A literature review on the therapeutic applicability of cannabidiol in
epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have complex etiologies, however,
neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are important markers in this
pathogenesis and, in this sense, cannabinoids, especially CBD, have been
identified as potential therapeutics for playing a neuroprotective role.
Studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of cannabinoids and
derivatives of Cannabis sativa L in diseases of the central
nervous system due to their interaction with the endocannabinoid system
through receptors and other molecular targets. The aim of this review
was to provide an overview of the endocannabinoid system and a summary
of the clinical and preclinical findings of the therapeutic use of
cannabinoids in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease,
pointing out interactions with molecular targets and the potential for
neuroprotection of CBD. Electronic searches were carried out in
international databases, including studies that presented consistent
data on this subject. Significant therapeutic effects of CBD were shown
for epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, while nabiximols contributed to
the reduction of spasticity, being a frequent option for the treatment
of multiple sclerosis. Although much has been projected on the
therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for neurological disorders, there
is a long way to go in the search for strong scientific evidence of
their pharmacological effectiveness.