CBDv, like CBD, affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It activates the TRPA1 and TRPV ion channels to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability.
A 2019 study published in Translational Psychiatry found that some CBDv benefits significantly include improved locomotion and reduced inflammation in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It also helped restore and enhance muscle function.
Rett Syndrome
Children with Rett Syndrome often become agitated and prone to crying or screaming. Sometimes, these episodes can last for hours and may be unprovoked. Some children with Rett Syndrome can also experience seizures.
CBD has been shown to decrease agitation and acute anxiety. It interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, including glutamate and anandamide. It is thought to positively impact the endocannabinoid system, which can regulate levels of these compounds.
In addition, CBD has been shown to disrupt various contextually conditioned fear memory processes in mice. In one experiment, CBD was injected into the mouse model’s IL cortex, which enhanced fear extinction. This was achieved by blocking CB1 receptors. The data was collected from participants in the multicenter RNHS (Rett Syndrome Natural History Study), and medication logs were available for 1380 females with RTT who participated in two iterations.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophies refer to a set of genetic conditions that result in muscle weakness. The onset and progression of each type of muscular dystrophy differ, and they are all brought about by a defective gene that produces a protein responsible for safeguarding muscle fibers.
Muscular dystrophy can result in severe complications such as heart issues and breathing difficulties and hinder one’s ability to carry out daily tasks. More than 30 types of muscular dystrophy exist with varying severity levels.
Many people with muscular dystrophy take medication to manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Medications include corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and a drug that helps with muscle strength. They may also be enrolled in a clinical trial that tests new medicine. Talk to your doctor about whether this might be an option for you or your child. They can recommend tools like pill organizers, easy-to-open pill bottles, and renewal reminders. They can also help you find a support group.
Autism
CBD is a type of cannabinoid that doesn’t cause intoxication. It interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body to help reduce nausea and regulate the nervous system. Researchers are currently studying its potential to treat various conditions, such as ASD and seizures.
The latest study shows CBDv may help with anxiety and stress in ASD children. The research found that people with ASD often have comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience ongoing and exaggerated concerns about situations or events disproportionate to the actual circumstances. This symptom can cause sleep disruptions, appetite changes, and decreased functioning.
This latest study showed that CBDV shifts glutamate and anandamide metabolites in the human brain, but individual responses vary with baseline levels. These findings suggest that CBDV modulates subcortical excitatory glutamate systems in neurotypical and autistic individuals, but the impact depends on baseline levels.
Epilepsy
A major problem in people with epilepsy is stress. The stress hormones in the body impact the same parts of the brain as seizures and can trigger them. This is why it’s important to manage anxiety levels to reduce the risk of triggering a seizure.
Panic attacks are a common psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy. They are often triggered by fear, a pounding or racing heartbeat, sweating and chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, tingling, and weakness. Some people may also experience psychogenic nonepileptic events (PNEE) that look and feel like seizures but are not caused by epilepsy.
CBDV is a powerful anti-nausea agent, with preliminary research on rodents showing that it acts as an agonist on the CB1 receptors and blocks the nausea response.