Cannabidiol, or cbd, has shown promise in the treatment of many conditions, including anxiety, the depression, arthritis, cognitive impairment, diabetes, or even obesity.

CBD also has certain neuroprotective mechanisms and may in particular act against epilepsy.

What is epilepsy?

Normal brain function is a balance of excitation and inhibition. Any disturbance of this balance results in an epileptic seizure. The inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate are essential for maintaining stable neuronal activity in the brain. It is believed that an excess or a shortage of either of these elements causes an abnormal reaction of neurons and, consequently, an epileptic seizure.

During a seizure, a person may experience altered or loss of consciousness, behavioral abnormalities, sensory disturbances, abnormal motor activity, or autonomic dysfunction.< /span>

CBD and THC

The cannabis plant contains over 100 biologically active compounds called cannabinoids. The most abundant of all these chemicals are THC and CBD whose role in the body is widely studied.

Marijuana and other cannabis extracts high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are generally used for recreational purposes. Due to their toxic effects, they are not suitable for medical purposes, mainly because THC is associated with many adverse effects such as sedation and poor coordination. These effects are completely opposite to what epileptic patients need.

Pure CBD extract, having no negative psychoactive effects, can be used for its benefits anticonvulsants. Many studies have indeed established the benefits of the molecule in the treatment of epilepsy.

Role of CBD in epilepsy

CBD acts on two different types of receptors, called cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), which are widely distributed in the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are found primarily in neurons, while CB2 receptors are found in microglial cells, central nervous system support cells that are responsible for clearing out damaged neurons and maintaining the health of the central nervous system. Thus, CBD, by acting with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, can influence these neuronal functions.

Des studies have indeed revealed that endocannabinoids play an important role in controlling nerve transmission.

CB1 receptors are located at the presynaptic terminals of nerves releasing glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter) and GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter). The binding of CBD to these receptors results in the inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Like the focus of glutamate is reduced in the synapses, the uncontrolled excitation of neurons is thus blocked.

What does the research say

A study conducted on 120 children and young adults with Dravet syndrome and drug-resistant epilepsy a had promising results. By administering 20 mg/kg/day of CBD for a period of 14 weeks, seizure frequency was reduced from 12.4 to 5.9 in patients who received CBD. And 43% of patients experienced a more than 50% reduction in seizure frequency.

Other work including 162 patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome has been published. Patients there were treated with 2-5mg/kg of CBD per day with a dose of up to 50mg/kg/day for a period of 12 weeks. The study found a 36.5% reduction in seizures; the greatest reduction being recorded in patients suffering from atonic (loss of muscle tone) and focal (altered consciousness) seizures.

Conclusion

CBD is a natural alternative for treating many conditions, including neurological disorders. The evidence regarding the use of CBD for epilepsy and related disorders is compelling enough to represent a < span style="font-weight: 400;">serious track.

If you are taking treatment for these conditions, talk to your doctor, they will be able to advise you on CBD.