A preclinical study found that CBD may be useful for aiding recovery and reducing the long-term impact of a brain injury.
The animal study was carried out by scientists from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of Neurological Diseases at the Siglo XXI National Medical Center on a proprietary CBD product produced by US company HempMeds.
The company said in a press release that researchers demonstrated the oral administration of CBD has the ability to reduce excessive release of glutamate in the cerebral cortex that can lead to TBI.
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Abnormally high levels of glutamate lead to a process called excitotoxicity, which can lead to death of neurons.
Dr Luisa Rocha led the study, in conjunction with a group of Mexican scientists.
“Through this controlled study, we were able to observe that the oral administration of cannabidiol during the seven days prior to an injury helped to avoid the over-release of glutamate that results from brain trauma, an effect associated with decreased mortality in neurons,” Dr Rocha explained.
“In this study, it was also shown that the application of CBD helps sensorimotor improvement.”
Dr Rocha added: “The results obtained in this study help to understand how the oral application of cannabidiol reduces excitotoxicity caused by long-term traumatic brain injuries and facilitates functional recovery.
“In fact, pre-injury CBD treatment was sufficient to lessen the aftermath of traumatic brain injury.”
The study was carried out using the HempMeds’ flagship RSHO product, which contains 0% THC, and a high concentration of plant-rich CBD.
The company, which is owned by Medical Marijuana Inc, recently took part in a collaboration on a study to demonstrate the effectiveness of hemp-based CBD in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Blake Schroeder, CEO of Medical Marijuana Inc, commented: “Clinically proving the therapeutic potential of CBD is at the core of our company’s ethos and the results of this study further proves the therapeutic value of plant-based CBD.
“Through our research initiatives we continue to prove how CBD can positively affect patients worldwide.
“While federally funded research institutions in the US have been slow to embrace cannabis-based research, Latin American institutions have been performing this type of research in conjunction with our Company for years.
“We will continue to pursue research in Mexico as well as in Brazil, where we are pursuing pharmaceutical registration of our products.”
Cannabis and neuroprotection
Cannabinoids seem to hold much promise when it comes to neuroprotection.
Several studies have been conducted on its use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, with positive results.
Last year a study found that THC may help people suffering from TBI recover their working memory and motor function.
The US National Football League (NFL) has also awarded a US$1 million research grant to examine the effects of cannabinoids on pain management and neuroprotection from concussion in elite football.
An ongoing study will aim to assess the neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids to reduce the severity of acute and chronic concussion in football players.
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