Cbd oil side effects on liver
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CBD Oil Side Effects on Liver
Introduction to CBD Oil and Liver Health
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is widely used for its potential therapeutic benefits, but its impact on liver health has raised concerns. This article synthesizes findings from recent research to provide a clear understanding of CBD oil's side effects on the liver.
Liver Enzyme Alterations Due to CBD Oil
Several studies have investigated the impact of CBD oil on liver enzymes, which are critical indicators of liver health. In a study involving male Wistar rats, CBD oil administration resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to control groups. This suggests that CBD oil may influence liver enzyme levels, although the exact implications for human health remain uncertain.
Long-Term Consumption and Liver Function
A large observational study examined the long-term effects of oral CBD consumption on liver function in healthy adults. The study found that the prevalence of elevated liver tests (LTs) such as ALT and AST in individuals self-administering CBD was not significantly different from the general adult population. This indicates that, for most healthy adults, long-term CBD use does not appear to be associated with a higher risk of liver enzyme elevation.
Adverse Effects and Liver Function Tests
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials highlighted that CBD is generally well-tolerated but can be associated with adverse effects, including abnormal liver function tests. The analysis revealed that CBD treatment was linked to an increased likelihood of serious adverse events related to liver function, particularly in studies involving childhood epilepsy where CBD was used alongside other medications. This underscores the importance of monitoring liver function, especially when CBD is used in combination with other drugs.
Histological Changes in the Liver
Histological examination of liver tissues in animal studies has shown that CBD oil can cause local inflammation and degeneration of hepatocytes, the primary cells of the liver. In the study with Wistar rats, groups treated with CBD oil exhibited signs of hepatocyte degeneration and vascular congestion. These findings suggest that while CBD oil may alter liver enzyme levels, it can also induce structural changes in liver tissues, which could have long-term implications.
Conclusion
The current body of research indicates that CBD oil can affect liver enzyme levels and may cause histological changes in liver tissues. While long-term consumption of CBD does not seem to significantly elevate liver enzyme levels in healthy adults, there is a potential risk of adverse liver effects, particularly when used in conjunction with other medications. Therefore, individuals using CBD oil, especially those with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other medications, should do so under medical supervision to mitigate potential risks.
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