CBD and its effect on liver function
Indispensable liver
There are an incredible 78 organs in the human body, but only five are necessary for life. These include the heart, one kidney, one lung, the brain and the liver. But these are the ones that are often neglected and people have no idea what the liver is responsible for. It is the largest exocrine gland in the body (the secretions of these glands are secreted into the body cavities or directly onto the surface of the body and are the counterpart to the endocrine glands, whose products travel into the surrounding tissues or blood). The liver weighs about 1.5 kilograms and more than 1500 ml of blood flows through it per minute. They are involved in nutrient processing and bile excretion, act as a metabolic and detoxification centre, and act as a glycogen and protein reservoir. They have an irreplaceable position in the body.
Impaired liver function is often mentioned in connection with the use of drugs such as cholesterol-lowering statins or antibiotics containing amoxicillin, clindamycin and erythromycin, and dietary supplements. Certain herbs are also on the borderline, especially milk thistle, comfrey and swallowwort. Not surprisingly, those interested in CBD are increasingly asking what effect cannabidiol has on the liver. Although the liver has a high regenerative capacity and, in the case of minor damage, almost immediate cell growth and growth occurs through chalones (substances that promote tissue formation), this capacity disappears with long-term damage to the organ.
During laboratory tests, the status of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin) is monitored. Elevated values may be permanent (they are usually hereditary and do not have a negative effect on liver function), may be a reaction to an infection, or may indicate serious damage to the organ. However, as a purely preventive measure, you can support your liver by taking milk thistle.
Liver and CBD
CBD has a variety of effects such as suppressing chronic pain, inflammation and anxiety, relieving skin problems and autoimmune diseases, and aiding in sex and reproduction. However, there is no mention of a positive effect on the liver. Tests have been carried out on mice, but they have not produced a satisfactory result that even hints at possible support for liver function.
The researchers tested the mice in two steps. In the first, they gave them the equivalent of 200 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight in humans on one day. Their livers subsequently showed an increased level of toxicity. The second case involved only a dose of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. In this case, the liver swelled and was damaged.
Experts are almost unanimous that CBD does not harm the liver. Experiments on mice have been based on absurdly high doses of cannabidiol - when calculated for an average 70 kg individual, the doses are 14 000 mg and 3 500 mg respectively. The normal daily dose for most consumers is up to 60 mg per day (230 times or 58 times less).
This study tested the maximum daily dose for humans. All mammals have the same endocannabinoid system, but the physiology of humans and mice is understandably different. One variable is liver size. The study therefore worked with heterogeneous parameters and no conclusions can be drawn from the results regarding the effect of CBD on the liver.
And if you want to relieve your liver, you can divide the intake into two parts, the first of which you consume in the morning and the second in the evening, so that the organs have time to process the substance. If you stick to the recommended dosage, the risk of negative effects on the liver is more or less zero.
On the other hand, CBD has several limitations. Patients with liver disease in particular - as well as those with heart problems and low blood pressure, or pregnant and breastfeeding women - fall into the group that should avoid its use. Dishonesty with your GP, whom you should consult about your intention to use CBD, can also be a problem. Combining CBD, dietary supplements and selected medications (for cholesterol or antibiotics) may be too much for the body.
The problem is in the composition
There are no regulations that oversee the exact composition of cannabis products, so the information on the labels may not match the reality. While regular checks are carried out to detect misrepresentation, the percentage of products found to be in error can be high. For example, when CBD products were tested in California in 2018, 80% of them showed errors in the ingredients.
The only way to be sure of the ingredients, get the most out of the benefits of CBD use, and not compromise your body's functioning (including liver damage) is to buy products that have analysis and certification.
Summary
CBD has almost no effect on liver function and at the recommended daily dose, the risk of liver damage is minimal. However, only choose from quality products with certifications referencing the origin, manufacturing process and exact ingredients.
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