2. Conclusion
In this context of medicinal cannabis as a therapy for diseases of the nervous system, especially neurodegenerative diseases, the highlights have been the cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Several strategies, involving preclinical and clinical research, have reinforced the role of CBD in neuroinflammation, neuroprotection and anti-apoptotic, antiepileptic, as presented in this review. But, evidence on the molecular, cellular and behavioral mechanisms resulting from its interaction with a complex expanded endocannabinoid system requires further studies, particularly in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diseases addressed in this review.
Significant therapeutic effects of CBD have been observed for epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, while nabiximois has been a frequent option for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has been evaluated as a drug that contributes to the reduction of spasticity [113]. Its role as a CB2 receptor inverse agonist, AEA reuptake inhibitor and non-competitive negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor is known [178], but a possible action of CBD in neutralizing the effects of THC has been discussed and it is expected that such interaction mechanisms will be addressed in future studies. In general, in some diseases CBD has shown promising therapeutic benefits, but it is necessary to wait for the evidence to come from more randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that reach diverse populations.
Much research still needs to be done, requiring preclinical studies that mimic the pathological conditions and double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials so that robust data allow conclusions based on scientific evidence.