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Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid of the plant Cannabis sativa L. CBD is increasingly being explored as an alternative to conventional therapies to treat health disorders in dogs and cats. Mecha- nisms of action of CBD have been investigated mostly in rodents and in vitro and include modulation of CB1, CB2, 5-HT, GPR, and opioid receptors. In companion animals, CBD appears to have good bioavailability and safety profile with few side effects at physiological doses. Some dog studies have found CBD to improve clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis, pruritus, and epilepsy. However, further studies are needed to conclude a therapeu- tic action of CBD for each of these conditions, as well as for decreasing anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. Herein, we summarize the avail- able scientific evidence associated with the mechanisms of action of CBD, including pharmacokinetics, safety, regulation, and efficacy in ameliorating various health conditions in dogs and cats.

Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid of the plant Cannabis sativa L. CBD is increasingly being explored as an alternative to conventional therapies to treat health disorders in dogs and cats. Mecha- nisms of action of CBD have been investigated mostly in rodents and in vitro and include modulation of CB1, CB2, 5-HT, GPR, and opioid receptors. In companion animals, CBD appears to have good bioavailability and safety profile with few side effects at physiological doses. Some dog studies have found CBD to improve clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis, pruritus, and epilepsy. However, further studies are needed to conclude a therapeu- tic action of CBD for each of these conditions, as well as for decreasing anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. Herein, we summarize the avail- able scientific evidence associated with the mechanisms of action of CBD, including pharmacokinetics, safety, regulation, and efficacy in ameliorating various health conditions in dogs and cats.

Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: A Review

Cultural and social misconceptions and roadblocks about the use of cannabinoids persist and represent an ongoing obstacle to increasing research and therapeutic use of these compounds. This review focuses on all these aspects and of the use of these cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy and seeks to offer a fairly comprehensive description of the facets of cannabinoid therapy for refractory epilepsy.

Current neurologic treatment and emerging therapies in CDKL5 deficiency disorder

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is associated with refractory infantile onset epilepsy, global developmental delay, and variable features that include sleep, behavioral disturbances, and movement disorders. Current treatment is primarily symptom-based and informed by experience in caring for this population.

Long-term safety and efficacy of add-on cannabidiol in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: Results of a long-term open-label extension trial

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is an epileptic encephalopathy that is often treatment resistant. Efficacy and safety of add-on cannabidiol (CBD) to treat seizures associated with LGS was demonstrated in two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Patients who completed the RCTs were invited to enroll in this long-term open-label extension (OLE) trial, GWPCARE5 (NCT02224573). We present the final analysis of safety and efficacy outcomes from GWPCARE5.

Cannabis, a Miracle Drug with Polyvalent Therapeutic Utility: Preclinical and Clinical-Based Evidence

Cannabis sativa L. is an annual herbaceous dioecious plant which was first cultivated by agricultural human societies in Asia. Over the period of time, various parts of the plant like leaf, flower, and seed were used for recreational as well as therapeutic purposes. The main chemical components of Cannabis sativa are termed as cannabinoids, among them the key psychoactive constituent is Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD) as active nonpsychotic constituent. Upon doing extensive literature review, it was found that cannabis has been widely studied for a number of disorders. Very recently, a pure CBD formulation, named Epidiolex, got a green flag from both United States Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration for 2 rare types of epilepsies. This laid a milestone in medical cannabis research. This review intends to give a basic and extensive assessment, from past till present, of the ethnological, plant, chemical, pharmacological, and legal aspects of C. sativa.

Add-on cannabidiol significantly decreases seizures in 3 patients with SYNGAP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy

Authors: Mathieu Kuchenbuch, Gianluca D’Onofrio, Nicole Chemaly, Giulia Barcia, Théo Teng, Rima Nabbout Published in Epilepsia Open July 2020 Abstract Mutations in SYNGAP1 are associated with developmental delay, epilepsy, and…

A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extracts as complementary therapy: a case report

Authors: Juliana Andrea Ponton, Kim Smyth, Elias Soumbasis, Sergio Andres Llanos, Mark Lewis, Wilhelm August Meerholz & Robert Lawrence Tanguay Published in Journal of Medical Case Reports September 2020 Abstract…

The present status of artisanal cannabis for the treatment of epilepsy in the United States.

Authors: Dustin Sulak, Russell Saneto, Bonni Goldstein Published in Epilepsy & Behavior May 2017 Abstract The widespread patient use of artisanal cannabis preparations has preceded quality validation of cannabis use…

Possible therapeutic applications of cannabis in the neuropsychopharmacology field.

Authors: Javier Fernández-Ruiz, Ismael Galve-Roperh, Onintza Sagredo, Manuel Guzmán
European Neuropsychopharmacology, 10 February 2020

Cannabis use induces a plethora of actions on the CNS via its active chemical ingredients, the so-called phytocannabinoids. These compounds have been frequently associated with the intoxicating properties of cannabis preparations. However, not all phytocannabinoids are psychot…

Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy.

Authors: Stephanie McGrath, Lisa R. Bartner, Sangeeta Rao, Rebecca A. Packer, Daniel L. Gustafson
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1 June 2019

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of oral cannabidiol (CBD) administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. DESIGN: Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 26 client-owned dogs with intracta…

Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age.

Authors: José A. Crippa, Francisco S. Guimarães, Alline C. Campos, Antonio W. Zuardi
Frontiers in Immunology, 21 September 2018

Background: Among the many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound that does not produce the typical subjective effects of marijuana. Objectives: The aim of the present review is to describe the main advances in the development of the experimental a…