Is CBD an Antioxidant?
CBD is an antioxidant, but not in the same way as Vitamin C. CBD can inhibit a chemical reaction in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) are created by a process called oxidation. So while CBD itself does not produce ROS it blocks them from being produced and helps to protect cells from damage that might otherwise be caused by ROS.
A lot of people have been talking about how antioxidants are important for staying healthy and preventing diseases like heart disease or cancer, but what exactly is an antioxidant? Antioxidants work by reducing the amount of harmful free radicals in our body, which we create when we breathe or eat food containing fats. Free radicals can cause DNA mutations and other health problems so antioxidants help fight against these effects. There are many antioxidants that we can eat, like vitamin C or E. CBD is not an antioxidant in the same way as these foods and vitamins are - it does not produce ROS but rather inhibits them from being produced.
The important thing to know about antioxidants is that they work best when paired with other substances called “pro-oxidants” because they keep each other in balance. For example, when someone is eating a healthy diet and they take antioxidant supplements their cells don’t necessarily get the benefit of pro-oxidants because there are not enough chemicals left to produce ROS that would counteract them - this can lead to an excess of free radicals being produced. So it's important for any antioxidant to be balanced with pro-oxidants, and CBD is no exception. In fact, CBD has been shown to have almost twice the antioxidant activity of Vitamin C and E. And with a much higher bioavailability level than either of these vitamins (100 vs 20-30%). That means that even though it is not an antioxidant like them in the same chemical sense when you take enough CBD your body will produce fewer free radicals as a result.
It’s also important to note that CBD does not react with other antioxidants in the same way and doesn't work against them; it works alongside of them, allowing both types of substances to be more effective. And because oxidative stress is an underlying cause of many illnesses and diseases such as cancer or neurological disorders, CBD's antioxidant activity is a huge benefit to people who are trying to stay healthy and avoid illness. Preliminary research has also shown that CBD may have antioxidative properties in the brain, which could be responsible for its neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects. One study found that it improved memory retention while reducing anxiety levels of those with a social anxiety disorder - an effect attributed to its antioxidant activity. The antioxidant properties of CBD have been studied in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. Recent research has determined that CBD works to reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to a reduction in inflammation, antioxidants protect brain cells from oxidative damage.
CBD may also have antioxidant properties in the context of cancer treatment, and while this remains hypothetical as research continues to be conducted on CBD’s effects, there is some evidence that suggests it might provide a benefit. For instance, one study demonstrated that cannabidiol could reduce pain-related behavior induced by free radicals. Furthermore, CBD is able to produce a synergistic antioxidant effect when combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. This combination of agents has been found to reduce the effects of free radicals. There is also some evidence that CBD may have an effect on longevity, which could be related to its antioxidant properties. A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and Toxicology found that rats treated with a high dose of CBD over six weeks exhibited significant increases in their lifespans. Researchers concluded: “The results presented here suggest that CBD can have a positive effect on longevity, and these effects are more pronounced in females.
CBD is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by creating free radicals like superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxides in our bodies. This leads to inflammation with symptoms such as tissue destruction (especially of white blood cells), decreased organ function, allergies, cancer, and even death.
In a recent study, researchers used the Fenton reaction (a chemical process that generates free radicals) to assess CBD’s antioxidant potential. The results were promising: “CBD is able to significantly attenuate both O(O), NO, and HSO radical generation in vitro by either directly scavenging them or indirectly via antioxidant enzymes…” The Fenton reaction is an exothermic redox chemical process that generates free radicals. As you might guess, the study found CBD to have antioxidant properties and it was shown in vitro (in a test tube) on human cells. This is promising research!
The health benefits of CBD are vast. In addition to providing relief from anxiety, CBD may also be an antioxidant and help protect against a variety of conditions like cancer or diabetes because it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain in the body. While more research is needed on these potential benefits, we know for certain that this unregulated supplement can benefit those who suffer from chronic pain or other ailments by helping them manage their symptoms without relying on drugs with side effects. If you’re interested in trying CBD products, let us know! Our team would love to answer any questions you have about how our line of hemp oil products works before recommending the best product for your needs and budget.