Avoid injuries: control muscle oxidation and train safely
When we consider the use of CBD in athletes, the aspects that generate the greatest interest are, mainly, pain management, as well as muscle and tendon injuries that are common in sports practice due to the repeated traumas suffered by the muscles, which leads to loss of functionality and increased inflammation and pain.
Benefits of CBD and Melatonin in muscle recovery
The use of CBD, especially in topical form, can be very beneficial , as evidenced by recent studies (Burr et al., 2021; McCartney et al., 2020). A notable reduction in creatine kinase levels, a marker of muscle damage, has been observed after topical application of CBD, suggesting a significant decrease in inflammation. Studies conducted by Prof. Tresguerres have shown a decrease in muscle oxidative stress with the administration of CBD Phexia, thus accelerating muscle recovery. These benefits can be further enhanced by the combination of melatonin and CBD, which act synergistically as anti-inflammatories, analgesics and antioxidants.
Mechanisms of action of CBD
CBD treatment provides an external source of raw material to the system, which increases the levels of Anandamide and other substances that regulate and inhibit pain perception by decreasing nervous excitability and preventing the release of neurotransmitters, resulting in an analgesic effect. In addition, due to its similarity to serotonin, CBD blocks 5HT1A and 5HT3 receptors, having an anti-nociceptive effect. It also reduces inflammatory responses by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and improving anti-inflammatory interleukin levels.
Topical use of Melatonin
Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of various diseases, ranging from cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders to metabolic and psychiatric problems. In this context, melatonin , a hormone associated with the circadian rhythm, emerges as an essential component thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory effect . A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials, evaluating 1,517 participants, revealed that exogenous melatonin has the ability to significantly reduce inflammatory markers, which positions it as a promising tool in the prevention and coadjuvant treatment of inflammatory disorders.
On the other hand, melatonin stands out for its safety profile and few side effects , which makes it a particularly attractive option for use in the prevention of these disorders, especially in elderly populations where chronic inflammation tends to be more prevalent and harmful.
Topical use of CBD
CBD has been shown to reduce dependence on conventional painkillers , including opioids, by acting on CB1 receptors and opioid receptors located in brain regions related to pain processing. A recent study found that using a CBD-rich gel allowed half of patients to reduce their opioid intake.
In an open-label clinical trial conducted in 2019, a 2.5% and 5% CBD topical cream was applied to 22 subjects with various types of acute and chronic pain over a 14-day period, using the visual analogue pain scale. Patients applied the cream up to four times a day and experienced a consistent and significant reduction in pain, with a 32% decrease. However, changes in pain levels in subjects with severe pain were less apparent, although the introduction of a 7.5% cream demonstrated a 35% decrease in severe pain. This finding highlights the importance of choosing products with an appropriate concentration of CBD for optimal results.
