A New Study Discovered Cannabis Constituents Even More Effective Against Epilepsy Than CBD
A team of scientists from Australia has singled out three cannabinoids that demonstrate anticonvulsant properties in animal models. Their work sheds new light on how cannabis, which is already widely used to treat intractable epilepsy, can improve the lives of those suffering from the most severe forms of this disease.
The cannabis plant and the drug derived from it have become a mainstream topic in recent years. Especially popular are CBD products, used in food, drink, cosmetics, wellness products, and medicines. A form of CBD called Epidiolex was even approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy — the Dravet syndrome. And pharmacologists from the University of Sydney suggest that other compounds in cannabis might be even more effective in treating seizures.
A Whole Class of Substances With Medical Potential
The team of scientists at the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics began studying the anticonvulsant properties of cannabis six years ago. The plant contains several dozens of cannabinoids. These are chemicals that are unique to the species, and only a few of them have been extensively studied so far.
However, the chemical composition of all cannabinoids is similar, suggesting that not just a handful of them may be used in medicine. Odds are that science has barely scratched the surface and ever more potent substances will be uncovered by research.
Over the years, Australian pharmacologists have looked at a score of bioactive molecules in cannabis extracts and tested their effect on seizures. In their recent paper published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, they describe the action of three lesser-known cannabinoids: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), and cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA).
The cannabigerolic acid stands out as it is the common precursor molecule for the synthesis of virtually any other cannabinoid, including the well-known CBD. Interestingly, CBGA has also demonstrated the most pronounced anti-seizure properties. The researchers hope that this substance might prove to be even more potent medicine for Dravet syndrome.
A Powerful Instrument of Symptomatic Treatment
Dravet syndrome is a rare, debilitating, and potentially lethal form of epilepsy. It begins in the first year of life and is characterized by frequent and/or prolonged seizures. The toll of the disease on cognitive function is severe, with behavioral problems beginning at the age of 2-3 years.
The disease has become the focus of studies for the scientists at the University of Sydney after the grandparents of a young girl suffering from Dravet syndrome made a donation and established a research program. Barry and Joy Lambert’s granddaughter Katelyn showed a dramatic improvement in cognitive health and motor function when she started using a cannabis extract. For the first time, she could enjoy life. This made the Lamberts ardent supporters of cannabis research.
Western medicine discovered the use of cannabis to treat epilepsy in the 19th century, but the study of its benefits was cut short by the prohibition. However, the recent shift in attitudes toward cannabis and the liberalization of laws against the plant and the substance has allowed it to continue with the research.
The Australian team was encouraged by the results of their studies. Dr. Lyndsey Anderson, one of the lead authors, said that CBGA was more potent than CBD in reducing at least one type of seizure in mice — the one triggered by fever. Sadly, the same compound had proconvulsant properties in other types of seizures. It means that the use of the substance has its limitations, and they need to be looked into.
However, the analysis has shown that all three cannabinoids studied in these experiments act upon the receptors that are known to be associated with epilepsy.
So far, the team has been focusing on individual cannabinoids, but many advocates of medical cannabis insist that it works better in its entire form. Dr. Lyndsey Anderson is eager to study the effectiveness of the whole plant when dozens of plant molecules act together and probably enhance each other’s actions.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
