Cannabidiol has been involved in the treatment of various medical conditions. Although the affinity is missing It has shown potential as a regulator of the immune system for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors through various mechanisms.
When it comes to Sjogren’s, there are no studies that directly link the condition to CBD. However, this doesn’t rule out potential benefits of CBD in alleviating some of the lingering symptoms of the condition.
Sjogren’s is an autoimmune system disorder characterized by persistent dryness of the mouth and eyes. This happens when the mucous membranes in your eyes and mouth dry out.
Initially, these are symptoms that over-the-counter medications can easily be written off or alleviated. However, over time, symptoms can become more severe and persistent. New symptoms can include vaginal dryness, rashes, joint inflammation, insomnia, and excessive fatigue.
As with most other autoimmune diseases, there is no known cure for Sjogrens syndrome. The etiology is also unclear, but middle-aged women are at greater risk of developing it.
As a result, treatment usually focuses on symptom control.
Traditional treatment for Sjogren’s includes the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, eye drops, antifungals for mouth infections, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate to suppress the exaggerated immune response.
When it comes to symptom control, CBD could offer several benefits, particularly as an immunosuppressant.
Patients with Sjogren’s who have trouble falling asleep can use CBD to relax and promote restful sleep. With restful sleep, Sjogren sufferers are likely to be less tired and this will increase their productivity.
In one study, CBD was shown to suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses. [1] CBD reduces levels of cytokines, which are molecules that trigger the inflammatory process. This is known as the “endocannabinoidoma” phenomenon and describes the interaction between the immune system and the endocannabinoid system.
While the mechanisms by which CBD affects the immune system are diverse, the end result is the same. Suppression of the immune system likely suppresses autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s.
In another study, patients with SS were given methotrexate, which improved symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, dry cough, and purpura. [2]
As mentioned earlier, there is a lack of scientific evidence linking CBD and Sjogren’s. However, it would be interesting to know if CBD can be compared to methotrexate or other drugs that have been shown to be effective in treating the condition.
Image source
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sjogrens_Syndrome.jpg
References
- James M. Nichols and Barbara LF Kaplan. (2020). Cannabis and cannabinoid research.
Volume 5, Issue 1. 12-31.
- Skopouli, FN, Jagiello, P., Tsifetaki, N. & Moutsopoulos, HM (1996). Methotrexate in primary Sjogren’s syndrome. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 14th(5), 555-558.