A Fascinating study was released last month in October 2023 about two prominent phytocannabinoids: Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG). These compounds are quickly gaining attention for their potential in research studies, showing therapeutic properties, especially in neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, antioxidant capabilities, and anti-excitotoxic effects.
Let's simplify this complex research to understand its significance, particularly in addressing Parkinson's disease (PD) and associated dyskinesia. Researchers at the Paris Brain Institute and the University of São Paulo recently did the research, leading many towards the next steps in working on drug delivery methods and types of cannabinoids suitable for use in various disorders.
One issue I find to be nonstop as the Researcher OG is that cannabis patients and consumers alike don't understand most of the studies out there and need a more straightforward breakdown of the terminology that anyone can understand - or try to. Providing this allows whoever reads this to research a few words instead of being faced with an entire Research Study that even overwhelms me.
The Focus of the Study:
The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CBD and CBG in alleviating or preventing L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease. LID is a significant side effect experienced by PD patients undergoing L-DOPA therapy, characterized by involuntary, erratic movements.
In other words, these are over-expressive movements of the body based on a degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and body of the patient with Parkinson's.
Cannabinoids have been known in research for quite some time to have great potential in Neurology, with one significant pharmaceutical entity (GW Pharma) releasing a CBD extract into the US FDA-approved market several years ago with approval as an anti-seizure medicine.
Methodology of the Study:
Researchers used male Wistar-Hannover rats, which underwent a specific procedure (unilateral 6-OHDA lesioning) to create a model mimicking Parkinson's disease. These rats were treated with L-DOPA to induce severe abnormal involuntary movements resembling LID in humans.
The treatment phase involved administering different doses of CBD (10 or 30mg/kg) and CBG (1, 5, or 10mg/kg), separately or in combination, before the L-DOPA treatment, spanning two weeks.
Findings:
- Effectiveness of Individual Compounds: The researchers found that 30mg/kg of CBD and 5mg/kg of CBG, when administered separately, effectively limited the development of LID.
- Combination Treatments: Surprisingly, a combination of 10 mg/kg CBD with either 5 or 10 mg/kg CBG showed cooperative effects in inhibiting LIDs.
- Maintenance of Motor Benefits: Neither CBD nor CBG, alone or combined, interfered with the positive motor effects of L-DOPA.
- Mechanism of Action: The study revealed that the antidyskinetic effects might occur by activating 5HT1a receptors. This effect was indicated by reversing the effects with WAY100635, a specific antagonist for these receptors.
- Molecular Changes: The researchers observed a notable decrease in the immediate early gene Fos-B in the striatum with combined CBD/CBG treatment. This gene typically increases in lesioned animals treated with L-DOPA, suggesting a molecular basis for the therapeutic effects.
Conclusion and Implications:
The study concludes that CBD and CBG, particularly in combination, can effectively reduce LID in Parkinson's disease without dampening the beneficial effects of L-DOPA. This action occurs likely through the activation of 5HT1a receptors and the modulation of Fos-B expression in the brain.
This vital research opens new doors in understanding how CBD and CBG can someday be scientifically proven helpful tools in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. By potentially mitigating the side effects of conventional treatments, these cannabinoids offer a promising avenue for improving patients' quality of life.
As we continue to explore the intricate workings of cannabinoids and their interaction with the human body, studies like this are invaluable. They broaden our understanding and pave the way for developing more effective and balanced therapeutic approaches in delivery methods and cannabinoid formulations.
Slowly, as the endocannabinoid system gains more attention, we see the medical community finding that cannabis in all its forms offers a wide variety of potential in future medical applications.
-Mike Robinson, The Researcher OG
Founder, The Global Cannabinoid Research Center
This article is based on October 2023's promising published research:
Andretto, B., Nascimento, G. C., Crippa, J. A., Hallak, J. E., Michel, P., Raisman-Vozari, R., Guimarães, F., & Del-Bel, E. (2023). Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol Limit L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia When Given Separately or in Combination to Hemiparkinsonian Rats. IBRO Neuroscience Reports, [Article number]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.08.675
Other Relevant Citations:
García, C., Palomo-Garo, C., García-Arencibia, M., & Ramos, J. A. (2021). Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol: A Therapeutic Option for Neurodegenerative Disorders. Neurotoxicity Research, 39(2), 459-473.
Peres, F. F., Lima, A. C., Hallak, J. E. C., Crippa, J. A., Silva, R. H., & Abílio, V. C. (2018). Cannabidiol as a Promising Strategy to Treat and Prevent Movement Disorders
Chagas, M. H. N., Zuardi, A. W., Tumas, V., Pena-Pereira, M. A., Sobreira, E. T., Bergamaschi, M. M., ... & Crippa, J. A. S. (2014). Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease: An exploratory double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(11), 1088-1098.
