The cannabis plant has been studied for decades for its many medicinal purposes. People who live in states where medical marijuana is legal use cannabis to render beneficial medicinal uses such as easing pain, controlling nausea and vomiting, and inducing appetite, among countless other proven benefits. Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) provide many beneficial medicinal effects as well as many euphoric feelings for cannabis enthusiasts.
Research Study Shows Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Cannabis
Recent studies set out to research the effects of the cannabis plant, including cannabis stems, to provide benefits against inflammation. A research study recently conducted in Korea and published in April 2022, shows the many anti-inflammatory benefits of the cannabis plant. The study includes researchers from the Biomaterials Research Institute, the Gyeongbuk Institute for Bio-industry, and the Andong National University in Korea examined the cannabis plant’s stems, seeds, and roots to see if these parts of the cannabis plant, including non-cannabinoid phytochemicals, possess anti-inflammatory properties.
What they found was that cannabis stem ethanol extract (CSE) contained the most potent suppressive effects with free radical activities on the production of nitric oxide from macrophages. Furthermore, these cannabis stem extracts were effective at inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an induced response to inflammation by suppressing cytokines known to produce inflammation.
Research using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography methods to analyze CSE also revealed the presence of several active compounds that can be associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These studies collectively indicate that these parts of a cannabis plant including stem extracts counteract acute inflammation induced by LPS. The results are significant and suggest positive pharmaceutical applications from the stem of cannabis plants.
The findings of this research study are significant because the majority of studies are focused on the buds produced by the cannabis plant and specific cannabinoids. In many growing operations, cannabis stems are simply discarded. If research like this continues and more people become aware of the many benefits of the entire cannabis plant, perhaps it could be a viable solution to many ailments caused by inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation Linked to Many Health Problems
There Is a big difference between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is the body’s natural response to things like an injury that becomes swollen, warm to the touch, and shows signs of redness. This prompts your immune system to release white blood cells to protect the area. In this response, acute inflammation is a good thing and helps your body to heal.
Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, however, as chronic inflammation is linked to several serious diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and many bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. When inflammation lingers, the immune system continues to release high counts of white blood cells that prolong the response, known as chronic inflammation. In other words, the body feels like it is constantly under attack so the immune system keeps fighting. These extra white blood cells also end up attacking healthy organs and tissues and can lead to serious illness.
The results of studies showing the benefits of cannabis and all parts of the cannabis plant including CSE are very encouraging in that they can be further researched and used for pharmacology purposes to reduce inflammation.
Cannabis enthusiasts who grow their own medicinal garden can enjoy the many healthful benefits the cannabis plant provides. Be sure to use quality cannabis seeds for the best results when growing your own.
Mosca Seeds has over 15 years of experience in high-quality cannabis seed genetics and several cannabis cup wins. We offer a wide selection of cannabis seed types and strains to grow quality marijuana plants with the potent effects you desire. Check out our seed banks for the finest cannabis seeds online whether looking for medicinal or recreational benefits.