Cannabinoids and fish oil are praised for their anti-inflammatory effects. Now researchers are exploring the therapeutic potential of combining these compounds.
Cannabinoids
One reason cannabis is enjoying a cultural renaissance is because of its touted health benefits. It has been shown that cannabidiol (CBD) in particular is present anti-inflammatory properties and therefore can help patients with various diseases. How exactly cannabinoids affect the body is not entirely clear, but they are known to affect the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Fish oil
This popular oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids that the body converts into endocannabinoids.[1] Research shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can deliver multiple health benefits.
What science says
“Some cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in [cannabis]… develop anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects “ explained Professor of Comparative Biosciences and Biochemistry at the University of Illinois Aditi Das, PhD.
Dr. In 2017, the led a study in which the effects of cannabinoids and omega-3 fatty acids on the immune system were examined. The research team identified an enzymatic pathway that converts endocannabinoids into inflammatory molecules through their derivation from omega-3 fatty acids.[1]
“This finding shows how omega-3 fatty acids can produce some of the same medicinal properties as [cannabis] but without psychotropic effects ” written down Dr. The.
A study published in early 2021 looked at the effects of CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), and fish oil on a gastrointestinal disease called colitis in a preclinical model.[2] CBG was found to be more effective at reducing inflammation than CBD, which by itself had no effect. In addition, fish oil enhanced the effects of CBG and potentiated the ability of CBD to exert anti-inflammatory effects as well. Therefore, a combination dose of all compounds appears to be most effective in reducing gastrointestinal inflammation.
The researchers concluded that “our preclinical data support a novel strategy for combining these substances for the potential development of a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.”[2]
Credit: Jo Christian Oterhals
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oter/6108414083
References
- McDougle DR, et al. Anti-inflammatory ω-3 endocannabinoid epoxies. PNAS. 2017; 114 (30): E6034-E6043.
- Pagano E et al. Effectiveness of combined therapy with fish oil and phytocannabinoids in the case of intestinal inflammation in the mouse Phytotherapy Research: PTR. 2021; 35 (1): 517- 529