It is important to remember that if used incorrectly, cannabis can have negative effects, especially on the nervous system of sensitive people. Let's find out more about the benefits of CBD thanks to the information provided by the experts of the Italian Society of Pharmacology.
What does CBD do to the brain?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis which can affect the brain in several ways without causing psychoactive effects. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system and other neurotransmission systems, CBD can offer a number of therapeutic benefits.
Among these, the modulation of endocannabinoid receptors , such as CB1 receptors, which influence brain functions such as mood, memory and pain perception and can interact with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
CBD has also been proven to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties , which can protect the brain from damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.
In some cases, CBD could be useful in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases , such as thyroid disease Parkinson , Alzheimer's and the multiple sclerosis . There is currently evidence, albeit continually updated, to suggest that CBD can promote neurogenesis, i.e. the formation of new neurons in the brain, offering potential benefits in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Where do cannabinoids work?
CBD is an element found in cannabis that connects to our endocannabinoid system, a system that is found in our body and regulates many functions, such as pain, mood and appetite. There are two types of receptors in the endocannabinoid system, called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and help control various functions of our brain.
CBD does not connect directly to these receptors, but influences them indirectly, helping to keep our bodies in balance and functioning properly.
Through these interactions, CBD can help with various situations and symptoms , such as pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety and epilepsy, without causing mental effects, unlike THC, another component of cannabis.
What are the beneficial effects of cannabiol on the brain?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound present in cannabis that has been shown to have beneficial effects in the therapeutic field, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. It turned out that CBD promotes neurogenesis , i.e. the formation of new neurons in the brain, thus reducing damage to cognitive functions caused by age, disease or trauma.
Research conducted at the University of Florence examined the effects of CBD and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol , the main psychoactive component of cannabis) on neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke and epilepsy. Currently, available drugs for stroke are limited and 30% of epilepsy patients are resistant to common treatments.
Studies carried out on experimental in vitro models have revealed that, while THC can worsen nerve cell damage, CBD can reduce it. These findings suggest that, in addition to its use in the treatment of drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy, CBD could also be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases.
Relationship between CBD and neurodegenerative diseases
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it potentially useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
These conditions, including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, are characterized by a progressive deterioration of nerve cells in the brain.
Thanks to its neuroprotective properties, CBD can help slow the progression of these diseases and to reduce the worsening of cognitive symptoms. Additionally, CBD has been studied to improve the mental health of patients suffering from these conditions.
In the final part of the article, we will delve further into how CBD can specifically affect neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's. Current research indicates that CBD may be a viable therapeutic option for those suffering from these diseases.
CBD and Alzheimer's disease
Research published in 2018 in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that CBD may have the potential to slow cognitive impairment and improve mental health in older people with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease which causes progressive memory loss and cognitive deterioration, severely affecting the ability to carry out daily activities. The disease is mainly characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which cause inflammation, neurotoxicity and oxidative damage.
As currently available treatments offer only limited symptomatic relief, CBD is emerging as a potential therapeutic tool for Alzheimer's due to its neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties . In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that CBD can reduce the main indicators of the disease, such as the production of amyloid plaques and neurofibrils, exerting a neuroprotective effect.
CBD and Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder , characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia, bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. It also involves psychiatric problems such as psychosis, depression and anxiety. The main pathological feature of Parkinson's is the loss of the dopaminergic neurotransmission system.
Current treatments for the disease are based on the use of dopamine precursors and inhibitors of dopamine metabolism. However, clinical and preclinical studies investigating the use of CBD in the treatment of Parkinson's suggest that higher doses of CBD taken orally could improve the psychotic symptoms associated with the disease, known as non-motor symptoms.
While promising, further research is needed and larger clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of CBD in treating Parkinson's disease. These future studies could help to better understand the role of CBD in managing Parkinson's symptoms and determine the appropriate dosage and method of administration for affected patients. Furthermore, research could also examine the long-term effects of CBD use in these patients and evaluate any side effects or interactions with other drugs currently used in the treatment of Parkinson's.
Overall, while current studies on CBD and Parkinson's disease are encouraging, it is important to proceed with caution and wait for more robust results from further clinical trials before considering CBD as an effective treatment for this complex neurodegenerative condition.
CBD and multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease which affects millions of people around the world, especially young adults. It causes damage to myelin, the protective sheath of nerve fibers, compromising communication between the brain and body. The disease causes many different symptoms and, in some cases, can lead to loss of independence and disability.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis yet, but several preclinical studies have shown that CBD may help reduce neuroinflammation and motor deficits by slowing down the hyperactivation of the immune system. In addition to CBD, other components of cannabis, such as terpene β-caryophyllene, may contribute to the overall effect through an " entourage effect " and potentially improve symptoms and slow disease progression.
Clinical studies confirm the benefits of CBD and cannabis extracts on patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and associated comorbidities, such as sleep disturbances, have been reported, with generally moderate side effects. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of CBD and cannabis extracts in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
What is the most significant side effect of cannabidiol?
The most important side effect of cannabidiol (CBD) concerns its interaction with other drugs that the individual may be taking. Although numerous studies suggest that cannabinoids, particularly THC, may have negative effects on an individual's development during pregnancy and adolescence, CBD can also interact with different types of medications in the body .
For example, CBD could alter the degradation of drugs used to treat epilepsy, increasing their blood levels. At the same time, it may interact with drugs such as methadone, used to treat opioid addiction, and some antidepressants, blood thinners, mood stabilizers and anesthetics.
CBD can also interact with sedatives such as benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, morphine, and alcohol, causing drowsiness and drowsiness. Other medications such as phenytoin and rifampicin may reduce CBD levels, while levothyroxine, warfarin, and some anticonvulsants may see an increase in their blood concentrations due to interaction with CBD. Additionally, valproic acid and CBD can both cause liver injury, so the combination of the two could increase the likelihood of liver damage.
