Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabinoids
For the body system: Parasympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have garnered scientific interest for their effects on the autonomic nervous system, including the parasympathetic branch. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), present throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, modulates neurotransmitter release and influences homeostasis. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found in autonomic control centers, which suggests a mechanistic basis for cannabinoids affecting sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.

Preclinical studies and limited human research indicate that cannabinoids can modulate autonomic tone, often reducing sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity and sometimes enhancing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) responses. For example, CBD has been associated with anxiolytic effects, reduced heart rate, and lower blood pressure in some studies, effects thought to be mediated by increased parasympathetic activity. THC, by contrast, has more variable effects but may also contribute to relaxation and reduced autonomic arousal in certain contexts.

However, the evidence remains moderate; most findings come from animal studies, small-scale human trials, or observational reports. The precise impact of cannabinoids on the parasympathetic nervous system in humans is not fully understood, and more rigorous, controlled studies are needed. Thus, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some supporting data, the overall evidence is not yet robust or definitive.

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