What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is the pure form of CBD derived from Cannabis sativa. It contains only cannabidiol as a biochemical constituent. It does not include cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, a measurable quantity of THC, and other active components of the cannabis plant.
CBD exerted its pharmacological effects through cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors including, G protein-coupled receptors and TRP channels.
Studies have shown that CBD had a low affinity for the CB1 receptor and independent of the CB2 receptor.
Therefore, CBD does not attach directly to cannabinoid receptors but indirectly influences them.[3]
How is CBD Isolate Made?
CBD isolate can be prepared by chemical synthesis and extraction from Cannabis sativa (hemp).
The extraction process of the cannabis plant leaves behind concentrated CBD extract.
Then extract is refined, filtered, and purified to remove all phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, leaving CBD in its pure form.
The extraction process is more economical and environmentally friendly because of the lack of harmful organic solvents used in the chemical synthesis process. [4]
Benefits of CBD Isolate
Increasing evidence showed that CBD isolate may treat seizures associated with epilepsy, anxiety disorders, reduce inflammation, and pain. [5]
CBD isolate may reduce symptoms of epilepsy
Studies showed that CBD isolate may reduce seizure frequency and the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy. [6] [7] [8]
FDA has approved Epidiolex, a pure oral CBD as an adjunct therapy to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.[9]
However, more research is required to examine the safety and optimal dosing of CBD for treating epilepsy, as there were some associated side effects.
CBD isolate may relieve anxiety
Preclinical studies showed that CBD isolate may treat generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.[10] [11]
A large case series showed that CBD administration to adults with anxiety or poor sleep showed improved anxiety scores (79.2%) and sleep scores (66.7%).[12]
In another double-blind procedure, CBD blocked the anxiety induced by delta 9-THC.[13]
Further investigation will determine the mechanisms of the anxiolytic properties of CBD.
CBD  isolate may reduce inflammation
Preliminary studies showed that CBD isolate may reduce inflammation by preventing the release of proinflammatory cytokines.[14]
A viral model of multiple sclerosis showed that CBD administration reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokine production.[15]
Cannabidiol reduced inflammation and improved lung function in a murine model of acute lung injury.[16]
Additional studies are needed to determine the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD isolate.
CBD  isolate may reduce pain
Some studies showed that CBD isolate may relieve joint and neuropathic pain associated with chronic conditions, however, it warrants further investigation.
An osteoarthritic animal study showed that prophylactic administration of CBD reduced joint pain and prevented nerve damage.[17] [18]
The adjunctive treatment with CBD reduced paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in cancer patients.[19]
CBD  isolate may reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Few studies showed that CBD isolate may reduce psychotic symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
An open pilot study showed that CBD administration to patients with Parkinson’s disease improved psychotic symptoms.[20]
In another study, CBD improved the quality of life in Parkinson’s disease patients.[21]
CBD may play a role in palliative care of cancer patients
Preclinical studies showed that CBD isolate may reduce pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression associated with cancer.[22]
The results from these preliminary studies suggested that CBD may have a role in the treatment of neurological diseases, and future trials could represent CBD as a new class of treatment drugs.
Limitations and Risk Factors
CBD isolate is potentially safe and well-tolerated. However, in rare cases, it may cause hepatic abnormalities, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and sleepiness.
CBD isolate does not produce entourage effect as it has only cannabidiol and can only deliver therapeutic properties of CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, has many active components that interact together synergistically and have the potential for broader health benefits.[24]
Also, it may interact with other drugs. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD for any underlying medical conditions.
Summary
CBD isolate is the pure form of cannabidiol without any other active components of the cannabis plant. It may have a beneficial effect in treating seizures associated with epilepsy, anxiety, inflammation, and pain.
There is limited research about safety, optimal dosing, and effectiveness of CBD isolate. Future randomized controlled trials will determine the reliability and efficacy of CBD isolate in treating different conditions.