Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining popularity among users due to its therapeutic effects and non-intoxicating quality. Due to this, it is used as an active ingredient in many health and wellness products. They can be used in different ways: orally, inhaling vapors, and applying topically. Also, their effectiveness depends on the way you use them. That said, studies show that when you ingest CBD, it interacts with medications by influencing the activity of liver enzymes. Read on to know more about CBD drug interactions.
The Influence Of CBD On Liver
Cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and others produce their effects by interacting with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates homeostasis. You must also know that these cannabinoids have structure and function like the endocannabinoids produced by our body. This is the main reason for cannabidiol’s therapeutic effects like reducing pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, etc. However, it also affects the metabolism of pharmaceutical drugs by the liver. So, before using CBD for mitigating the symptoms of ailments, you must consult with a doctor. This is especially important if you are taking medicines for other ailments.
CYP450 Enzymes And Drug Metabolism
Most of the pharmaceutical drugs are metabolized in the liver by a group of enzymes called cytochrome P450 (CYP450). Generally, CYP450 converts foreign substances into metabolites so that they can be easily eliminated from the body. Cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits the action of this group of liver enzymes, and this affects the metabolism of pharmaceutical drugs.
About 60% of prescription drugs are metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme of the CYP450 group of liver enzymes. CBD competitively inhibits this enzyme, and due to this, medications do not work effectively. In most cases, this causes pharmaceutical drugs to stay longer in the body. As a result of this, they cause adverse or harmful side effects. Apart from CBD, some substances speed up the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme.
CBD And Cytochrome P450
Both CYP450 and CBD deactivate each other, and this is pivotal in the interaction between them. You must also know that cannabidiol is metabolized by cytochrome P450, but cannabidiol also acts as the competitive inhibitor of this group of liver enzymes. Studies show that the extent of this effect depends on the dosage of CBD; at low doses, there is no notable effect. To avoid adverse effects, it is important to use the CBD dosage calculator provided by most cannabidiol health and wellness product manufacturers.
These are the important points that you must know about CBD drug interactions.
