The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a natural role in promoting homeostasis. It does this by regulating processes like inflammation, immune response, and cellular signaling. Cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBD) and delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are able to influence the nervous system via the endocannabinoid system. CBD in particular has notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which could benefit neurodegenerative disorders. The recent scientific paper “Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review” is providing us with new insight into the potential benefits of cannabinoids for neurodegenerative disorders. Here is a summary of their findings on how the endocannabinoid system is linked to these disorders and why CBD may be a beneficial supportive therapy.
What are Neurodegenerative Disorders?
Neurodegenerative disorders are complex health conditions that affect the central and/or peripheral nervous systems. In these disorders, nerve cells (neurons) lose their structure and function [1]. Synapses are the junctions where nerve cells pass signals. Neurodegenerative disorders also can cause synapse to become damaged. The result of these functional losses leads to gradual loss of motor skills and cognitive abilities, as seen in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, and others.
Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body are two factors that play a major role in neurodegenerative disorders [1]. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are the types of drugs that are used to combat neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Because of this, cannabinoids have been getting attention as possible therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders.
How Cannabinoids Influence the Nervous System
The endocannabinoid system consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors [1]. These are cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) are the endocannabinoids that act on these receptors. Unlike phytocannabinoids from cannabis, these endocannabinoids are produced naturally by the body. Enzymes, mainly fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoglyceride lipase (MAGL), control the release of endocannabinoids and also break them down.
CB2 receptors are mainly located in immune system-associated cells that modulate and inhibit immune cell migration [1]. The majority of CB1 receptors are located at nerve terminals in the central nervous system. They can also be found to a lesser extent in peripheral neural tissue and other tissue. Activation of CB1 blocks the release of neurotransmitters like GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). CB1 is directly activated by THC and endocannabinoids and indirectly activated by CBD via inhibition of enzymes that break down endocannabinoids.
CBD Benefits for Neurodegenerative Disorders
By inhibiting the breakdown of AEA, CBD prevents glutamate-induced neuron toxicity [1]. It also has neuroprotective behavior due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers are hopeful that CBD may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases from worsening since oxidative stress and neuroinflammation commonly amplify disease progression. CBD is not psychoactive and is well tolerated by most people, so it could be a beneficial add-on to traditional treatments as long as drug interactions are managed. However, clinical trials are needed in order to properly manage co-administration of CBD with traditional neurodegenerative disease treatments.
In addition to the observations of “Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review,” here are some highlights from other published research on the potential use of cannabinoids as a therapy for neurodegenerative disorders:
- Mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease treated with CBD suggest that CBD can reverse cognitive deficits along with Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory, oxidative responses, and neuronal death [4].
- Mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease treated with CBD also suggest it can reduce the accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylation of tau which could possibly delay disease progression [4].
- CBD could suppress the main causal factors of Alzheimer’s disease, and the benefits may be even better when CBD is combined with THC [2].
- Six male and female Parkinson’s disease patients receiving CBD (150mg/day flexible dose) felt reductions in psychosis symptoms [5].
- A research review noted that CBD may be useful for treating l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (medication side effect) and motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease [3].
- The neuromodulatory, neuroprotective and antidyskinetic effects of CBD in animal models also suggests that CBD could benefit Parkinson’s disease patients [3].
References
- Bhunia, S., Kolishetti, N., Arias, A. Y., Vashist, A., & Nair, M. (2022). Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9640911/
- Kim, S. H., Yang, J. W., Kim, K. H., Kim, J. U., & Yook, T. H. (2019). A Review on Studies of Marijuana for Alzheimer’s Disease–Focusing on CBD, THC. Journal of pharmacopuncture, 22(4), 225.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970569/
- Patricio, F., Morales-Andrade, A. A., Patricio-Martínez, A., & Limón, I. D. (2020). Cannabidiol as a therapeutic target: evidence of its neuroprotective and neuromodulatory function in Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 595635.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.595635/full#h7
- Xiong, Y., & Lim, C. S. (2021). Understanding the modulatory effects of cannabidiol on Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Sciences, 11(9), 1211.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/9/1211/pdf
- Zuardi, A. W., Crippa, J. A. S., Hallak, J. E. C., Pinto, J. P., Chagas, M. H. N., Rodrigues, G. G. R., … & Tumas, V. (2009). Cannabidiol for the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 23(8), 979-983.
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