Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from a Prospective Single-Center Clinical Study

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“Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with a wide range of debilitating symptoms, and conventional therapies often fail to adequately address the disease’s multifaceted challenges. Cannabidiol (CBD) 13.0% + Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 9.0% (CBD13/THC9), a vaporized cannabis-based medicinal product, presents a novel therapeutic option for managing MS symptoms. 

Methods: This single-center longitudinal study followed 69 MS patients over a six-month period. Participants were assessed at treatment initiation and at three- and six-month intervals. Key measures included muscle spasticity, urine bladder dysfunction, and the evaluation of disability progression rate. The evaluation included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Post Void Residual (PVR) volume, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). 

Results: Significant improvement was observed across all outcome assessments. The EDSS score was decreased over time (p = 0.009), indicating a slight reduction in disability progression rate, while MAS scores showed substantial improvement in muscle spasticity (p < 0.001). Urine bladder function improved significantly, with PVR volume showing notable improvement between baseline and the six-month assessment (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed that a gradual increase in vaporized CBD13/THC9 dose was correlated with slightly lower EDSS scores, while the adverse effects were negatively associated with the frequency of cannabinoid use. Finally, patients who were smokers used CBD13/THC9 more frequently. 

Conclusions: The vaporized CBD13/THC9 formulation demonstrated notable efficacy in slightly improving disability progression rate via reduction in muscle spasticity and urine bladder dysfunction in MS patients. This highlights its addon therapeutic value during rehabilitation in MS patients with debilitating disability symptoms.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142928/

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/6/2121

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain

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“Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated muscles, leading to pain, restricted jaw movement, and impaired quality of life. Conventional treatments, including physical therapy, medications, and surgical interventions, have varying degrees of success and potential side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. This study explores the potential role of CBD in TMD management. 

Methods: A review of existing literature was conducted (2007-2024), focusing on preclinical and clinical studies assessing the efficacy of CBD in pain modulation, inflammation reduction, and muscle relaxation. Relevant studies were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Additionally, potential mechanisms of action, including interactions with the endocannabinoid system, were analyzed. 

Results: Studies suggest that CBD exerts analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating CB1 and CB2 receptors, reducing cytokine release, and influencing neurotransmitter pathways. Preliminary clinical evidence indicates that CBD may alleviate TMD-related pain and muscle tension with minimal adverse effects. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are limited. 

Conclusions: CBD demonstrates promise as a potential adjunctive treatment for TMD. Further research, including well-designed clinical trials, is necessary to establish its efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term safety.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142992/

“Within the limitations of this review, current evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) holds promise as a therapeutic adjunct for managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Multiple preclinical and preliminary clinical studies highlight that CBD may reduce muscle hyperactivity, alleviate inflammatory pain, and potentially improve patient-reported outcomes such as sleep and anxiety. These findings align with the review’s primary objective, which was to assess whether CBD could mitigate TMD symptoms and serve as a viable treatment option.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/3/328

Cannabidiol-Based Thiosemicarbazones: A Preliminary Study Evaluating Their Anti-Tyrosinase Properties

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“Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has attracted significant research interest due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. As a versatile scaffold in drug discovery, CBD has been widely explored for developing novel therapeutics.

In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the anti-tyrosinase activity of CBD-based thiosemicarbazones.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses were conducted to assess the impact of various functional groups on tyrosinase inhibition, including an evaluation of inhibitory kinetics for selected compounds.

The synthesized derivatives demonstrated potent tyrosinase inhibition, with activity comparable to kojic acid, a standard tyrosinase inhibitor. Given the crucial role of tyrosinase in melanin biosynthesis, these findings suggest that CBD-based thiosemicarbazones could serve as promising candidates for managing tyrosinase-related disorders, including hyperpigmentation and melanogenesis-related conditions. Moreover, the presence of thiosemicarbazone moieties may contribute to the observed inhibitory effects, potentially through metal chelation at the enzyme’s active site.

This study provides valuable insights into the design of CBD-derived inhibitors targeting tyrosinase. Further optimization and in-depth biological evaluation are warranted to explore their full therapeutic potential.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142066/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/6/1291

Transcriptomic Alterations Induced by Tetrahydrocannabinol in SIV/HIV Infection: A Systematic Review

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“Given the high prevalence of cannabis use among people with HIV (PWH) and its potential to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, this systematic review examines preclinical evidence on how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a key compound in cannabis, affects gene and micro-RNA expression in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques and HIV-infected human cells.

Through a comprehensive search, 19 studies were identified, primarily involving SIV-infected macaques, with a pooled sample size of 176, though methodological quality varied across the studies. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs associated with THC revealed enrichment in pathways related to inflammation, epithelial cell proliferation, and adhesion. Notably, some DEGs were targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs, suggesting that epigenetic regulation may contribute to THC’s effects on gene function.

These findings indicate that THC may help mitigate chronic immune activation in HIV infection by altering gene and miRNA expression, suggesting its potential immunomodulatory role. However, the evidence is constrained by small sample sizes and inconsistencies across studies. Further research employing advanced methodologies and larger cohorts is essential to confirm THC’s potential as a complementary therapy for PWH and fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms, which could inform targeted interventions to harness its immunomodulatory effects.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40141240/

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/6/2598

Anti-Infective Screening of Selected Nine Cannabinoids Against Clostridium perfringens and Influenza A (H5N1) Neuraminidases, and SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and Spike Protein Interactions

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“Recently, cannabinoids have gained scientific interest as a promising anti-infective natural product class, as reported in several studies. However, the existing knowledge is mainly limited to common cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Therefore, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap by investigating the anti-infective potential of nine selected cannabinoids (both common and rare cannabinoids): THC, CBD, CBC, CBE, CBF, CBG, CBL, CBN, and CBT against Clostridium perfringens and Influenza A (H5N1) neuraminidases and SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike protein-human ACE2 interaction using a standard in vitro biochemical enzyme-binding assay.

As a result, to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the most promising effect of CBG over others in its class against C. perfringens and influenza A (H5N1) neuraminidases and SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike protein-human ACE2 interaction. In comparison to CBG, CBD and THC were the second and third most promising candidates. Meanwhile, the other derivatives, such as CBC, CBE, CBF, CBL, CBN, and CBT, showed at least one anti-infective effect.

Our findings during the early drug discovery process indicate a promising anti-infective potential of cannabinoids, which can be considered for further investigation in a biological setup.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40136439/

“In this study, the authors reported the anti-infective potential of nine selected cannabinoids against three common pathogenic mechanisms of C. perfringens, influenza A, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses for the first time. The results show that cannabinoids are a promising natural product class against C. perfringens and influenza A neuraminidases, and SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike protein–human ACE2 interaction. Therefore, this study provides a solid scientific background for research on the pharmaceutical application of cannabinoids.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/3/185

Antimicrobial Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD)-infused Lozenges against Streptococcus mutans in Oral Health

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“Cannabidiol presents several benefits, including but not limited to its analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-pruritic, and anti-cancer properties.

In this clinical trial, the antimicrobial impact of CBD-infused lozenges on Streptococcus mutans was examined using quantitative polymerized chain reaction (qPCR) bacterial analysis.

This clinical trial involved 30 dental hygiene and nursing students who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study and were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group was given CBD-infused lozenges for 15 days, while the control group received sugar-free candy. Participants consumed one CBD-infused lozenge (300 mg) daily for 15 days, allowing it to dissolve slowly in the mouth for gradual absorption. The study focused on measuring changes in the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans using quantitative polymerized chain reaction (qPCR) tests. Saliva samples were collected, and DNA extracted for qPCR analysis, assessing the bacterial load.

The results, analyzed using a t-test, showed a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans levels in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0299).These findings suggest that cannabidiol may effectively reduce Streptococcus mutans in saliva, thus potentially helping to lower the risk of tooth decay as a multifactorial disease.

This study underscores the potential of cannabidiol in enhancing oral health and calls for further research to explore its therapeutic applications in dental care.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40136134/

https://www.scielo.br/j/bdj/a/WZ7rQGBjyWXNtHkK9nYBbsB/?lang=en

The use of cannabinoid therapy in treatment-refractory isolated REM sleep behavior disorder: a case report

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“Current treatments for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) are not always effective and can lead to dose-limited adverse events, and new treatments are needed for this condition.

We present a case of a patient with treatment-refractory isolated RBD who had a dramatic and sustained improvement in dream enactment behaviors using oral tinctures containing cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol without adverse events over 5 years of follow-up.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40130438/

https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.11704

Cannabidiol reverses myeloperoxidase hyperactivity in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and reduces protein carbonyls in the hippocampus in a ketamine-induced schizophrenia rat model

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“Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) has limited treatment options, often with significant side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-euphoric phytocannabinoid, has shown potential as a novel therapeutic option in SCZ due to antipsychotic-like, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. We compared the therapeutic effects of CBD and risperidone (RISP) in a rat model of SCZ induced by sub-chronic ketamine (KET), focusing on inflammatory and oxidative stress, and behavioral phenotypes.

Methods: Rats were pre-treated with KET or saline (SAL) for 10 days followed by CBD or RISP for 8 days. Locomotion, anxiety- and anhedonia-like behavior, and recognition memory were assessed. Oxidative damage as measured by protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and catalase activity, and the inflammation markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and nitrite/nitrate (N/N) concentration ratio were assessed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hypothalamus (HYP), hippocampus (HPC), and striatum, brain areas relevant to SCZ.

Results: CBD restored the KET-induced decreased rearing behavior in the OFT, while RISP further decreased rearing. RISP treatment in control rats decreased rearing and elicited an anhedonic-like phenotype, while CBD did not. CBD, but not RISP restored the KET-induced increased levels of MPO activity in the PFC and the striatum, and protein carbonyls in the HPC. Post-KET treatment with RISP but not CBD decreased protein carbonyls in the PFC, and decreased the N/N concentration ratio in the HYP.

Conclusion: CBD restored the KET-induced decrease in rearing behavior without inducing an anhedonic-like phenotype as observed with RISP. CBD, and to a lesser extent RISP restored the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation elicited by KET in the striatum, HPC, and PFC. These findings support the possibility that the antipsychotic effects of CBD might be mediated by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40132281/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996425000908?via%3Dihub

Expanding the therapeutic role of highly purified cannabidiol in monogenic epilepsies: A multicenter real-world study

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“Objective: This real-world, retrospective, multicenter study aims to investigate the effectiveness of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) in a large cohort of patients with epilepsy of genetic etiology due to an identified monogenic cause. Additionally, we examine the potential relationship between specific genetic subgroups and treatment response.

Methods: This study was conducted across 27 epilepsy centers and included patients with monogenic epileptic disorders (pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants) who were treated with highly purified CBD for at least 3 months.

Results: A total of 266 patients (135 females, 50.8%) with monogenic epilepsies were included with a median age at CBD initiation of 12 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 7-19) and a median follow-up duration of 17 months (IQR = 12-24). Overall, 77 different monogenic epilepsies have been included, with the most common genes being SCN1A (32.3%), TSC2 (13.5%), CDKL5, and MECP2 (4.5% each). The mean seizure reduction at the last follow-up was 38.6%, with 47.5% of patients achieving ≥50% seizure reduction and 7.4% achieving seizure freedom. The Clinical Global Impression scale indicated improvement in 65.8% of patients. The general linear mixed model revealed that a shorter maximum duration of seizure freedom before CBD initiation and a higher degree of intellectual disability were independently associated with lower CBD effectiveness. Conversely, no significant differences in seizure outcome were observed across different epilepsy syndromes (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex epilepsy, and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathy), between approved indications and off-label use, or between concomitant clobazam use or not.

Significance: This study supports CBD as a potential treatment for monogenic epilepsies beyond its licensed indications, demonstrating comparable effectiveness between approved and off-label use and suggesting genetic subgroups with promising treatment responses.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40126049/

Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol

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“Introduction: A growing number of publications are devoted to topical cannabinoid therapies in present-day cosmetology, as they appear to be safe and effective treatment modalities aimed at improving the comfort and quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). A thorough patient interview, physical examination, clinical picture, and aetiopathogenesis of AD allow for a correct diagnosis and enable the choice of the least invasive pharmacological treatment.

Purpose: In our medical experiment, we found a correlation between the findings of studies by other authors and the validation of our hypothesis that topical cannabinoid therapy is effective in the prevention and management of AD flares. A thorough analysis of the obtained results provided insights into the extent to which the applied ointment influenced the improvement of the skin’s biophysical parameters (hydration, lipid content, transepidermal water loss, and erythema).

Patients and methods: This medical experimental study was conducted from May to July 2022 and included a group of nine patients (five men and four women) aged 20- to 67-years-old were diagnosed with AD. The study involved transdermal delivery of an ointment compounded with cholesterol ointment, 30% cannabidiol (CBD), 5% cannabigerol (CBG), and hemp seed oil, and assessment of biophysical skin parameters, including corneometry (skin hydration), TEWL, sebumetry, and pH (acidity).

Results: A preliminary analysis of our pilot study points to the potential of employing ointments and creams containing 30% CBD and 5% CBG as alternatives to conventional auxiliary therapies during both flare-ups and remission. The results we achieved included improved skin hydration, sebum level, and TEWL as well as reduced erythema in the studied areas (forearms).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that topical cannabinoid therapy is effective in reducing itching and improving the quality of life of patients with AD, leading to symptom remission in some cases.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40124934/

“The preliminary analysis of the findings of the pilot study based on a review of recent EBM-compliant studies and the results of our experimental study conducted over a period of three months showed that the topical delivery of the ointment compounded with Cannabis Sativa L. var. sativa oil, cholesterol ointment, 30% CBD, and 5% CBG led to the remission of skin lesions on the forearms of the included patients. Furthermore, in the course of the therapy, patients adhering to the topical cannabinoid regimen achieved satisfactory skin parameters, including normal hydration and sebum levels, as well as improved TEWL and erythema, as opposed to patients who reported failure to comply with the regimen owing to the fatty texture of the formulation, despite the instructions they received.”

https://www.dovepress.com/evaluation-of-biophysical-parameters-of-the-skin-of-patients-with-atop-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID