Hemp: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Cannabis
Scientific name(s)
Cannabis sativa L
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
CBD
Alpha-linolenic acid
Linoleic acid
Oleic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid
Stearidonic acid (SDA)
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Eczema ✪✪✪✪✪
A small preliminary clinical trial in patients with eczema shows that daily intake of 30 ml hemp seed oil for 8 weeks improves skin dryness and itchiness compared to the baseline, but not against an olive oil control.
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 mL
oil
Joint Pain ✪✪✪✪✪
Hemp is traditionally used against arthritis and joint pain. In vitro, hemp seed oil induces the production of an anti-rheumatoid factor, as well as apoptosis of a rheumatoid arthritis synovial cell line.
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 mL
oil
Multiple Sclerosis ✪✪✪✪✪
In a small clinical study on patients with multiple sclerosis, daily intake of a combination of hemp seed oil (5.4-6.3 g) and evening primrose oil three times a day for 6 months appeared to improve disability scores and relapse rates compared to baseline values. However, the control group, consuming olive oil, also noted significant improvements in terms of disability and relapse rates. The study has certain limitations, making it challenging to determine the specific efficacy of hemp oil in this context.
Posologie
Oral: seed
5 g
oil
Synergies
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
Hemp oil is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, mainly attributed to its richness in essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6). These components help modulate the body's inflammatory processes by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators like prostaglandins. Additionally, research suggests that hydrolyzed proteins extracted from hemp seeds can inhibit certain cellular pathways involved in inflammation.
Usages associés
The ameliorative effect of hemp seed hexane extracts on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation and lipogenesis in sebocytes
Hypolipidemic
Hemp oil, rich in omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, is gaining interest for its potential hypolipidemic effects, particularly for reducing plasma cholesterol. However, human research, both on hypercholesterolemic children and healthy adults, as well as most animal studies, have not confirmed this cholesterol-lowering effect. Nonetheless, a small clinical trial on obese adults showed that daily intake of 60 mg hemp oil extract could slightly increase HDL cholesterol, with a rise of about 3 mg/dL after six weeks, compared to a decrease in the placebo group. Moreover, it is suggested that peptides from hemp proteins, such as edestin and albumin, might have hypolipidemic effects. In the laboratory, certain peptides from hemp seeds have inhibited the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase and increased LDL cholesterol absorption by cells by stimulating LDL receptor expression.
Digestive Effect
Hemp seeds are traditionally used to improve digestion, especially in cases of constipation. Studies on animal models have shown that hemp seeds increase stool water content and bowel movements due to increased mucus secretion by the colonic tissue. This action would involve the activation of certain channels or electrolyte exchangers. Furthermore, animal research also suggests that defatted hemp protein might help prevent liver steatosis or fatty liver disease by reducing elevations of liver enzymes and steatosis markers, particularly within the context of a high-fat diet.
Safety dosage
Adult: 30 mL (oil)
Hemp seed oil at doses of 30 mL (equivalent to 27 g) per day has been used for 2 months.
