Have you heard about the euphoric state that comes with exercise? The famous endorphins that are secreted with workouts and sports produce greater resistance to pain and a feeling of relaxation, but the euphoria and well-being come from another brain medicine anandamide, an endocannabinoid. In other words, natural molecular receptors that are similar to the effects given by THC.
Like many other drugs, marijuana contains substances that resemble our natural neurotransmitters. In this case, it is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which has the same effect on our brain as anandamide: a feeling of well-being and amplification of pleasurable sensations, physiological systems such as pain and appetite regulation.
The Cannabis plant contains active ingredients that turn on and off chemical switches in the brain by mimicking our body’s neurotransmitters. The good news is that its use is becoming widely known for the treatment of many diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have some similarities:
- Both affect in most cases, people over the age of 50.
- Both affect the central nervous system.
- Both are neurodegenerative, progressive, and incurable diseases.
However, there is one main difference between the two: while Alzheimer’s is related to the loss of cognitive functions, Parkinson’s affects the individual’s motor functions.
How can cannabis effectively help Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease?
Science continues to investigate how cannabis can effectively help patients with neurodegenerative diseases, but some research has already shown clear signs that cannabis can help alleviate some symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, unsteadiness, and impaired movement (both slow movement and stopping abruptly in mid-motion). The most effective drug for treating Parkinson’s disease, Levodopa has many drawbacks, so physicians tend to reserve it for functionally impaired patients. Because they act on the same neurological pathways that disrupt Parkinson’s disease, CBD could, in theory, be useful in treating the disorder. Endocannabinoid receptors exist throughout the nervous system and have been documented to influence receptors that affect a wide variety of areas. According to one study, cannabis exposure can induce neuroprotective aspects, which may produce benefits against nigrostriatal degeneration better known as cardinal neuropathological feature of Parkinson disease (PD) in patients with Parkinson’s disease. In it, the cannabis plant was shown to attenuate motor and non-motor signs and symptoms of the disease.
CBD is known to be a neuroprotective agent, which has the potential to slow down (or even interrupt) the degenerative process of cells. In terms of symptoms, THC as a single agent is beneficial in Alzheimer’s patients by reducing nocturnal agitation and improving sleep and appetite.
In a study of 339 Czech Parkinson’s patients who routinely used CBD + THC, there was a significant improvement in tremors, bradykinesia, and resting rigidity with little or no side effects overall. Symptoms were particularly improved in patients who had been using CBD for more than 3 months.
Studies focusing on the use of CBD alone show varied results. One study showed that oral CBD capsules reduced psychopathic symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients. However, it did produce generic improvement in the physical state as well as in insomnia-related deliveries.
The reason for the substance needing an edible method is that, due to the functioning of the digestive system, ingesting CBD directly would improve when it is included in a carrier method such as capsules. In this way, the absorption rate is elevated. You are probably wondering what would be the best way for you to consume CBD, we have narrowed it down to two possible candidates. Capsules vs Softgels.
CBD capsules vs soft gels: pros and cons
While both may work, each of these types of oral dosage has completely different uses.
What is a capsule?
Capsules include medication that’s enclosed in an outer shell. This outer shell is broken down in the digestive tract and the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed and metabolized.
There are two main types of capsules: hard-capsule and soft gel.
Capsule pros:
- Fast-acting. Capsules tend to break down quicker than tablets. They offer faster relief from symptoms than tablets.
- Tasteless. Capsules are less likely to have an unpleasant taste or odor.
- Tamper-resistant. They’re often made so that it’s not as easy to split them in half or crush like tablets. As a result, capsules may be more likely to be taken as intended.
- Higher drug absorption. Capsules have higher bioavailability, which means that more of the drug is likely to enter your bloodstream. This makes capsule formats more effective than other drug delivery methods.
Capsule cons:
- More expensive. Capsules that contain liquids are generally more expensive to manufacture than tablets and may cost more as a result. However, capsule has a higher bioavalability than other dosage forms.
- May contain animal products. Many capsules contain gelatin sourced from pigs, cows, or fish. This may make them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. It is why we need to highlight that our company carries vegan capsules making them suitable for everyone.
What is a softgel?
Softgels are similar to capsules, but the material is made of gelatin, and the ingredients are always liquid – never dry. Softgel material is antioxidant, which means that the contents have a long shelf life and is well protected against UV rays and oxidation.
Softgels pros:
- Easy to swallow. Softgels are very easy to swallow; even easier than capsules.
- Tasteless. the consumer will not taste the ingredient, but there may be some mild taste associated with the softgels casing.
Sofgels cons:
- Expensive. Soft gelatin capsules are not an inexpensive dosage form.
- Moisture. highly sensitive to moisture, therefore having difficulties in dealing with water-soluble materials.
The bottom line, softgels and capsules are two common types of oral medication. Although they have a similar purpose, they also have some key differences. Capsules act quickly and most, if not all, of the drug, is absorbed.
At Cannabis Capsules, you can find top-quality capsules in which you can choose and create the best line for you.
Got any more questions regarding Parkinson and alzheimer’s treatment with Cannabis?
Feel free to contact us!
