Neurological Research (Archived)

The Cannabis sativa plant has been used to treat various physiological and psychiatric conditions for mellennia. Current research is focused on isolating potentially therapeutic chemical constituents from the plant for use in the treatment of many central nervous system disorders.

Research in both animals and humans indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-psychotic properties. The authors assessed the safety and effectiveness of CBD in patients with schizophrenia.

Phobic anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and are burdensome in terms of loss of quality of life and work productivity. Evidence-based treatments are relatively successful in the majority of patients, especially exposure therapy. However, a substantial subset of patients fails to achieve or stay in remission.

Studies show that cannabidiol, the main non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, reduces anxiety via 5-HT and (indirect) cannabinoid receptor activation in paradigms assessing innate responses to threat. Learning to associate cues or contexts with potential threats or rewards is adaptive and enhances survival. Both aversive and appetitive memories are therefore powerful drivers of behavior, but the inappropriate expression of conditioned responding to fear- and drug-related stimuli can develop into anxiety-related and substance abuse disorders respectively.

Studies have demonstrated the presence of T-helper 2 lymphocytes in the lung of patients with asthma. These cells are involved in the cytokine production that regulates immunoglobulin synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in this setting.

Anxiety and trauma related disorders are prevalent and debilitating mental illnesses associated with a significant socioeconomic burden. Current treatment approaches often have inadequate therapeutic responses, leading to symptom relapse. Here we review recent preclinical and clinical findings on the potential of cannabinoids as novel therapeutics for regulating fear and anxiety.

Inflammation and oxidative stress play main roles in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, different natural compounds may be able to exert neuroprotective actions against inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting from neuronal loss. Among these natural sources, Cannabis Sativa represents a reservoir of compounds exerting beneficial properties, including cannabigerol (CBG), whose antioxidant properties have already been demonstrated in macrophages.

Since 2014, cannabidiol (CBD) has been administered to patients with treatment-resistant epilepsies (TREs) in an ongoing expanded-access program (EAP). We report interim results on the safety and efficacy of CBD in BAP patients treated through December 2016.

Administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) during first 3-4.5 hours after ischemic stroke is the main therapeutic strategy; however, its using after that, leads to reperfusion injury and neurotoxic effects. Additionally, inflammation has a critical role in secondary injury after late reperfusion therapy.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly exhibit comorbid symptoms such as aggression, hyperactivity and anxiety. Several studies are being conducted worldwide on cannabidiol use in ASD; however, these studies are still ongoing, and data on the effects of its use is very limited. In this study we aimed to report the experience of parents who administer, under supervision, oral cannabinoids to their children with ASD.

The benefits related to cannabis use in PwMS are still under investigation. However, data indicates that cannabis, with 1:1 or greater CBD;THC ratio, reduces muscle spasticity and pain in PwMS.

The phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) possesses neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and reduces amyloid-B production and tau hyperphosphorylation in vitro.