Neuroprotection and the Blood-Brain Barrier

What Is a Neuroprotective Agent?

Neuroprotective agents are an exciting new field of study in pharmacology studying interventive agents that help protect the brain and its neural networks from the damage other things can create or cause. Neuroprotective agents are sought out to help prevent or counteract damage created by a medical treatment, usually a medication, which has the potential to cause problems when used as part of a treatment to “fix” something else. A common example of this is the damage chemotherapy causes to the body while fighting cancer cells. Often viewed as necessary, chemo carries its own complications.

Generally a topic held sacred to the world of ischemia stroke and brain tumor treatment, researchers now believe other compounds beyond the known drugs may provide protective barriers within the brain from potential damage, an important boost to treatment for patients whose bodies are already working hard to heal. To date many of the chemical intervention agents have included calcium blockers, free-radical scavengers, and narcotic antagonists, all with their own issues and to date, little success. Of more promising value are compounds already found to provide benefit elsewhere in the body, such as tocopherol (Vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Active, aggressive research is being conducted for aides that are more compatible with the body and have higher rates of tolerance and use by the various bodily systems.

Along with vitamins already known to have protective effects on cardiovascular health, other peptides and proteins are being investigated. The challenge is the blood-brain barrier, or how the compound crosses between the vascular system and the blood into and then affects the neurological systems of the body residing within the brain. Think of it as translating to another language, but on a physical level. Many of the challenges for understanding the way the brain works, utilizes nutrients, responds to chemicals, and other transfer actions rests on trying to bridge the difficulty of doing so across the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is how the brain is protected by the body, and it does a terrific job, sometimes too terrific, because life saving medications or compounds have just as much difficulty transiting this “wall” as the bad guys, and the whole system is one that we truly do not understand very well as yet.

Why is Cannabidiol so Promising to Blood-Brain Barrier Research?

So far the research around cannabidiol in both animals and humans is promising. A number of brain function and brain protection mechanisms appear to be happening when CBD is present, due to how it affects the endocannabinoid system and the interaction with other cannabinoids through the entourage effect. In particular are the neuroprotective anti-inflammatory effects being seen, since CBD appears to decrease the production of cytokines, the messenger compounds that send signals to the brain and body about inflammation, immunity, and blood cell production. While cytokines should work in a healthy manner, they often do not and they go rogue. CBD appears to decelerate their signal mechanisms when they are out of balance. CBD also appears to help maintain blood flow through channels during ischemic events, or stroke, helping preserve vital brain functions, and may help reduce vascular and neural inflammation.

CBD research in animal models and humans has shown numerous therapeutic properties for brain function and protection, both by its effect on the ECS (endocannabinoid system) directly and by influencing endogenous (those produced by the body) endocannabinoids. Broadly, cannabidiol has demonstrated anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), antidepressant, neuroprotective anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory (a chemical that influences or benefits the immune system response) benefits. CBD decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines; influences microglial cells (specialized cells that remove damaged neurons and infections from the body) to return to a ramified (spread out) state, preserves cerebral circulation during ischemic events (your brain does not get as much damage), and reduces vascular changes and neuroinflammation (swelling of nerve tissue, a common issue with traumatic brain injuries).

What is the blood-brain barrier and why is it so important?

The BBB as it is referred is a barrier system the human body utilizes to block chemicals, pathogens, and other things from entering brain tissue. The barrier consists of tightly packed cells that line the capillaries of the brain, and are highly effective at stopping most things that try and get through. Some things pass with no problem, though, such as neurotransmitters (the chemicals that give messages to your brain), glucose, and certain amino acids. Since the brain uses a tremendous amount of energy to function, it has to be “fed” and glucose provides a good portion of the fuel by combining with the oxygen you breath. Amino acids are both building blocks and some, neurotransmitters. The BBB protects the brain cells from invasion by many chemicals that do not belong taking up residence, but is unable to protect from some other molecules such as alcohol. This is why you may hear someone say alcohol “kills” brain cells, because it literally can and does.

CBD appears not to have a problem getting through the blood-brain barrier

Cannabidiol is just one of the 200 identified cannabinoids in Cannabis. All cannabinoids are what are called 21-carbon molecules, and are very similar to endocannabinoids made by the human body. While CBD is not psychotropic, it does not cause a euphoric feeling or altered mind state when consumed; it is from a purely biological perspective psychoactive, meaning it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Not every compound in Cannabis has the ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier, such as THCa, the precursor to THC. THCa is very unstable and has to be deoxylated, meaning heated or exposed to sunlight to convert carbon atoms (think bread to toast) to break down into components that can then pass through the barrier. THCa, while not able to pass, is thought to be one of the compounds that is effective for treating forms of epilepsy.

How does CBD work as a carrier?

Because cannabinoids are so similar to the endocannabinoids produced by the human body, some interesting and potentially life saving research prospects for delivery of life saving medications and treatment for brain injuries, tumors, and potentially controlling post ischemic stroke damage have come to light. CBD passes with relative ease through the blood-brain barrier without changing chemically, and in particular is outstanding to act as a facilitator of neural messaging. This makes it a good potential vehicle to carry other materials or messages into the affected regions of the brain, or structures affecting the brain such as an aneurysm caused by a stroke, or a tumor. This ability to pass through, even with another particle attached, is referred to by scientists as a “Trojan horse”.

Lipid nanocapsules have been in use for some time to deliver medications to various parts of the body for treatment of certain forms of cancer, but they have been pretty unsuccessful in getting past the well-engineered blood-brain barrier. This has made treatment of brain cancer and multiple sclerosis frustrating, to say the least. Promising research is being done in Europe where cannabidiol molecules are acting as carriers for nanoparticles of medications, allowing much easier transition of the blood-brain barrier and delivery where scientists want the medications to go while being able to control the delivery. Other similar delivery methods of engineered nanoparticles (artificial particles created from synthetic organics, usually non-toxic plastic or resin, that encapsulate the medicine) are under trials, but so far none is as effective as those recently done utilizing CBD molecules as the carrier agents.

Scientists are not sure why the CBD works so much better, but they think it has to do with the cannabinoid-endocannabinoid similarities. CBD is unique in that it does not bind to the receptors that take the particles into the brain, but attaches to them, facilitating the receptors to take things into the brain themselves. They are also studying the fact that CBD acts as an immune modulator in the human body, the effects of which are just now being researched. Since the body readily allows the passage of the endocannabinoids it makes, it is thought the very similar and non-antagonistic cannabidiol molecules are recognized in the same fashion. What is known is that cannabinoids help endocannabinoids bind with proteins in the blood-brain barrier and attach to neurotransmitter receptors more easily.

Much research is left to be done, but a method of treating brain tumors that is faster, more sure, and far less invasive than methods currently available, as well as helping with the challenges presented by multiple sclerosis, could prove to be a big win all the way around. Scientists are hoping that what they learn may be of use in helping patients with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and neuropathic pain as well.

You have our word on that.

Tummy Talk

I have heard that taking CBD oil will upset my stomach or intestinal tract – Ugh! Please tell me it is not true.

We can tell you it is not true, and we will also tell you why you have heard it.

There is conflicting information out about CBD oil and if it will cause an upset stomach leading to full-blown nausea or diarrhea. Nearly all reputable organizations that are actively involved in researching CBD have come to the same conclusion – in excessively high doses (well past recommendations, and not following dosage instructions) there might in a few individuals who have a chance for a slightly upset stomach or diarrhea. Those doses have nearly always been in individuals far exceeding recommended maximum usage of any CBD product. As for diarrhea, in nearly all cases it was not the CBD that was problematic, it was the ingredients it had been blended with that caused the issues. CBD itself has a very low toxicity rating, and there have been no reported negative effects on the central nervous system, cognition, vital signs, or in negative mood reactions by test subjects or reporting users.

Following CBD dosage instructions is very important

Excess of anything is a problem, even if it is something with potential good. Heck, chocolate will cause all sorts of stomach and intestinal problems fast if you overindulge. The best thing we can tell you is use some common sense and please, follow the directions. If you drink hemp oil or coconut oil, as in drink it, yes it will make you “go”. So will safflower, corn, vegetable, olive, grape seed, and many if not all other oils. That is why grandmas handed out castor oil to fix when you were constipated! It lubricates the bowel and activates the body to create peristaltic action – the “have to go” feeling. Too much of anything is usually not a good idea. Pure organic CBD oil blended with an oil carrier is no exception.

Vid CBD oil is not a compound that if a little is good, a lot is great. Everyone’s body responds differently. Everyone’s levels of usage differs by what they, individually, need to feel their best. That is why we provide specific instructions on the use of the product in every box with every bottle of Vid CBD hemp oil we sell. It is common that people who utilize full spectrum CBD oil have to adjust their dosage down instead of up once their body begins to get healthier and working better*. Often CBD works better through what is called microdosing. See our Learn: Dosage page for more information.

Actually, the opposite is true for total spectrum CBD oil and nausea

One of the uses being heavily researched currently is actually on the opposite effect from stomach upset. It is well known that chemotherapy can cause serious nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach, as well as reduced or eliminated appetite. Clinical trials are showing great promise for the use of CBD and other cannabinoids for the alleviation of chemotherapy nausea responses, without the extreme medication (and cost) currently used to treat chemotherapy nausea with only mixed success. Something that is natural, gentle, and works better would be a big blessing for helping alleviate the discomfort chemo patients’ experience. Additional research is being planned, as cannabidiol also shows promise for reducing other cancer treatment related issues including to improve appetite, tumor reduction due to improved immune response, blood chemistry changes from unhealthy acidic to healthy alkaline, skin rashes alleviated, and other challenges, thereby providing a better environment for the patient’s physical and psychological healing process to begin*.

There are cases where people utilizing CBD oil have reported dry mouth, a slight change in appetite, and some drowsiness or fatigue. It is not known if drowsiness and fatigue are related directly to the CBD intake, or are secondary to the relaxation, reduced anxiety, and mood elevation* that are reported as initial findings by researchers. It could be that when you are less stressed, there are less cortisol (adrenaline, etc.) responses in the body, and you are aware of the relaxation and subsequent drowsiness or fatigue that has been present and that is no longer masked.

CBD doesn’t cause dry mouth, does it?

Dry mouth, or pasties as it is sometimes nicknamed, is an interesting thing. For many years thought to be a problem due to smoking Cannabis and the smoke drying out oral tissue, researchers have learned thanks to medical Cannabis use that any form of any Cannabis product can cause some dry mouth in varying degrees, even gummies. The issue is the really great job cannabinoids do in triggering the endocannabinoid system in your body. When cannabinoids “wake up” the endocannabinoids in your mouth, where there are a lot of those sleepy little receptors, they automatically send messages to tone down the parasympathetic nervous system. That is the system that controls digestion, your intestinal tract, heart rate, and guess what else – saliva production, since it is part of digestion. So yes, taking CBD can cause some limited dry mouth in sensitive individuals. The solution is really simple – sip water. Your body needs it to fix itself, so you get a 2-4-1 on the win-win scale.

Can CBD cause interactions?

One caveat to the possible side effects of CBD is it may interact with some prescription medications, just like grapefruit and some other citrus does, or actually cause your body to require less of a medication due to the improvement in endocannabinoid uptake. We will discuss the possibility of drug interactions or how CBD works with certain kinds of prescription drugs elsewhere on this site, because it is important to know and deserves its own treatment.

Always before starting or adding wide spectrum CBD hemp oil or any supplement to your wellness* regime consult your physician and your pharmacist (since they know more about what you are taking and how they interact) and discuss the use of CBD oil with them. They probably already have done quite a bit of study on the subject.

You have our word on that.

Brain dam infertility addictive

As with any new item that has a lot of potential and might just be healthy for you*, there are questions we hear over and over we would like to tackle head on, such as…

I have heard CBD damages brain cells - true?

Since industrial hemp was illegal to grow for over 60 years in the United States until the 2014 Farm Bill was signed Dec. 20, 2018, there was nearly zero work being done stateside to find out anything about hemp or CBD. Most of the research is either too new, or not enough of it, to make definitive statements about what pure CBD oil does and does not do as “proven” by the medical and pharmaceutical industries in the United States. However, there are many studies that have been conducted by leading research institutes elsewhere in the world. That being what it is, here at Vid we make no medical claims for our natural, all organic wide spectrum CBD hemp oil products except that we are bringing you a compound that Mother Nature makes that is very close to things your body makes and needs to survive. You make your own judgments and choices about using the compound for the wellness and well-being* you may be seeking.

That said, let’s talk about what we do know. To do that, we have to talk about a bit of biology.

We know that cannabinoids, of which CBD is one of over 200 so far identified, bind to receptor cells all over the body, but more in the brain. It was also thought for a long time that CBD, like THC, bound to CB1 receptor cells located all over the body, but a whole lot of them are in the brain. We now know that CBD does not act like THC and nearly all the rest of the cannabinoids in that it does not bind to CB1 cells. Those cells do a lot of things as far as the systems and responses they have input into and control over throughout the body, including those working on emotion, appetite, mood, thinking, coordination, movement, and memories, as well as a lot of other functions. CB2 receptor cells, the other important receptor that THC binds to, are also located all over, but they primarily deal with inflammation and pain. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptor cells, and that is why THC’s psychotropic action affects all sorts of various systems in your body and appears to work on pain, in particular.

CBD does not bind to either CB1 or CB2 receptor cells, but to endocannabinoids, another form of receptor that has a more direct effect on the body because they are direct messengers to and through the neurotransmitters or nerve cells throughout your entire system. THC has to be broken down by heat to have a strong effect on the CB1 and CB2 cells. So far research shows that the less processed and more full range of cannabinoids that are presented to endocannabinoids in the body, the better they all work, and CBD is the molecule that acts as a “coach” to get the other cannabinoids to the reception spot on the endocannabinoid, gets them introduced and matched up, helps attach, and facilitates them working together.

It has been discovered there is a relationship, though, between CBD and THC besides having the same parent. CBD acts as a buffering agent to THC when THC is “doing its thing” in your system, part of the entourage effect. In other words, CBD tempers, controls to some extent, and modifies the psychoactivity THC exhibits, making some of the unpleasant responses diminish or disappear entirely. As Cannabis has been bred for increased THC content, CBD has sometimes been bred out, and now growers are realizing to provide the best experiences for medical and recreational users that the entourage effect is important for the best of their offerings as well.

CBD, unlike other cannabinoids, appears to act as a messenger or facilitator for the endocannabinoid receptors to take up, utilize, or replenish their own endocannabinoids from what scientists have been able to figure out. It has a direct relationship that basically tells the receptor “hey, relax, it’s ok, let this cannabinoid in” thereby allowing the body to gain what it is unable to produce on its own. The reason the body needs help has much to do with diet, exercise, medications, and the biggest things, environment and stressors that are part of your daily life. The endocannabinoid system and all the very finely tuned components of it are in delicate balance or homeostasis. It does not take much to throw it off kilter and create a situation where the body is not able to produce the kind, or as much of, a particular endocannabinoid as it takes to keep things functioning correctly. This is especially true for CB2 receptors that control allergic response, inflammation, and pain. Elsewhere in this site you will find more detailed information about the endocannabinoid system, and how it functions. It is really involved and is truly newly explored territory in the human body.

There is no evidence that CBD damages brain cells in any fashion. It also does not cause cognitive impairment, negative changes in vital signs, alteration of moods or negative affects on the central nervous system in all the research that has been done*. In fact, full spectrum CBD hemp oil has been found to improve vital signs, provide calming effects, improve mood, and enhances productivity*.

CBD can make me infertile I have heard. We are trying to conceive.

As for infertility, there have not been enough studies done yet to address the question, at least in the United States. To date there have been no negative issues found elsewhere in the world regarding fertility in all the research we have seen. Some groups are claiming CBD may help fertility*, but there is not enough evidence to support or detract either way, so the official stand regarding CBD oil at Vid is simply we do not know enough yet to comment.

Can I get addicted to CBD?

CBD oil, according to the World Health Organization and dozens of other well-respected research, medical and testing agencies world-wide have all stated CBD oil is not addictive and has no ability to create addiction within its components. It has shown no ability to create abuse syndromes in people who utilize it, either.

As for the addiction question, there have been accusations for decades that anything to do with Cannabis was addictive, and its use would lead to worse things. This was based on smear campaigns that came out of the 1930’s attempt to financially destroy the medical and industrial use of hemp in the United States so other pharmaceuticals and manufactured products could be sold in their place. There has never been in over 80 years of tests, trials, studies, and any other way you can track it, evidence that any component in hemp was addictive, either physically or psychologically. There is also no evidence ever been proven that hemp leads to the use of other, more damaging materials. Most all of the wide blanketing accusations are based on false information that was spread about THC. What they do not tell you is that artificial THC has been and is manufactured for a number of drug and medical purposes and is used throughout the world, including here stateside. What HPN grows, produces, and offers is an organic, fully natural, wide spectrum CBD hemp oil product that has well below the absolute maximum percentage for THC content set by federal law. It is not even the same thing all the naysayers are talking about.

It is worth saying that CBD oil is under a lot of research studies including those funded by federal grants as a contender to help deal with the opiate crisis. Components of full spectrum CBD hemp oil show tremendous promise for potentially replacing many prescription drugs for pain control, inflammation, depression treatment, mood disorders, anorexia, PTSD, and many other concerns*. There is also research supporting CBD oil’s potential use for smoking cessation, and trial participants and non-official study users all report that cravings just stop*. There is a lot of healthy potential out there, and Vid is anxious to see what researchers get to share with us next.

In closing, regarding panic and fear spread for whatever means…

Human beings are sadly led around by other human beings looking to make a profit and sell their own stuff. If they make patients instead of helping people get well, they make a lot more money. Those with less than humanitarian ideals often accuse other things of being “evil” to justify or hide their own avarice. A lot of that information sadly only comes out after a fast push through the approval agencies when people start getting sick – really sick – or worse. Hemp’s history of being used for wellness* is thousands of years old. You have to be your own judge, and make decisions for your own wellness. We are not telling you not to do what your doctor says, or to not take care of important medical matters. On the contrary, we want you to always consult with your doctor before you start or change any supplemental routine you have. It is the responsible thing to do. We know at Vid-CBD that listening to your body will tell you a lot, and often what you need, natural or conventional.

You have our word on that.

What You Put In Your Body Matters

Why Pure Spectrum CBD Matters

The old expression “you are what you eat” has a lot of truth to it. What we put in our body and expose it to is what it has to work with to create cells, build bones and muscle tissue, and provide us energy, let alone what is going on in our heads. The whole process is pretty amazing when you think about it, all the parts working together, reliant on other tiny parts to do what they are programmed to do, with what they have to work with. That is why good, healthy nutrition, clean, pure water, unpolluted air, and a little “forest bath time” are good for you. It provides all those complex, marvelous parts what they need to do their job correctly with a whole lot less stress attached.

That is why Vid is so dedicated to making sure we grow the finest quality, no pesticides, no artificial fertilizer, no anything that does not come from Mother Nature hemp we possibly can. We truly believe that for our well being, for the well being of our planet, we have to be responsible stewards to what we raise, and what we produce. That is also why any information we can share with you will be the best we can present, and never a pitch. We want you to make informed decisions about what you choose to utilize for your family and your own wellness and well being* because we know we are all in this together on this big blue ball.

There is an axiom that if you cannot pronounce it or spell it, you probably should not be putting it in your body. When you read our labels, you see plain, easy to read, no games played ingredient lists. We tell you exactly what is in every bottle and what is the concentration. We use only organically grown products, whether it is aerial hemp parts from our organically cultivated plants that our wide spectrum, total sphere of available components CBD is made from, or the MCT (medium chain triglyceride coconut oil, also organic) that we use to blend and stabilize the product. We use the entire plant above the dirt, too, so you get all the best of everything the hemp plant has to offer – cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, chlorophyll, you name it, it is in our pure spectrum CBD oil. We know all those things Mother put there for a reason, kind of like her chicken soup, and we want to make sure you get them, too.

Wouldn’t Pure CBD Oil Be Better?

You would think so, but not exactly. CBD is a very potent compound, and every single user of the product reacts to it differently*. That is why you will find detailed, specific instructions on how to start slow, at a low amount, and move up from there, as well as discussions about microdosing. You’ll even find a My Vid-CBD Oil Log you can download or print out to keep track of the quantity you use, how you feel, and time and date you use it. Because your body works in harmony with the planet, and sets its own circadian and biochemical cycles, it is important to try to use your pure spectrum hemp oil every day at relatively the same time. Your body will assimilate it better, and make better use of the components through the endocannabinoid system. Consistency is key for the best potential response.

The reason we have different strengths – designated by the “mg” (milligrams) with a number in front on our labels – is to let you know what the strength, i.e. quantity or concentration, is of the hemp CBD extract in that particular mixture. The MCT serves a vital purpose, as cannabidiol oil, CBD, is an oily acid. The actual term is “hydrophobic”, one you will know but probably don’t know the real meaning of – it means something that hates, or dispels, water. Oil and water do not mix. You will see some companies selling all sorts of modified CBD products that claim they are water soluble CBD. They are not. They are encapsulated or chemically changed CBD in order to mix as a suspension in water, often covered in resin or plastic to create balls of water that encircle and encase the CBD. We don’t believe that any chemical alteration to the CBD is a good thing, especially when your body is made to utilize it in its purest form, and the idea of drinking plastic our body has to try and break down or get rid of is pretty gross. Pure organic full spectrum CBD oil has a much higher absorption rate than any altered CBD product according to all studies.

So It Does Contain Pure CBD?

Yes, mixed with MCT, as well as lots and lots of other good stuff contained in total hemp extract – a complete profile. Our MCT is organic coconut oil that is manufactured so it provides medium chain triglycerides, or healthy fats that your body can utilize for fuel much faster. It is also a very good compliment to CBD and allows the body to absorb CBD faster and more completely, thereby getting more of the good stuff into your body quicker, a process called bioavailability. The CBD needs an oil to be able to be more bioavailable. Bioavailability is a pharmacy term that lets you know how much of a tiny dose of an unaltered compound gets into your system, how fast, and how easy or difficult it is. CBD oil needs another oil to mix with to “do its thing”. Fatty acids are distributed best through the circulatory system, and directly into the endocannabinoid system via numerous receptor systems, including the mouth and intestines. That is why we tell our customers to use wide spectrum CBD oil directly under their tongue – sublingually – and to hold it. Blood vessels are very close to the surface under your tongue and the bioavailability, i.e. how well it absorbs, is much higher using this method when enjoying your product. There are lots of ways to utilize CBD, but this is the best one to get the most out of it.

Organic CBD Oil is Just Part of a Healthy Lifestyle*

Just like adding CBD for life and wellness improvement, there are other things that go along with positive changes for wellness*. Clean water and lots of it are extremely important when you utilize CBD, because it might make you a bit thirsty. A diet of whole foods CBD oil included can provide your body the nutrients, fiber, micronutrients, antioxidants, and other building blocks it needs to create, repair, replace, and heal. Taking a stretch break to go get your CBD container or walking outside in the beautiful world we live in helps. We know at Vid in order to thrive CBD is just a potential part of the equation, and is not a cure all. We make no medical claims, but there is a lot of great research coming out from all over the globe looking promising about the potential benefits of organic hemp oil. Find ways that work for you to add organic CBD oil into your daily routine, whether adding to make a CBD shake or smoothie, or getting a stress releasing CBD oil massage (which will also condition your skin). Each way has benefits towards potentially improving your wellness*, with lower stress levels*, better utilization and operation of body systems*, helping with moods and emotions*, and other things.

We just know at Vid that less is usually more, in terms of your body. Give it what it needs, and not just what it wants.

You have our word on that.