Cannabinoids have been implicated in the treatment of various medical conditions, and it is believed that the potential benefits of cannabinoids extend as far as the endocannabinoid system is stretched out in the body.
When it comes to the brain and central nervous system, cannabinoids are promising candidates for treatment because of their neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory properties. In fact, they have been studied and used in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, childhood seizures, Parkinson’s and malignant brain tumors.[1]
Neurotech International Ltd, a medical cannabis company, recently completed Studies of the potential benefits of cannabinoids to the brain using their proprietary cannabis strain, DOLCE / NTI. The studies were carried out at Monash, RMIT and the University of Wollongong. This strain, which contains cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiphorol (CBDP), and canabidibutol (CBDB), showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.
The DOLCE / NTI cannabis strain contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which minimizes the regulatory issues likely to arise in commercializing the company.
Compared to CBD alone, DOLCE / NTI appears to have stronger (80% more) anti-inflammatory properties. The full spectrum strain exerted these effects by reducing the expression of arginase 1 and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase); The expression of these genes is increased during inflammation.
At the concentrations tested, DOLCE / NTI produced no toxic effects on healthy brain cells.
“These final test results are very encouraging, especially the potent anti-inflammatory effects of our strains compared to CBD alone.” said Brian Leedman, chairman of Neurotech. These results indicate that the DOLCE / NTI leads can have broader application in relation to the treatment and management of a variety of neurological disorders. “
Researchers are now ready to proceed with Phase 1 clinical trials, which are expected to begin shortly.
Credit: Piqsels
Image source: https://www.piqsels.com/de/public-domain-photo-zbqcl
reference
- Maroon J & Bost J. Review of the Neurological Benefits of Phytocannabinoids. Surg Neurol Int. 2018; 9: 91.