In vivo Evidence for Therapeutic Properties of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that is affecting an increasing number of people. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau hyperphosphorylation as well as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Current AD treatments do not stop or revers...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in pharmacology 2017-02, Vol.8, p.20-20
Main Authors: Watt, Georgia, Karl, Tim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Pharmacology
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Summary:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that is affecting an increasing number of people. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau hyperphosphorylation as well as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Current AD treatments do not stop or reverse the disease progression, highlighting the need for new, more effective therapeutics. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that has demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties . Thus, it is investigated as a potential multifunctional treatment option for AD. Here, we summarize the current status quo of effects of CBD in established pharmacological and transgenic animal models for AD. The studies demonstrate the ability of CBD to reduce reactive gliosis and the neuroinflammatory response as well as to promote neurogenesis. Importantly, CBD also reverses and prevents the development of cognitive deficits in AD rodent models. Interestingly, combination therapies of CBD and Δ -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient of , show that CBD can antagonize the psychoactive effects associated with THC and possibly mediate greater therapeutic benefits than either phytocannabinoid alone. The studies provide "proof of principle" that CBD and possibly CBD-THC combinations are valid candidates for novel AD therapies. Further investigations should address the long-term potential of CBD and evaluate mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects described.
ISSN:1663-9812
1663-9812
DOI:10.3389/fphar.2017.00020