5 evidence of CBD's use in protecting the nervous system (it is neuroprotective)

25. 04. 2024

The umbrella term for these disorders is - which refers to any disease that involves the progressive destruction or loss of nerve cells.
Traumatic brain injury or traumatic spinal cord injury can also lead to the destruction of nerve cells. This can eventually lead to mood disorders, difficulty concentrating, loss of motor function and many other difficulties. The use of CBD in neurological disorders has many benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and endocannabinoid-mediated effects. This system is one of the main regulators of nerve cell health. It protects nerves from damage, promotes nerve cell regeneration and maintains optimal cell function.

1. CBD for epilepsy

The neuroprotective effect of CBD is particularly evident when we look at the benefits this compound has in epileptic disorders.

Several large-scale clinical trials have investigated the effects of CBD extracts (both whole full-spectrum and pure CBD) in the treatment of various forms of epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastautots syndrom, childhood epilepsy and other conditions. CBD has been shown to dramatically reduce the severity of epileptic seizures and seizure frequency (how often a seizure occurs).

The benefits of using CBD for epilepsy include:

• Relieves spasms
• Protects nerve cells
• Modulates key receptors that regulate brain health
• Reduces neurological inflammation
• Supports GABA activity

Evidence: CBD and epilepsy

A 2018 meta-analysis involving 670 people found that 71% of people who were administered fullspectrum CBD extracts experienced reduced seizure frequency compared to placebo. Of those taking CBD isolates, only 46% reported improvement, suggesting that other compounds in the full-spectrum extract also contribute to the antiepileptic effects of CBD. The researchers reported that 40% of people in the study experienced half as many seizures as expected, a quarter experienced a 70% drop in seizure frequency and 10% were seizure-free at the end of the study

2. CBD in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease involving the destruction of the myelin sheath around nerve cells. You can think of your nerve cells as a bundle of wires and myelin as plastic insulation. Without myelin, nerve cells cannot transmit messages to the rest of the body. There is no cure for MS, but there are several drugs that can be used to slow the progression of the disease. CBD is a popular treatment option for MS because it targets several underlying causes of the disease (inflammation, autoimmunity, nerve cell function) and alleviates its most common side effects (pain, muscle spasms, bladder control). The pharmaceutical drug for MS is derived from CBD and a related cannabinoid, THC, called Sativex®

 

The benefits of using CBD in multiple sclerosis include:

• Resists the development of autoimmunity
• Reduces neurological inflammation
• Prevents T-cells from collecting around nerves
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Supports bladder control
• Relieves neuropathic pain

Evidence: CBD and multiple sclerosis

Most of the research on the effects of CBD products on multiple sclerosis comes from a pharmaceutical product called Sativex®. Sativex® is a 1:1 extract of CBD and THC. Clinical trials of Sativex® have shown that the drug can directly improve many of the common side effects of multiple sclerosis. It has been shown to improve muscle spasms, bladder dysfunction and neuropathic pain.

3. CBD in Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder affecting the brain. There is no cure for the disease, but there are several ways to slow its progression and alleviate the most common side effects. The underlying cause of Huntington's disease is the gradual build-up of a protein called Huntingtin - which can lead to possible damage and destruction of nerve cells in the brain. This leads to uncontrollable muscle movements, an inability to control emotions and a gradual decline in cognitive function. Taking CBD has several key benefits for Huntington's disease patients. These lie primarily in its powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

The benefits of using CBD oil for Huntington's disease include:

Reduces inflammation in the brain
Alleviates common side effects of Huntington's disease
Offers powerful neuroprotective effects

Evidence: CBD and Huntington's disease

Research on the effects of CBD on Huntington's disease is lacking. Most of the available research uses animal models or small study groups. However, the research that is currently available shows great promise for CBD as a potential new therapy to help patients manage their symptoms. Experimental animal models of Huntington's disease have shown dramatic improvements in symptoms and disease progression after treatment with a combination of CBD and THC (Sativex®). Case reports published in Oxford Condition Monographs also suggest success for Huntington's disease patients taking CBD to treat symptoms such as chorea (uncontrolled eye movement) and speech difficulties.

4. CBD in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the nucleus accumbens (NA), where most of the brain's dopamine is produced. Over the course of a few years, dopamine levels in the brain begin to decline, resulting in adverse effects such as poor concentration, muscle tremors, depression, apathy, sleep disturbances and many others. CBD is useful for support in this disease, but it cannot be used for treatment - there is currently no cure for this disease. Instead, supplements and medications are used to slow the progression of the disease, alleviate common side effects, and improve quality of life.

The benefits of using CBD oil for Parkinson's disease include:

• Reduces neurological inflammation
• Alleviates common side effects
• May improve dopamine production
• Promotes healthy microbiome diversity

Evidence: CBD and Parkinson's disease

One of the characteristic side effects of Parkinson's disease is muscle tremors and loss of muscle coordination. In animal models, CBD has been shown to significantly reduce the muscle tremor associated with Parkinson's disease. Some of the more interesting research into the potential benefits of CBD in Parkinson's disease has shown that CBD may be able to increase dopamine levels in the brain. These findings are significant because the primary cause of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease is a gradual decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. More research is needed to understand how this effect applies to patients in real life, but so far it looks promising.

A small clinical study involving the use of CBD by patients with psychotic effects of the illness found that the supplement significantly reduced the severity of symptoms. This study did not experience any adverse side effects from CBD throughout its course.

5. CBD in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - or Lou Gehrig's disease - is a neurodegenerative disease involving the breakdown of neurons responsible for controlling muscle movement (motor neurons).

There is no cure for this disease and other treatment options are limited. The current approach to treating this condition is to reduce side effects, slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. CBD is not a cure for ALS, but it can support patients suffering from side effects such as pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

The benefits of using CBD oil for ALS include:

• Relieves chronic pain
• Relaxes muscles
• Promotes sleep onset
• May slow disease progression by promoting neuronal health

Evidence: CBD and ALS

Currently, there are no clinical studies in the academic literature that examine the direct impact of CBD extracts on ALS. The only evidence that is available for this supplement is reports of patients' experiences using CBD products to manage symptoms and the presumed benefits from other research (for example, benefits for addressing sleep, pain, and muscle spasms).

Animal studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of another cannabinoid, THC, on ALS. In a study published in 2004, researchers reported that mice with experimental ALS had significantly less severe symptoms after treatment with THC.

Table of benefits of individual cannabinoids

CBD is not the only active ingredient that contributes to the overall health benefits of hemp extract. While CBD is the main ingredient, it does contribute to the overall health benefits of fullspectrum cbd oil other cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp also contribute to the overall health benefits.

Here is a brief list of the many health benefits of cannabinoids:

Health benefit	CBD (cannabidiol)	THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)	CBN (cannabinol)	CBG (cannabigerol)	CBC (cannabichromene)	THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Adaptogenic effects	✓			✓
Analgesic	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Anti-inflammatory effects	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Effects against cancer	✓	✓		✓	✓
Anticonvulsant	✓	✓	✓			✓
Antidepressant	✓	✓		✓	✓
Antidiabetic	✓					✓
Antiemetic	✓	✓
Antiepileptic	✓				✓	✓
Antimicrobial effects			✓	✓	✓
Antioxidant	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓
Anxiolytic	✓		✓	✓	✓
Appetite Stimulant		✓	✓	✓
Suppresses appetite	✓			✓		✓
Immunomodulatory effects	✓
Neuroprotective effects	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Sedative effects	✓	✓	✓

What are the side effects of CBD?

All dietary supplements and medications carry a risk of side effects. The severity of these side effects depends on the specific substance.

Compared to other dietary supplements, CBD has a very low risk of side effects. Most people who experience side effects report that the reaction is mild, most often involving fatigue or dizziness. In more severe cases, CBD can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, diarrhea or nausea, although this is very rare. Side effects are more common with high doses of CBD and when it is taken with other drugs, supplements or alcohol.

The most common side effects of CBD include:

• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

Summary: The Benefits of Using CBD

CBD is a very useful supplement that offers a wide range of benefits across multiple organ systems. It is used to support neurological function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and much more.

This impressive molecule can offer all of these benefits by interacting with a system responsible for regulating various processes in the body called endocannabinoid system. By supporting this system, CBD can influence hormone production, nerve function, inflammation, pain transmission, and more.

 

 

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