Burning nerves, chronic inflammation and the striving for well -tolerated treatment approaches are increasingly in the focus. Vegetable substances play an increasingly important role in opening new ways to support the nervous system.
Challenges in the nervous system
Diseases associated with inflammation and structural changes in the nervous system are among the most complex medical problems. There is a central difficulty in the close link of inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress and neuronal degradation, which among other things in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Multiple sclerosis observed becomes.
The latest research results show that ongoing inflammatory processes impair the normal function of the nerve cells and can even contribute to their death. In addition, there are diverse influencing factors such as lifestyle, environmental conditions and genetic predispositions, which also make the course of various disorders in the brain and spinal cord difficult.
Of particular interest is the possibility of modulating these inflammatory processes as early as possible in order to set preventive and therapeutic. Vegetable active ingredients, including terpenes, polyphenols and cannabinoids, provide approaches that could support the nervous system at different levels. In scientific literature, various mechanisms are described that range from the inhibition of pro -inflammatory cytokines to strengthening the body’s own defense systems. The variety of these substances therefore offers a wide range of potential effects that is constantly being researched intensively.
Cannabinoids and new Knowledge
When it comes to anti -inflammatory inhibition and neuroprotection, cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been at the center of interest for several years. Different Studies indicate this that CBD has neuroprotective properties and can regulate inflammatory factors into nerve cells. In addition, it is assumed that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis.
In Switzerland, the topic of medical use of cannabis has led to relevant legislative adjustments in recent years. People with a prescription can now fall back on products that are specially approved for therapeutic use. Medical cannabis in Switzerland is increasingly used in pain therapy, neurological diseases and inflammatory processes. Research results indicate that certain cannabinoids have a promising effect on the central nervous system and can contribute to alleviating chronic symptoms.
It is open how the potential of these preparations will develop in the future. However, initial clinical data indicate that cannabinoids could play a role in both chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative processes. In fact, several research projects are already focusing on the question of the extent to which they can reduce or even prevent nerve cell damage. This approach is complemented by a growing number of examinations that test other cannabis plant ingredients in combination with classic therapies.
Mechanisms of vegetable inflammation inhibition
Various plant substances interact in a complex way with immunological processes to reduce inflammation. The blocking of pro-inflammatory signal molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which are considered key mediators of inflammatory reactions, is of central importance.
Certain secondary plant substances prevent these mediators from being released to a high extent. In this way, an excessive immune reaction can be steamed and the formation of chronic inflammatory herds can be contained. The best known natural inflammatory inhibitors include curcumin, resveratrol and various flavonoids. Curcumin, won from the turmeric rootshows a number of effects in Vitro and Vivo that contribute to the containment of harmful inflammatory processes.
The substance prevents the activation of certain protein complexes inside the cell, which are responsible for the production of inflammatory substances. Certain flavonoids made of green tea or the extract of grape seeds look similar by intercepting radical oxygen compounds and modulating signal paths relevant to inflammation. Such a wide range of activity suggests that the combination of several plant substances can prove to be particularly effective, provided that clinical studies provide sufficient evidence.
Polyphenols and their role in neuronal protection
Berries, grapes, cocoa or tea contain a large group of secondary plant substances that are known as polyphenols. Resveratrol is a well -known representative of this class and is particularly on the cardiovascular health as well as the preservation of cognitive skills. A hypothesis sees the cause of the pronounced antioxidant effect: polyphenols reduce oxidative damage in nerve cells by neutralizing free radicals.
In neurodegenerative disease models, indications were also found that they influence the production of specific proteins that are essential for the survival of neurons. It is interesting that polyphenols not only act as a radical catcher, but can also dampen the inflammatory process in the brain and spinal cord. Some of them, such as certain anthocyans from berry fruits, show a demonstrable reduction in neuroinflammatory processes in animal experimental studies.
In addition, it is researched to what extent a regular supply of polyphenol -rich foods or extracts can cause long -term changes in the nerve tissue. Initial studies suggest that this could be stabilized both learning and memory performance, which seems to be relevant, especially in the context of aging populations.
Other vegetable substances with potentially protective properties
In addition to the known groups, there are numerous other substances that could support the nervous system. Terpenoids, for example in lavender or lemon balm, are associated with calming and possibly neuroprotective effects. In traditional medicine, extracts from Ginkgo Biloba have long been used for memory and blood circulation, whereby Studies partially indicate thisthat they could promote a healthy aging of the brain.
At the same time, the role of adaptogenic plant substances such as in Ashwagandha (Withhania Somnifera) focuses on. Researchers examine whether this reduces stress reactions and stimulates neuronal protective mechanisms. It is believed that certain ingredients influence the cortisol level and thus indirectly slow down inflammatory processes. In addition, there are scientific efforts to analyze the effectiveness of medicinal herbs such as frankincense, ginger or sage, since they have long been established in folk medicine of various cultures.
Common to all of these fabrics is that they intervene in complex, often not yet fully understood signal paths that range beyond the immune system to neural growth factors.
Possible applications and outlook
Practical areas of application of plant active ingredients can currently be found in prevention concepts in which a combination of different extracts is used. In the case of existing neurological or inflammatory diseases, these are to be used as a complementary measure. This examines whether an interplay of cannabinoids, polyphenols and certain herbs harmonizes with proven clinical therapy strategies and potentiates their effect. Studies worldwide run worldwide that extend from the laboratory to controlled clinical exams.
At the same time, it is discussed how great the benefits of long -term, mild supplementation could be in everyday life. Since there are a number of vegetable substances in common foods, the question arises whether already a balanced diet with herbs, vegetables, fruit and spices can contribute to prevention. However, a precise answer to this question requires further studies with large number of participants and a long observation period.
If it is confirmed that a combination of natural active ingredients has a neuroprotective and anti -inflammatory effect, new options for groups of people that tend to nerve diseases could arise. However, forecasts about a broad use are still speculative, since scientific evidence of effects and long -term consequences must be expanded.
conclusion
In order to support the nervous system in the long term and to reduce the effects of harmful processes, it is worth taking a look at potential synergy effects from different plant substances. Future research is increasingly dealing with the interactions between cannabinoids and polyphenols to evaluate possible reinforcements of their anti -inflammatory and neuroprotective capacities. New extraction and formulation technologies are also checked, which should enable more targeted release of the active ingredients in the brain. If it is possible to transfer the previous knowledge into effective preparations or nutritional strategies, the spectrum could clearly gain preventive and therapeutic options.
06.03.2025