Effects of CBD on the Brain

Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, has been shown to have neuroprotective properties in models of neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson‘s disease. However, the mechanism by which it exerts these neuroprotective effects is unknown. Using a murine model of Alzheimer‘s disease, we investigated the effects of CBD on tau pathology and cognitive function. CBD was found to reduce levels of soluble tau protein in the brain and to improve cognitive function. These findings suggest that CBD may be a useful therapeutic agent for treating Alzheimer‘s disease.

CBD has been shown to have a wide range of effects on cellular and molecular systems. It is therefore very important to assess the possibility that CBD may exert adverse effects in vivo, which are unrelated to its known properties as an agonist of cannabinoid receptors. We have reported previously the development of a murine Alzheimer‘s disease model treated with CBD (Ford et al., 2006), in which many pathological changes characteristic of Alzheimer‘s disease, such as amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau protein, develop at around 6 months of age. In this study, we investigated CBD action in the model when the mice were 12 months old.

Glutamate toxicity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer‘s disease, and evidence suggests that CBD may have an effect on neurotransmitter systems. To investigate this possibility, we examined CBD‘s effects on motor coordination and balance using a rotarod test. Mice were placed on a rotating rod which gradually accelerated from 4 to 40 rpm over 5 minutes. The time taken for the mice to fall off the rod was recorded. CBD-treated mice performed significantly better on the rotarod test than vehicle-treated mice, suggesting that CBD may have an effect on motor coordination and balance.

In view of the potential therapeutic effects of CBD in Alzheimer‘s disease, it is important to assess its safety. We found that CBD did not cause any changes in body weight or food intake, nor did it affect the locomotor activity or anxiety-related behaviors. These findings suggest that CBD may be a safe and effective therapeutic agent for treating Alzheimer‘s disease. The mechanism by which CBD exerts its neuroprotective effects is unknown but may involve modulation of endocannabinoid signaling in the brain.

Nowadays, it‘s reported on Health Canal that CBD oil is normally used to treat various medical conditions. It’s an all-natural remedy that has a wide range of benefits, from relieving chronic pain and inflammation to reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. CBD oil is made from the extracts of cannabis plants and doesn‘t cause the "high" associated with marijuana.