CBD Oil for Gallbladder - April 2024

How CBD May Affect the Gallbladder: Can CBD Help With Gallbladder Problems?

CBD has been shown to help relieve pain⁽⁹⁾, alleviate the effects of metabolic syndrome⁽¹⁰⁾, and restore the integrity of the intestinal wall⁽¹¹⁾. These properties may help symptoms of gallbladder disorder.

 CBD’s interaction with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) may explain how the compound induces its purported therapeutic effects, working with the ECS as the system regulates bodily functions⁽¹²⁾. 

The ECS comprises cannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2, enzymes, and cannabinoids⁽¹³⁾. 

Pain perception, mood, sleep, hunger, memory, and motor control are all influenced by CB1 (cannabinoid receptors 1). Meanwhile, activated CB2 receptors on immune system cells provide an anti-inflammatory response to lessen pain and tissue damage.

According to a study, the activation of cannabinoid receptors suggests several beneficial approaches linked to metabolic syndrome⁽¹⁴⁾. 

The researchers believe that endogenous cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids lessen the impact of metabolic disorders⁽¹⁵⁾.

CBD for Leaky Gut

A study showed that cannabinoids may help restore the integrity of the intestinal wall⁽¹⁶⁾.

Bloating, inflammation, gas, stomach discomfort, and fatigue are symptoms of a leaky gut⁽¹⁷⁾. These symptoms may also lead to common bile duct stones (CBD stones), GI disorders⁽¹⁸⁾, and jaundice⁽¹⁹⁾.

No pain-relieving medicine may quickly fix a leaky gut. However, reducing stress⁽²⁰⁾ and avoiding things that may cause allergic reactions⁽²¹⁾ may help alleviate symptoms.

Supplements like crucial minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium) may help the lining of the body heal and promote blood flow⁽²²⁾. 

Studies suggest that CBD may protect enterocytes (intestinal lining cells) against inflammatory damage, restoring intestinal mucosa integrity⁽²³⁾.

The researchers also believe that natural and synthetic cannabinoids may help with GI function and intestinal barrier disorders⁽²⁴⁾. 

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is linked to the formation of gallstones⁽²⁵⁾, solidified deposits of the digestive fluid in the gallbladder. 

CBD for Metabolic Syndrome

Heart disease, including diabetes and stroke, are increased risks in those with metabolic syndrome⁽²⁶⁾.

In 2012, the World Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology study showed that metabolic syndrome is linked to gallstone disease⁽²⁷⁾. 

In addition, researchers’ findings noted how CBD may aid in metabolic syndrome induced by lifestyle changes⁽²⁸⁾.

Key targets for tissue damage involved in metabolic syndrome include the cardiovascular system, pancreas, and liver⁽²⁹⁾.

The liver makes bile, a digestive juice. The bile then passes the concentrates to the gallbladder, storing the digestive juice for later use⁽³⁰⁾. 

CBD for Inflammation and Pain

CBD, the non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa L., has been studied for its analgesic properties. CBD reduces pain and improves the quality of life in epilepsy patients⁽³¹⁾.

The most common gallbladder symptom is biliary colic⁽³²⁾. The condition may induce intermittent abdominal pain and upper back pain⁽³³⁾. 

A natural chemical in Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol⁽³⁴⁾ is derived from Cannabaceae plants (hemp family). There is less than 0.3% THC in the hemp plant.

THC is found in high concentrations in marijuana plants. High-THC marijuana is known to cause hallucinations and euphoria when smoked or drunk, and acute changes in blood flow and pressure⁽³⁵⁾.

The ECS has cannabinoid receptors that interact with CBD⁽³⁶⁾. CB1 receptors influence pain perception and psychoactive effects, whereas CB2 receptors control anti-inflammatory responses.

A study published in the European Journal of Pain showed that cannabidiol may alleviate pain and inflammation without side effects⁽³⁷⁾.

Another study suggested that CBD may relieve pain and inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties⁽³⁸⁾. 

Through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, CBD may alleviate the symptoms of leaky gut, pain sensation, and inflammation-related gastrointestinal syndrome⁽³⁹⁾.

However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) currently only approves cannabis use to treat patients with epilepsy caused by two rare forms of seizure⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Benefits of Using CBD to Help With Gallbladder Problems

The gut microbiome affects overall health. It regulates bacterial growth and development in the body⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Studies show that CBD may help reduce pain⁽⁴²⁾, regulate metabolic disorders⁽⁴³⁾, and restore the integrity of the intestinal barrier⁽⁴⁴⁾. CBD may also help reduce inflammation⁽⁴⁵⁾, easing gallbladder pain-related symptoms. 

Note that orally administered CBD products allow the compound to pass through the intestinal wall. Active compounds like CBD travel to the liver before being transported to their target site via the bloodstream.

Consult a healthcare expert before using CBD products like CBD oil to treat medical conditions like gallbladder discomfort.

How to Take CBD for Gallbladder Problems

One way to take CBD oil for gallbladder-related issues is under the tongue, immediately absorbed into the bloodstream.

Due to the absence of published clinical guidelines for CBD dosage, dosing will be done progressively titrating until pain relief is achieved.

On the other hand, CBD topicals frequently include other helpful substances to boost their effectiveness in delivering pain relief⁽⁴⁶⁾ to target areas of the body.

CBD Dosage for Gallbladder Problems 

There is no standard CBD dosage to ease gallbladder discomfort. Weight, pain intensity, metabolism, and genetics may affect dosing.

Still, research suggests that 1,500mg of CBD per day may be well tolerated in people⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

A CBD dose for gallbladder disease is not FDA-authorized. It is suggested to begin with low dosages of the best CBD oil and gradually raise the dose to get the desired impact.

Side Effects of Using CBD for Gallbladder Problems

There is no direct study of particular side effects of CBD for gallbladder issues. However, moderate side effects from CBD include dry mouth, nausea, lethargy, and headache⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Cannabinoids may have a dose-dependent effect on body temperature, which may cause hypothermia or hyperthermia⁽⁴⁹⁾. Nevertheless, CBD has not been linked to fatalities, and most people may use it without life-threatening side effects.

Can CBD Oil Help People Without Gallbladders?

Data from clinical investigations show that up to 20% of patients who undergo cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) may develop diarrhea⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Bloating or diarrhea after surgery usually improves within a few weeks⁽⁵¹⁾. However, blood clots may also occur after a gallbladder removal surgery.

Meanwhile, CBD may cause side effects, like diarrhea and reduced appetite, although these are often well tolerated⁽⁵²⁾. CBD may also interact with other medications, like blood thinners.

To avoid increased risks of side effects, it is important to ask your doctor before using CBD, especially after a medical procedure like having your gallbladder removed.

What Is a Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. The bile ducts are a drainage system for the liver⁽⁵³⁾. 

The bile duct stores and moves bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine⁽⁵⁴⁾. The gallbladder releases bile in response to neurohormonal signals⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

After eating, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Common Causes of Gallbladder Pain

Many conditions may cause pain in the gallbladder. One of the most common causes is blockage of the gallbladder ducts⁽⁵⁶⁾.

Gallstones may form if the gallbladder is not emptying properly. Obesity and specific diets are risk factors for common bile duct stones⁽⁵⁷⁾.

What Are Gallbladder Problems?

A common gallbladder condition is the formation of gallstones or cholelithiasis⁽⁵⁸⁾. Gallstones are bile deposits that have solidified in the gallbladder. 

The size may range from a grain of sand (sludge) to a golf ball. The patient may develop multiple gallstones concurrently⁽⁵⁹⁾.

Gallstones have a higher incidence in women over 40⁽⁶⁰⁾. Women produce estrogen and progesterone more readily than men. Estrogen raises the level of cholesterol in bile, leading to the formation of gallstones.

Types of Gallstones

Cholesterol and pigment stones are two gallstones classified according to their risk factors and epidemiology⁽⁶¹⁾.

Around 80% of gallstones are cholesterol stones, commonly associated with blockage and inflammation. They account for almost 80% of gallstones and are related to obstruction and inflammatory gallstones or intrahepatic bile duct stone prevalence⁽⁶²⁾

Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

The patient may feel chronic pain radiating to the upper back⁽⁶³⁾. This condition is known as acute cholecystitis⁽⁶⁴⁾.

Symptoms of stones in the common bile include nausea, vomiting, bloody urine, stomach discomfort, and low blood pressure⁽⁶⁵⁾.

Sludge forms in the gallbladder as cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin and other chemicals accumulate. No treatment is needed if the gallbladder sludge causes no symptoms⁽⁶⁶⁾. 

Often, the sludge is gone when the root cause is solved, like managing the symptoms of gallbladder problems.

Gallbladder Problem Treatments

Gallbladder discomfort causes severe abdominal pain that lasts for about five hours. If it worsens, doctors may consider other issues⁽⁶⁷⁾.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or narcotic pain medications may be used to control the pain of acute biliary colic⁽⁶⁸⁾. 

Oral probiotics are also available. Dietary probiotics are bacteria that are similar to gut bacteria⁽⁶⁹⁾. Studies show that oral probiotics may reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body⁽⁷⁰⁾.

Doctors may suggest ursodiol or chenodiol dissolve gallstones⁽⁷¹⁾. However, individuals should consult a doctor about the best treatment for gallbladder problems.

Physicians may also recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder⁽⁷²⁾. After surgery, bile passes straight from the liver into the small intestine⁽⁷³⁾.

If patients have small stones in the gallbladder (choledocholithiasis)⁽⁷⁴⁾, these stones may block the cystic duct and result in severe pain and inflammation of the gallbladder⁽⁷⁵⁾.

Ascending cholangitis (bile duct inflammation) may spread through the duct. Doctors may suggest another gallbladder stone therapy or cholecystectomy if needed⁽⁷⁶⁾. Nonsurgical options may include endoscopic⁽⁷⁷⁾and interventional radiology⁽⁷⁸⁾.

Clinical practice to diagnose gallbladder problems includes CT scan⁽⁷⁹⁾, X-ray⁽⁸⁰⁾, endoscopy⁽⁸¹⁾, laparoscopic cholecystectomy⁽⁸²⁾, lithotripsy⁽⁸³⁾, and ultrasonography⁽⁸⁴⁾. 

Through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)⁽⁸⁵⁾, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)⁽⁸⁶⁾, endoscopic sphincterotomy, or intraoperative cholangiography (IOC)⁽⁸⁷⁾, doctors may make a systematic review of diagnoses to help with follow-up care of patients with various conditions⁽⁸⁸⁾.

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1. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
2. The potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22430005/#
3. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
4. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
5. Glial Cells and Their Contribution to the Mechanisms of Action of Cannabidiol in Neuropsychiatric Disorders https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.618065/full
6. The potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22430005/#
7. Metabolic syndrome and gallstone disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3422804/
8. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
9. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
10. The potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22430005/#
11. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
12. The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/
13. Ibid.
14. Plant-derived natural therapeutics targeting cannabinoid receptors in metabolic syndrome and its complications: A review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220310817#
15. Ibid
16. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
17. What are the symptoms of a leaky gut? https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/what-is-leaky-gut-syndrome/
18. Biliary Mucosal Barrier and Microbiome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4569210/
19. Leaky Gut and Gut-Liver Axis in Liver Cirrhosis: Clinical Studies Update https://www.gutnliver.org/journal/view.html?uid=1771&vmd=Full
20. The Leaky Gut: Mechanisms, Measurement and Clinical Implications in Humans https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6790068/
21. Possible Links between Intestinal Permeablity and Food Processing: A Potential Therapeutic Niche for Glutamine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898551/
22. Key minerals to help control blood pressure https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/key-minerals-to-help-control-blood-pressure
23. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
24. Ibid.
25. [Relationship between pigment gallstone and intestinal barrier function: experiment with guinea pigs and clinical observations] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18953859/
26. The Digestive Process: How Does the Gallbladder Aid in Digestion? https://www.uhhospitals.org/health-information/health-and-wellness-library/article/adult-diseases-and-conditions-v1/the-digestive-process-how-does-the-gallbladder-aid-in-digestion
27. Metabolic syndrome and gallstone disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3422804/
28. The potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22430005/#
29. Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Diseases: From the Bench to the Clinic https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/article/162/1/36/4585010
30. The Digestive Process: How Does the Gallbladder Aid in Digestion? https://www.uhhospitals.org/health-information/health-and-wellness-library/article/adult-diseases-and-conditions-v1/the-digestive-process-how-does-the-gallbladder-aid-in-digestion
31. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
32. Gallbladder Disease https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallbladder-disease#
33. Ibid.
34. Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
35. Acute changes in cerebral blood flow after smoking marijuana https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8383270/
36. Endocannabinoid Binding to the Cannabinoid Receptors: What Is Known and What Remains Unknown https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120766/
37. Metabolic syndrome and gallstone disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3422804/
38. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/#
39. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
40. FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare#
41. Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2179
42. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
43. The potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22430005/#
44. Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721977/
45. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/#
46. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
47. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319
48. A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
49. The role of endocannabinoids in the hypothalamic regulation of visceral function https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12052044/
50. Chronic diarrhea: A concern after gallbladder removal? https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal/faq-20058481
51. Gallbladder removal https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallbladder-removal/
52. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
53. Pancreas https://muschealth.org/medical-services/ddc/patients/digestive-organs/pancreas
54. The Biliary System: Anatomy and Functions https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/biliary-system-anatomy-and-functions#
55. Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Biliary Tract: The Gallbladder and Sphincter of Oddi—A Review https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/837630/
56. Bile duct obstruction https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/bile-duct-obstruction
57. Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/symptoms-causes#
58. Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15265-gallbladder-swelling–inflammation-cholecystitis
59. Gallstones https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/g/gall tones.html
60. Why Women Are At An Increased Risk For Gallstones https://bhattigi.com/why-women-are-at-an-increased-risk-for-gallstones/#
61. Gallstone Disease: Introduction https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/_pdfs/pancreas_biliary_tract/gallstone_disease.pdf
62. Ibid.
63. Gallbladder Disease https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallbladder-disease
64. Ibid.
65. Ibid.
66. Gallbladder sludge: what is its clinical significance? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11276386/
67. Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of Gallstones https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0515/p795.html
68. Biliary colic and complications from gallstones https://bpac.org.nz/bpj/2014/june/gallstones.aspx#
69. Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2179
70. Treatment for Gallstones: How do health care professionals treat gallstones? https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/treatment
71. Ibid.
72. Gallbladder – gallstones and surgery https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gallbladder-gallstones-and-surgery
73. Ibid.
74. Choledocholithiasis https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000274.htm#
75. Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15265-gallbladder-swelling–inflammation-cholecystitis#
76. Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/about/pac-20384818#
77. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4951-ercp-endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography
78. Interventional radiology in gallstone disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2022423/
79. Diagnosis of Gallstones https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/diagnosis#
80. Ibid.
81. Ibid.
82. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7017-laparoscopic-cholecystectomy-gallbladder-removal
83. Gallstone lithotripsy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8480876/
84. Treatment of gallbladder stone with common bile duct stones in the laparoscopic era https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417333/
85. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography
86. The role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24112497/
87. Intraoperative Cholangiogram https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa99889#
88. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4951-ercp-endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography#

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