Cannabis is an anticonvulsant with fewer side effects than previously used, reports the British Journal of Pharmacology.
Ben Whalley of the UK’s University of Reading and his colleagues collaborated with GW Pharmaceuticals in Wiltshire to research the anticonvulsant properties of cannabidivarin (CBDV), a poorly understood substance found in cannabis and some other plants.
According to numerous reports, cannabinoids can be used to treat seizures in humans, but little scientific research has been done on the pharmaceutical effects.
Scientists have studied the anticonvulsant efficacy of CBDV – one of approximately 100 non-psychoactive cannabinoids. They induced convulsions in mice and rats that were administered the substance. The affected animals experienced less severe convulsions than placebo, and the mortality was lower. CBDV has been found to have fewer side effects and to be better tolerated than the three most commonly used anticonvulsants.
Seizures are primarily a symptom of epilepsy (epilepsy), which affects about 20 in 30 people. If left untreated, it can lead to depression, mental decline, and death. Proper treatment is effective in most cases, but in XNUMX-XNUMX percent. sick drugs do not help.
The decision on whether to allow CBDV for human trials is to be made next year. What works for animals does not always work for humans. (PAP)
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