A recent article from PracticeUpdate examines the effects of a high cannabidiol (CBD) and low Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) formulation on patients with Parkinson’s disease through a randomised trial. The study aimed to assess whether this specific CBD/THC formulation could improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients compared to a placebo.
Motor Symptoms Analysis: According to the findings, the results indicated that the motor symptoms, as measured by the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), reduced by 4.57 points in the CBD/THC group, while the placebo group experienced a reduction of 2.77 points. Despite these numbers, the study concluded that these reductions were not statistically significant enough to demonstrate a clear benefit from the CBD/THC treatment.
Impact on Cognitive Function and Sleep: Moreover, the study reported that cognitive function and sleep appeared to worsen in the CBD/THC group. It doesn’t help. It actually worsens cognitive function in patients with PD. This was an important finding as it contradicted the hypothesis that CBD might have neuroprotective effects. Additionally, the CBD/THC group reported more adverse events compared to the placebo group. The reported adverse events raise concerns about the safety profile of this formulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The plasma levels of CBD and THC in the patients were also measured during the study. In the CBD/THC group, the CBD plasma level was found to be 54.0 ng/mL, while the THC level was significantly lower at 1.06 ng/mL. These levels highlight the intended high CBD to low THC ratio of the formulation used in the trial.
Summary of Findings: In summary, the study reveals that short-term therapy with a high CBD/low THC formulation does not significantly improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. It doesn’t help. It actually worsens cognitive function and sleep, highlighting the need for further research into the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in treating Parkinson’s disease.
Source: PracticeUpdate