Cannabis has already been proven to remedy seizures, and science is understanding why
Cannabidiol (CBD), a molecule extracted from the cannabis plant tested as a treatment for difficult-to-treat epilepsy, has shown promising results. Taking CBD oil reduces seizures by half in some people suffering from Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. New research has revealed that this compound even has the ability to reduce seizures in treatment-resistant forms of childhood epilepsy.
Experts at Aston University have sought to closely monitor the effects of CBD for the treatment of seizures. Upon analysis, they were able to describe a previously unknown way in which CBD can reduce this condition in many treatment-resistant forms of childhood epilepsy.
The team from the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment at Aston University joined forces with a group of international collaborators led by scientists at NYU Grossman School of Medicine to delve deeper. They found that CBD had signal-blocking effects on signals carried by a molecule called lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI). LPI has a major influence on nerve signals as part of normal function, and it has been suggested that it is likely that some epilepsies can hijack it to promote seizures.
CBD has a reparative effect on seizures as it blocks the ability of the LPI molecule to amplify nerve signals in a region of the brain called the hippocampus. In addition, it has been argued for the first time that CBD also weakens the signals that counteract seizures. This is a clear explanation of the value of CBD treatment and the generation of seizure activity in epileptic persons.
The study also clarifies not only how CBD counteracts seizures, but the process by which the circuits in the brain are balanced. This suggests that these imbalances may also be related to other pathologies, such as autism and schizophrenia, so the work may have a broader impact.