Waking up with joint discomfort and pain is exhausting, and affects many aspects of your life, like outdoor activities, golf, and playing with your kids or grandkids.
Inflammation is often the driver of many diseases, the most commonly known may be arthritis, but it is also a critical player in cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and multiple cancers.
While there are many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market, they often have variable results and come with significant side effects. What if you didn’t have to subject yourself to additional health risks while finding relief?
New technological developments at Natural Dos have unlocked the power of hemp and its natural acidic cannabinoids. Find out below why CBDA is the future of hemp-based therapeutic applications as we examine the use case of CBDA for inflammation. Then, we’ll unveil the best selection of CBDA products online here at Natural Dos!
What is CBDA and acidic cannabinoids?
Cannabis plants are fascinating with so many different compounds produced. The plant seems to have an almost unlimited set of potential benefits. This may be why the cannabis plant has been found in various civilizations across the globe dating back thousands of years.
Why is the cannabis plant so powerful? The over 100 different acidic cannabinoids produced by the hemp and marijuana plants act on many different receptors of the endocannabinoid system, and many more. But, what is CBDA?
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), is the most abundantly produced acidic cannabinoid in the hemp plant. This is counter to the marijuana plant whose primary acidic cannabinoid is THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). While both plants are of the herbaceous species, cannabis sativa, they differ only legally based on the amount of “THCA” and “THC”.
How is CBDA produced?
All cannabinoids in the hemp plant are derived from the mother cannabinoids CBGA or CBGVA. In the case of CBGA, it is converted by enzymes THC synthase or CBD synthase into the THCA or CBDA, from which other downstream acidic cannabinoids are created.
Most hemp plants will have a very high CBDA concentration in their oil compared to other acidic cannabinoids like THCA, which are typically between 1-3% in abundance.
CBDA vs CBD
Structurally, the difference between CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and CBD (cannabidiol) is the presence of a carboxylic acid. CBDA is often converted to CBD in a process called CBDA decarboxylation, which occurs at multiple steps during the creation of a purified cannabinoid oil;
- Harvesting and drying – raw hemp flower needs to be dried before storage to prevent the growth of microbials. This typically means bringing the water content from 50% down to ~10%, and in the process, a small amount of CBDA is converted to CBD.
- Extraction – there are many types of extraction processes, including CO2, ethanol, and propane/butane among others, and often these can lead to the decarboxylation of CBDA into CBD.
- Purification – in conventional purification processes to create CBD oil, cannabis plant extracts are boiled under a vacuum to vaporize and collect just the cannabinoids. This is termed “short path distillation”, and the heat used decarboxylates acidic cannabinoids into their neutral form, such as CBDA into CBD.
See below for the chemical structure of CBDA vs CBD:
Research on CBDA’s anti-inflammatory properties
While CBD oil has been widely studied due to its more ubiquitous presence in the market, CBDA has recently been gaining interest from many a research team in the cannabis space due to new data and purification technologies.
So, what is the correlation between CBDA and inflammation?
Cannabidiolic acid CBDA, among other acidic cannabinoids, has been shown to have significant effects on cannabinoid receptors, but also on other “non-endocannabinoid system” associated enzymes. Here’s the mechanisms behind using CBDA for inflammation…
CBDA and COX 2-related inflammatory pain
Recent studies on the potential benefits of CBDA to relieve inflammation were found to be associated with the pro-inflammatory enzyme COX 2 (cyclooxygenase 2). COX 2 is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2, which drive inflammation in many pathologies.
COX 2 is the critical target for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
In a study using breast cancer cells, CBDA was found to directly inhibit COX 2 activity. This found that CBDA could inhibit 50% of COX 2 activity (IC50) at a concentration of 2.2 uM (or 789 ng/mL). Interestingly, CBDA has a 10-fold preference for COX 2 over COX 1 inhibition (20 uM vs 2.2 uM), which may be important since COX 1 is generally used more for physiological maintenance compared to COX 2 for more inflammatory actions.
Additionally, CBDA interacts with other nonendocannabinoid receptors to decrease production of COX 2 specifically. This appears to be through the regulation of transcription factors c-fos and AP-1 (activator protein 1).
CBDA and the endocannabinoid anandamide
An additional benefit of CBDA for inflammation regarding inhibition of COX 2 is that it could increase the levels of the natural endocannabinoid anandamide. An early research team at Roche Bioscience found that COX 2 could convert anandamide to prostaglandin E2 ethanolamide, a pro-inflammatory lipid.
CBDA, by inhibiting COX 2, could be increasing endogenous levels of endocannabinoids by stopping their conversion to pro-inflammatory lipids.
Anandamide has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and is one of two critical endocannabinoids that regulate the endocannabinoid system.
CBDA and systemic inflammation reduction
A recent study in bovines (cow) using the full hemp plant that did not convert CBDA to CBD found significant decreases in the pro-inflammatory lipid prostaglandin E2.
In addition, there were significant decreases in liver enzymes GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase) and AST (aspartate transaminase). Elevated levels of these enzymes are commonly associated with liver inflammation and complications from drug overdose.
What was the amount of CBDA consumed to get these results? Converting the mg/kg dose to a 150lb (70kg) person, they ranged from around 350-400mg per day.
Other benefits of CBDA oil beyond supporting a healthy inflammatory response
As you can see, there is great promise for CBDA for inflammation. But the anti-inflammatory benefits of this cannabinoid are just the tip of the iceberg.
While CBDA has limited clinical trials, there are many preclinical studies that show promising therapeutic potential for a number of other conditions.
CBDA helps with nausea and vomiting
CBDA was found to activate the 5HT1A receptor, well-known serotonin receptors, and was able to inhibit vomiting-induced behaviors in a mouse and rat model of carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. These studies also assessed nausea and found that CBDA could decrease nausea and vomiting signs at the same time.
CBDA and anxiety disorders
Many consumers of the raw form of hemp extract which contains high levels of acidic precursor cannabinoids (CBDA, CBGA, THCA, etc), find significant relaxation effects. While this may be associated with how these cannabinoids treat inflammation, it is most likely through the serotonin receptors, like 5HT1A, that are located in the central nervous system.
People familiar with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) know they are used to treat mood disorders and depression, and act on similar serotonin receptors as CBDA (5HT1A).
Boosting the endocannabinoid system
CBDA along with other minor cannabinoids are well investigated for their interactions with the endocannabinoid system and its CB1 and CB2 receptors. The endocannabinoid system is known to help regulate a range of physiological properties, such as:
- Sleep
- Blood pressure
- Chronic pain
- Acute inflammation
- Immune system
While the chemical composition of each cannabinoid is slightly different, they all have an ability to interact with the cannabinoid receptors. Interestingly, some like CBDA work through multiple pathways which may not always include cannabinoid receptors specifically.
More research is needed to better tease out the multifaceted mechanisms that underly the potential health benefits of CBDA.
Powerful absorption of CBDA and acidic cannabinoids
One of the most unique properties of naturally occurring acidic cannabinoids is the enhanced CBDA absorption rate. It is better absorbed by 450-1000% than CBD!
This finding is critical for understanding why CBDA and other acidic cannabinoids are the next evolution in hemp-based therapeutic applications.
This enhanced absorption is also true for other acidic cannabinoids, such as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), compared to their decarboxylated counterparts.
Because many CBD studies end up using very high amounts to achieve positive clinical outcomes, the implications for CBDA dosage are significant.
The critical role CBDA dosage in treating inflammation
Many of the studies using CBD for inflammatory issues find that they typically need high doses of CBD to achieve significant clinical results. This research suggests that for consumers to get the therapeutic potential from their CBD product, they will need to spend a lot of money since the cost to get 200-500mg a day from their CBD products may be prohibitive.
This is where acidic cannabinoids shine. Since they have over 450% better absorption, a 50mg dose of CBDA for inflammatory problems would be similar to a 250mg CBD dose. This makes full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBDA oils very cost-effective.
Estimating dose and blood levels of CBDA
Animal models are often used as a starting point for determining the pharmacokinetics of chemical compounds.
In the case of CBDA for inflammatory conditions, we also have some published studies that assessed the uptake and blood levels for low doses of CBDA consumed after oral administration.Using data from this CBDA and CBD pharmacokinetic study in humans, we can derive a relative amount needed to reach certain blood levels necessary for different therapeutic potential.
Possible side effects of CBDA oil and cannabinoids
There are limited studies on the CBDA effects and its acidic precursor cannabinoids, however, animal and human studies show that there is little chance of overdose since that has yet to be observed. Typically, higher CBDA doses may result in a few of the following that have been reported by users:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Mood changes
- Drowsiness
It should be noted that in epileptic patients taking over high amounts of CBD per day, there was reported elevated liver enzymes in a minority of patients. This is thought to be through drug-drug interactions as these patients were also on other anti-seizure medications.
If you plan on taking higher doses of CBDA or CBD, have a history of liver complications, or are on multiple medications, please consult with your healthcare provider before trying.
Now, does CBDA make you high? No - it doesn’t have any psychoactive properties, so you won’t have anything to stress about there. That being said, let’s talk about where you can find high-quality products to harness the power of CBDA for inflammation.
Where to buy the best CBDA for inflammation
The best CBDA products will all have a third-party testing company that provides a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each CBDA product. This should test for cannabinoid potency, and potential contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and microbials. If there is not one, do not buy.
Natural Dos has everything from CBDA gummies to CBDA mints, CBDA oil, CBDA tinctures, and even CBDA capsules. All of our acidic cannabinoids are made in-house, and all the final products are tested by an IOS 17025-certified third-party laboratory.
Every CBDA oil product from Natural Dos is formulated for maximum CBDA, and comes with a 180-day money-back guarantee. You can rest assured you’re going to feel better when incorporating our products into your life - but to bolster their efficacy, here are some more tips on managing inflammation.
Additional advice on managing inflammation to support CBDA products
Managing inflammation effectively often requires a holistic approach, complementing CBDA products with lifestyle and dietary changes. Here's some additional advice on managing inflammation:
- Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats, which can exacerbate inflammation.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate exercise regularly. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help reduce inflammation without putting too much strain on your joints.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for reducing inflammation. Water helps to flush out toxins that can contribute to inflammatory conditions.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get sufficient, quality sleep. Sleep deprivation can worsen inflammation, so aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can trigger and worsen inflammation. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.
- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate inflammation. Reducing or eliminating these can significantly help in managing inflammatory responses.
- Natural Supplements: Alongside CBDA, consider supplements known for their anti-inflammatory effects, such as turmeric, ginger, and green tea. However, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you're taking other medications.
By integrating these practices with the use of high-quality CBDA products from Natural Dos, you can create a comprehensive strategy for managing inflammation more effectively. Remember, consistency and a balanced approach are key to seeing improvements.
Parting Thoughts on CBDA for Inflammation
There you have it - everything you need to know about the anti-inflammatory properties of CBDA. As you can see, there is great promise for using this cannabinoid to treat inflammatory conditions and ailments, ranging from arthritis to nausea, sleeplessness, and more.
Ready to fight inflammation head-on by harnessing the power of mother nature, or more specifically, CBDA? Natural Dos is here to not only share helpful resources in our blog but also to empower you to live a healthier, happier life through our CBDA products. Get yours today and feel the difference yourself!