CBD and the brain: how it helps mental balance

The brain functions thanks to constant communication between its nerve cells, something that depends on substances called neurotransmitters. One of the most important of these is glutamate, which is essential for functions such as memory, learning and movement control. However, its dysregulation can lead to serious health problems. In this context, CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, is emerging as a promising option for regulating glutamate.

In this article, we explain what glutamate is and how CBD is being researched for its role in regulating it and in promoting brain health.

What is glutamate and why is it so important?

Glutamate is an amino acid that neurons use to communicate. Its main function is to activate neurons, a neuronal activation known as excitatory neurotransmission, which enables processes such as memory, emotions and learning (1).

Glutamate is like the brain’s “accelerator”. It activates neurons so that they process information, which makes it essential for functions such as memory and learning, movement control, emotions and sensory perception.

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, a chemical compound involved in the transmission of sensory information, emotions, motor coordination, memory and learning (2, 3, 4). For this reason, it is present in high concentrations in the brain.

When there is too much glutamate in the brain, this neurotransmitter can overstimulate neurons and cause damage, known as “excitotoxicity”, which is linked to neurological disorders such as anxiety, stress, or even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

How does CBD act on the brain?

CBD, or cannabidiol, unlike other cannabis compounds such as THC, has no psychoactive effects. Instead, it interacts with different systems in the brain to help maintain mental balance. This is what it does:

• Glutamate modulation: helps reduce glutamate “overload”, protecting neurons from damage.
• Promotes relaxation: it supports the action of another neurotransmitter called GABA, which acts as the brain’s natural “brake”, counteracting glutamate’s excitation and helping to balance the activation and inactivation of brain cells.
• Neuroprotective effects: by preventing neuronal damage caused by excitotoxicity, CBD may be useful, and its use is being researched in conditions such as epilepsy, diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, and other disorders related to brain damage.

CBD to reduce stress naturally

What conditions can CBD help with?

CBD has shown promising results in the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy, especially those resistant to other medicines, such as Dravet syndrome.

In addition, its mood-stabilising and anxiety-reducing properties make it an interesting option for problems related to glutamate imbalance, such as anxiety and stress, by helping to calm brain overactivation.

Although the effects, safety and appropriate doses of CBD are still being researched, studies show that this hemp compound has the potential to improve mental wellbeing by supporting the brain’s chemical balance. More studies are needed to fully understand how it works and to confirm its effectiveness in different conditions.

CBD and glutamate in anxiety

The role of glutamate in anxiety is complex. Anxiety is related to the biology of fear conditioning and involves different brain circuits, including glutamatergic signalling (4).

Alterations in the excitatory-inhibitory circuit, involving the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and glutamate, are responsible for anxiety disorders. That is why various anxiolytic medicines focus on reducing neuronal excitability, making neurons less reactive to glutamate.

CBD for anxiety

Cannabinoids and mental balance: their impact on glutamate regulation

The cannabis plant contains numerous compounds called cannabinoids, which can influence the glutamatergic system through various mechanisms.

Mental effects of THC on glutamate

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid present in large amounts in cannabis, can modulate glutamate release by activating endocannabinoid receptors called CB1 receptors in the brain (10). This interaction can alter glutamate signalling in chronic cannabis users (11) and, as a result, affect cognitive processes. In addition, THC has been shown to raise brain glutamate levels, which may be related to the psychosis induced by high doses of cannabis (11).

Mental effects of CBD on glutamate

Unlike THC, CBD acts on different areas of the brain, not only on endocannabinoid receptors. CBD may regulate glutamate by binding to another type of receptor, the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1, or TRPV1, receptors (12).

CBD can also increase the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes the “inactivation” of neurons. CBD can inhibit the effects of glutamate by increasing GABAergic transmission and antagonising GPR55 receptors located in the basal ganglia of the brain (13). In addition, CBD can improve the brain’s chemical balance by regulating serotonin. As an agonist of serotonergic receptors, in particular serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, CBD can suppress glutamate and GABA transmission in the prefrontal cortex (14).

Cannabinoids, the happiness molecules

Overall, CBD appears to have a positive impact on the brain’s activation and inactivation systems. CBD’s effect on all these receptors may modulate the brain’s excitatory and inhibitory pathways, producing antipsychotic and antiepileptic effects. By reducing glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, as well as helping to stabilise mood and cognitive function.

Therapeutic potential of CBD for glutamate disorders

CBD can reduce the excessive release of glutamate in the brain, thus protecting neurons, which is particularly important in neurodegenerative diseases. Likewise, CBD’s modulation of neuronal excitation-inhibition makes it a possible treatment for certain types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome (15).

CBD may also be effective in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and temporal lobe epilepsy (16, 17, 18). It is important to mention that CBD does not help everyone with epilepsy, as some studies have found that certain people do not respond to its effects (19).

Conclusion

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in a variety of brain functions, and its regulation is critical to maintaining neuronal health. CBD offers therapeutic potential to help regulate glutamate and treat medical conditions associated with its dysregulation.

Although research on CBD and its impact on neurotransmitters has provided valuable insights, much remains to be discovered. Further studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to determine the efficacy of CBD in various clinical conditions related to glutamate imbalance.

Note: this is an informative article with no prescriptive purpose; it is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content may complement, but should never replace, the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. There may be relevant new scientific evidence since the date of publication. Consult your doctor before using CBD. Therapeutic advice should be personalised and depends on professional assessment.