online orders.
Find everything you need at the most affordable prices and if you’re still skeptical, talk to a customer service representative that will answer your questions. Purchase a good CBDa edible or CBDa gummies, and you will find relief in no time.
Conclusion
Most of the research carried out until now has primarily focused on animal models. Until clinical trials are carried out on humans, it is impossible to know how effective CBDA would be. Scientists are unsure if the same results will translate to humans. However, initial studies show promising potential for CBDA regarding the safe and effective treatment of various health issues.
