Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Sativa Extract on Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. subspecies sativa is a subspecies of the genus Cannabis (Cannabaceae), also known as industrial hemp. It is a herbaceous and double-jawed plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) are essential compounds in industry and medicine. These compounds are very similar to endocannabinoids, which are found in the human body. As a result, both compounds have the potential to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. They exhibit chemical activity in areas affected by oxidative stress, such as the cardiovascular system, muscle development, liver and lung function, reproductive function, metabolism, neurological activities, and cell aging. Since the human body's free radical and antioxidant levels are destabilized, antioxidants fail to neutralize free radicals, resulting in oxidative damage, i.e. a stress effect. This balance in the body can be influenced by compounds like THC and CBD acting on cellular receptors. Thus, the occurrence of various diseases is observed. This review examined the effect of the active substances in the cannabis plant on oxidative stress and the diseases that develop as a result of this stressful situation.

Cite this article as: Soydan S, Arda B, Altuntaş İ, Erbaş O. Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Sativa Extract on Oxidative Stress. JEB Med Sci 2021;2(3):336-342.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.