Medical Cannabinoids 5: CBDV
- Australian Studies Gradually Unlock the Therapeutic Potential of the Lesser-Known Cannabinoid CBDV
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds named after the cannabis plant, occurring either naturally in our body (endocannabinoids), in plants (phytocannabinoids) or as artificially produced substances (synthetic cannabinoids). (More in the article "Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System")
Cannabinoids have a wide range of effects acting not only on our brain but also on our muscles, liver, and many other important components of the human body. Of the 113 cannabinoids discovered so far, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is by far the most well-known, which is responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis.
More in articles:
CBD's Sibling - Cannabivarin, or CBDV
By now, you are probably familiar with cannabidiol, or CBD. Most of the previous research has focused on the therapeutic effects of CBD, both due to its abundant content in most strains and its chemically non-invasive and non-toxic nature. The content of cannabinoids and their ratios differ from strain to strain, but cannabidiol is present in various proportions in most medical strains. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it is primarily used in medicine where the psychoactive effects of THC are often undesirable.
However, CBD has an almost unknown relative called cannabidivarin, or CBDV. The chemical structure of CBD and CBDV is very similar, yet different. CBDV lacks two methylene bridges, making its composition shorter. Although CBDV was discovered and isolated in 1969, until now, no clinical studies have focused on its therapeutic effects.
Therapeutic Potential of CBDV
Only in 2012 and 2013 were pioneering studies published in The British Journal of Pharmacology and PeerJ that first demonstrated behavioral and then molecular evidence that cannabidivarin can reduce or completely stop seizures in tested rats. For the purpose of these studies, the compound CBDV was extracted and provided by the British pharmaceutical company GW Pharma.
In an Australian clinical study involving patients with epilepsy, GW Pharma is attempting to unlock the anticonvulsant potential of CBDV. This pharmaceutical giant is currently testing its CBD-based product called Epidiolex in clinical trials in the Australian states of New South Wales and Queensland to determine if it is an effective medication for children suffering from untreatable forms of childhood epileptic syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome. The governments of both states are subsidizing this research. (More in the article "Cannabis Against Epilepsy")
Finding a balance between therapeutic effects and negative side effects is an ongoing battle for pharmaceutical companies and doctors. Different patients react differently to the same dose of the same substance, and treatment costs often outweigh its benefits.
Promising Future of Therapeutic Cannabinoids
Nevertheless, CBD is a very promising substance in the eyes of researchers and patients, as it does not cause any serious side effects. Moreover, it seems that CBD can effectively fight some particularly severe, untreatable forms of childhood epilepsy. Studies focused on this unique substance can help create a more tolerable medication that will ultimately help thousands, if not millions, of children to have a better life. The latest discoveries look very promising. For example, in a phase 1 clinical study in 2014, it was shown that CBDV is very well tolerated even at the highest tested doses and "does not cause any serious side effects."
The Australian and British governments are subsidizing similar clinical studies, and Australia is slowly becoming a world leader in researching the therapeutic potential of cannabis. The successful completion of these studies may provide insight into how CBDV reacts in our body compared to CBD. Moreover, this type of research could in the future stimulate motivation for exploring lesser-known cannabinoids and thus accelerate the elucidation of the overall therapeutic potential of medical cannabis.
Author: Joe Wilson
Translation: Filip Maral
Images: dealpain zamnesia.com
Source: leafly.com