CBD oil has gained popularity as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. However, some studies suggest that CBD may be toxic to the liver, raising concerns about its safety.
In this article, we'll look at the potential adverse effects of CBD oil on the liver, as well as how to use it safely.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound from the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp.
The Cannabis sativa plant contains about 80 cannabinoids. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well-known component of cannabis. But CBD is extracted from hemp, a type of Cannabis sativa plant that only contains trace amounts of THC. CBD seems to have effects on various brain chemicals, although they differ from THC's effects.
A prescription form of CBD is used for seizure disorder (epilepsy). CBD is also used to treat anxiety, pain, dystonia, Parkinson's disease, Crohn's disease, and many other medical conditions.
CBD Oil Benefits for the Liver
- CBD oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation in the liver.
- It can improve liver function by reducing oxidative stress.
- CBD oil has been shown to have potential benefits for individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- CBD oil may have potential benefits for individuals with hepatitis C by reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis.
- CBD oil may provide therapeutic benefits for people with liver cancer by reducing tumor growth and increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
CBD Oil Side Effects on Liver
- One study found that CBD can cause liver damage in mice when given in high doses.
- CBD oil may interact with medications metabolized by the liver.
- Individuals with liver disease should exercise caution when using CBD oil.
- More research is needed to fully understand the potential risks of CBD oil for liver health.
Will CBD Oil Hurt Your Liver?
There has been some concern that CBD oil may have a impact on liver function. However, the evidence regarding this issue is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential impact of CBD oil on the liver.
Several studies have been conducted on the impact of CBD on liver function. One study found that CBD can cause liver damage in mice when given in high doses. However, the dosage used in this study was much higher than what would typically be used in humans.
Source: Ewing, L. E., Skinner, C. M., Quick, C. M., Kennon-McGill, S., McGill, M. R., Walker, L. A., ... & Koturbash, I. (2019). Hepatotoxicity of a cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in the mouse model. Molecules, 24(9), 1694.
Another study conducted on human participants found that CBD had no effect on liver function tests when used at doses of up to 600 mg per day for six weeks. This study suggests that CBD is safe for use in humans at recommended dosages.
Source: Morrison, G., Crockett, J., Blakey, G., & Sommerville, K. (2019). A phase 1, open-label, pharmacokinetic trial to investigate possible drug–drug interactions between clobazam, stiripentol, or valproate and cannabidiol in healthy subjects. Clinical pharmacology in drug development, 8(8), 1009-1031.
Moreover, no cases of liver toxicity have been reported in any human studies of CBD to date. While some side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, have been reported, they are generally mild and temporary.
CBD and Liver Enzymes
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, known for its potential therapeutic benefits. While it has gained popularity in recent years, there are concerns about its effect on liver enzymes.
Liver enzymes are essential for metabolizing drugs and other substances in the body. They play a vital role in breaking down medications and removing them from the body. However, when these enzymes are inhibited or altered, they can affect how medications are processed, leading to harmful side effects.
Several studies have shown that CBD can impact liver enzymes, specifically the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, responsible for metabolizing many medications. CBD has been shown to inhibit the action of certain CYP enzymes, leading to slower metabolism of medications and potentially higher levels of these drugs in the bloodstream. However, not all medications are metabolized by the same CYP enzymes.
Additionally, the degree to which CBD affects liver enzymes can vary depending on various factors, such as dosage, method of administration, and individual differences in metabolism.
CBD and Fatty Liver
Fatty liver disease is a condition that is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, which can cause inflammation and damage to liver tissue. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, diabetes, and alcohol consumption.
There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may have potential benefits in the treatment of fatty liver disease. One study conducted on mice found that CBD can reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver and improve liver function. The study also found that CBD can lower inflammation in the liver, which can help in the prevention of liver tissue damage.
Another study conducted on human participants found that CBD can improve insulin sensitivity, which is an important factor in the development of fatty liver disease. Insulin resistance is a common feature of fatty liver disease, and improving insulin sensitivity can help prevent the progression of the disease.
Furthermore, CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, both of which are factors in the development and progression of fatty liver disease.
CBD may have potential benefits in the treatment of fatty liver disease, it is not a substitute for other lifestyle modifications that are important in the management of this condition, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Although CBD may have potential benefits in the treatment of fatty liver disease, it is not a substitute for other lifestyle changes that are important in the management of this condition, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Is CBD Bad for Cirrhosis of the Liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious condition that occurs when the liver becomes scarred and damaged, usually as a result of long-term alcohol abuse or viral hepatitis.
Some studies have suggested that CBD may have potential benefits for people with cirrhosis. For example, one study conducted on mice found that CBD can reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function. Moreover, CBD has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the liver and potentially prevent further damage.
On the other hand, there are also concerns that CBD may be harmful to individuals with cirrhosis of the liver. This is because some studies have found that CBD can increase liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage. Additionally, CBD may interact with certain medications that are commonly used to treat cirrhosis, such as anticoagulants and immunosuppressants.
The research on CBD and cirrhosis is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of CBD for individuals with this condition.
Does CBD Oil Pass through the Liver?
Yes, when CBD is ingested orally, it passes through the liver before it enters the bloodstream. This is because CBD is metabolized in the liver through a process known as the first-pass effect.
The first-pass effect occurs when a substance is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enters the liver through the hepatic portal vein. Once in the liver, the substance is metabolized by liver enzymes before it is released into the bloodstream. This process can impact the bioavailability of the substance, which means that not all of the consumed substance enters the bloodstream.
In the case of CBD oil, the liver metabolizes the substance into more than 100 different metabolites, including THC and other cannabinoids. This can affect the potency and effects of CBD, as well as the potential for drug interactions with other medications that are metabolized by the liver.
While CBD does pass through the liver when ingested orally, not all methods of CBD administration require the substance to pass through the liver. For example, when CBD is applied topically or inhaled, it does not undergo the first-pass effect and does not pass through the liver before entering the bloodstream.
Best CBD Oil for Liver Damage
Although some liver conditions can be managed with lifestyle modifications, more severe conditions may need a different treatment. If you are considering using cannabidiol (CBD), Carmen's Medicinal offers the best CBD oil to keep your liver healthy.
Finding a natural solution that works for you can be difficult. That's why we offer 1500mg full spectrum CBD oil – a high-quality option that may help you feel better.
Our 1500mg CBD oil is a medium-strength product that can provide effective relief for many people. We only use top-notch ingredients, including high-quality hemp grown organically on our farms.
We know that everyone's health is different, which is why we have made CBD oil in a way that you can use according to your own preference. Our 1500mg full spectrum CBD oil is a great option if you want to try CBD but prefer a less potent product.
If you have any liver disease or discomfort, then using less potent CBD oil may be the best option for you.
FAQs
What is a negative side effect of CBD?
A negative side effect of CBD is the potential for dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in appetite. In some cases, CBD may also cause diarrhea, fatigue, and interactions with other medications. However, these side effects are generally mild and not experienced by everyone who uses CBD.
What drugs should not be taken with CBD?
CBD has the potential to interact with some medications. Some drugs that should not be taken with CBD include:
Blood Thinners: CBD may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin.
Antidepressants: CBD may enhance the effects of certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, which could lead to an increase in side effects.
Anti-seizure medications: CBD may interact with certain anti-seizure medications, including clobazam, which may increase the risk of liver damage.
Sedatives: CBD may enhance the effects of sedatives, such as benzodiazepines and opioids, which could lead to an increase in side effects.
How long does CBD stay in your liver?
CBD can stay in your liver for several days to a few weeks, depending on factors such as the dose, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. The half-life of CBD, which is the amount of time it takes for half of the compound to be eliminated from the body, can range from 1-2 days to a week or more. However, the effects of CBD may not necessarily last for the entire duration of its presence in the liver.
Conclusion
With everything we have told you, we can conclude that CBD oil may have some beneficial effects on liver health, such as protecting the liver and improving liver function. However, there are concerns about the potential negative effects of CBD oil on the liver, particularly when taken in large doses or combined with other drugs that are metabolized in the liver.
Always buy high-quality CBD products from reputable sources such as Carmen's Medicinal to avoid any unwanted effects. It is also important to understand your local CBD laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues.
Finally, the key to using CBD oil safely and effectively is to exercise caution and to do so under the supervision of a qualified physician, especially if you have a history of liver disease or are taking medications that affect liver function.