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Can CBD (Cannabidiol) Help Patients with Parkinson's Disease?
Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease refers to a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders that damage neurons in the human brain. During the course of the disease, nerve cells die 10 times faster than expected. According to estimates, up to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are reported annually in the United States alone.
The onset of the disease is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms. They can be associated with motor and cognitive impairments, as well as other functions that do not seem related to the nervous system. For example, PD affects the gastrointestinal tract and sensory organs.
Parkinson's disease has a milder and more controllable disease course compared to other neurodegenerative conditions. Therefore, scientists are constantly looking for new ways to treat the disease and give thousands of people a chance for a long and happy life.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a natural extract from a cannabis or hemp plant. There are two species of cannabis: Indica (tetrahydrocannabinol) and Sativa (cannabidiol). In fact, THC is a psychoactive substance, and CBD is not considered a narcotic drug. CBD can help with improving mood and relieving the symptoms of muscle spasms. It has been legalized in more than 25 states in America and some European countries.
How Does CBD (Cannabidiol) Work?
The effects of cannabidiol arise from interactions with the endocannabinoid system, which is a part of the nervous system that plays a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis (self-regulating process) of the human body. Cannabidiol helps endocannabinoid receptors regulate skin quality, blood pressure, sleep cycles, immune responses, mood, and more. The use of CBD helps to stabilize the nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Scientists published a review study in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners. The randomized, placebo-controlled study focused on various aspects of the use of cannabidiol in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The results showed that administration of 300 mg/day of CBD improved participants’ mobility, communication, and emotional state. Besides, the study also revealed that CBD treatment was associated with considerable improvements in non-motor symptoms.
Current treatments for Parkinson's disease are quite effective in controlling the symptoms of the disease, but they often cause significant side effects, especially with prolonged use. Cannabidiol has a different mechanism of action on dopamine receptors. Although there are some potential side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating), preliminary findings from the clinical study suggest that CBD can be used regularly to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
It is important to limit or avoid alcohol consumption when taking CBD. In the event of adverse reactions, CBD products should be discontinued.
The therapeutic use of cannabidiol presents a new treatment option for adult patients with Parkinson's disease. Hence, the researchers plan to conduct further studies to confirm its efficacy. The increase in regulation in the U.S. may lead to the emergence of more specific dosages and prescriptions.
Cannabidiol has shown promise as a treatment for a variety of conditions, but there is only one CBD product approved by FDA. Unapproved products are legal in some states, but not all. As for now, people with Parkinson's can ask their healthcare professionals to help decide which medicine and dose will be best for them.