Another research paper has only been released that shows how plant based compounds can help contain the fragile bone disease, osteoporosis.

Even the endocannabinoid system is a group of cell domestic cbd merchant accounts receptors which can be triggered by a set of endogenous lipids as well as compounds based on the cannabis plant. The cannabinoid receptors are involved with a variety of physiological processes including appetite control, pain, memory and mood. Recent research has demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system also has a strong influence on bone metabolism, even whilst the receptors have been well represented by osteoclasts – cells whose chief function is to resorb (lean out) bone.

Bone is an active, living tissue which will be continuously formed, remodeled and shaped in response to both physical and physiological needs of their body. Bone matrix is composed primarily of this macro-nutrients calcium, magnesium and phosphate and is also the material that makes up both the dense components of the bone and the bone marrow framework. Many people still believe that if a person eats foods rich in these minerals chances are they will avoid osteoporosis. Epidemiological and other evidence suggests this is not necessarily the case.

The creation and resorbtion of bone matrix has been controlled by two Major cell types:

1) Osteoblasts are bone tissues that are responsible for the creation of bone matrix
Two ) Osteoclasts are modified white blood cells responsible for the resorption of bone tissues.

These two cell types are commanded by a intricate pair of signaling proteins, hormones and cell receptors that respond to the everchanging demands of bone tissue and other physiological procedures. If you can find too many osteoclasts, or when those cells eventually become overactive, then they are going to resorb more matrix than the osteoblasts may produce. A predominance of osteoclast activity results in the bone becoming dense – that the primary feature of this clinical condition known as osteoporosis.

The Aberdeen researchers have discovered that cannabidiol binds into a particular cannabinoid receptor in the bone-resorbing osteoblast cells. By so doing this inhibits these cells from resorbing the bone marrow – thereby helping to stop further weakening of bones.

This isn’t the first time a plant chemicals are shown to influence bone metabolism in favour of stronger bones. In January 2009 researchers at Oklahoma State University from the USA discovered that, in the presence of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, polyphenols derived from plums inhibit the activity of their bone-softening osteoclasts but improve the creation and activity of bone-building osteoblasts.

For those that expect that smoking marijuana helps to strengthen their bones, they can do so in vain. Even though crazy cannabis contains upto 40 percent cannabidiol, cultivated varieties feature hardly any of the chemical. The key point arising from the research, in my own opinion, is the fact that it shows how vital plant chemicals are in the prevention of chronic degenerative illnesses like osteoporosis. There are certain to be many other phytonutrients in other food plants that have a positive effect on bone metabolism – they just have been”discovered” yet.

While we wait for this research to be carried outside, it’s crucial to eat (maybe not smoke) a broad range of veggies, spices and fruit to ensure a sufficient intake of some plethora of beneficial phytonutrients.

Keith Scott is a medical doctor who has a specific interest in nutrition.