The plant-based treatment industry has become an important part of the alternative medicine market. All over the world, researchers are actively exploring the potential of these treatments.
In Australia, plant-based treatments refer to products that contain CBD and/or THC. Both of these naturally occurring compounds are the two major active ingredients in medicinal plant-based products.
THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is psychoactive. As such, it has an intoxicating effect and impacts your mental and physical functions. CBD is non-psychoactive and produces no such intoxicating effects.
Plant-based treatments are used to provide potential relief for symptoms associated with chronic conditions. However, we still aren’t exactly sure how effective these treatments are.
Experts are now consistently studying the therapeutic effects of plant-based treatments, but existing data is still limited.
What are the benefits of medical plant-based treatments?
The potential benefits of plant-based treatments seem to be wide-ranging. With costs that can compete with black-market prices and a sweeping global interest, many are now able to legally access CBD and THC.
Years of governmental restrictions and legal limitations have resulted in a lack of reliable research and clinical evidence about plant-based treatments. There have, however, been enough encouraging signs to justify the interest, even with the limited access through legal pathways.
As of now, the treatments are mostly prescribed to treat symptoms of sleeplessness, pain, nausea, and anxiety. As such symptoms are associated with a variety of chronic conditions, prescriptions are often wide-ranging.
Approval for prescriptions can only be given after both patient and doctor have considered the potential risks and the current state of the research. Looking at the available research can help you get a better understanding of how plant-based treatments may prove beneficial.
Anxiety
A study in 2017 spoke of the complex relationship between anxiety and plant-based treatments. It stated that THC seems to decrease anxiety in low doses while increasing anxiety in high doses. CBD was seen to decrease anxiety in all doses that were tested.
A systematic review in 2020 wrote that there is currently encouraging, albeit developing, evidence for medicinal plant-based products in the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders including anxiety.
Sleeplessness
A retrospective chart review in 2022 found that plant-based treatments may have short-term benefits in improving sleep time and decreasing sleep onset latency.
A crossover trial looked at the efficacy of using said treatments for sleep in comparison with a placebo. It found that two weeks of nightly sublingual administration of CBD is well tolerated and improved sleep quality in patients. However, they stressed that we do not have enough information on long-term safety and efficacy.
Nausea
Research from the University of New Mexico looked at the effects of using plant-based treatments for nausea symptoms. The results found that medicinal plant-based products were highly effective when treating nausea.
A different study found that plant-based treatments were slightly superior to mainstream antiemetics in treating nausea post-chemotherapy.
Pain
A review in 2020 stated that the discrepancy between patients’ opinions on the efficacy of plant-based treatments for chronic pain and the lack of conclusive evidence is a common source of conflict in clinical practice.
A systematic review by Annals of Internal Medicine found that plant-based products may help treat chronic pain in the short term. Experts, however, stressed that this should be weighed against side effects such as drowsiness and sedation.
Remember, all of the above research is merely touching the tip of the iceberg when it comes to CBD and THC treatments. Experts have consistently emphasised the need for long-term clinical trials and controlled studies.
Despite the promising research, we are still in the very beginning phases of understanding the efficacy and safety of CBD and THC.
The side effects and risks of plant-based treatments
There is certainly a sense of excitement in the air regarding plant-based treatments, but medical practitioners have warned of potential risks and side effects. Notable side effects, however, are less likely to occur when consuming CBD in isolation.
Some of the most commonly reported side effects associated with plant-based treatments are:
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
- Rapid thoughts
- Anxiety
- Slower reaction times
- Memory lapses
- Increased heart rate
Doctors have also warned of the potential for addiction for those regularly consuming THC-based plant medicines. Experts exploring the relationship between plant-based products and schizophrenia believe there may be an increased risk for people with a genetic vulnerability.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised against using plant-based treatments as we lack reliable research on its safety in this regard.
Although CBD and THC treatments are generally safe for adults, limited research means they must be approached with caution and only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.
As no one treatment affects every person in the same way, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before using CBD or THC.
Summary
As the market continues to expand and research continues to grow, we will soon have a much clearer idea of how effective and safe plant-based treatments are.
For now, experts are exploring several potential benefits including relief of symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, and pain. Most of the evidence in this regard is pre-clinical or based on animal studies, and therefore must be taken with a pinch of salt.
There are also a host of risks and side effects attached to plant-based treatments. Individuals may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite, and more when using CBD or THC.
By consulting with a medical practitioner, you will get a clearer idea of whether or not the alternative medicine could serve to benefit you. A doctor will weigh out the pros and cons of plant-based treatments to determine suitability.
For more information on the pros and cons of plant-based treatments, speak to one of our qualified experts today.