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Review
. 2024 May 25;25(11):5749.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25115749.

The Use of Compounds Derived from Cannabis sativa in the Treatment of Epilepsy, Painful Conditions, and Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Anna Stasiłowicz-Krzemień  1 , Wiktoria Nogalska  1 , Zofia Maszewska  1 , Mateusz Maleszka  1 , Maria Dobroń  1 , Agnieszka Szary  1 , Aleksandra Kępa  1 , Marcin Żarowski  2 , Katarzyna Hojan  3   4 , Malgorzata Lukowicz  5 , Judyta Cielecka-Piontek  1   6
Affiliations
Review

The Use of Compounds Derived from Cannabis sativa in the Treatment of Epilepsy, Painful Conditions, and Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Anna Stasiłowicz-Krzemień et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Neurological disorders present a wide range of symptoms and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Cannabis sativa, with its diverse chemical composition, offers potential therapeutic benefits due to its anticonvulsive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Beyond cannabinoids, cannabis contains terpenes and polyphenols, which synergistically enhance its pharmacological effects. Various administration routes, including vaporization, oral ingestion, sublingual, and rectal, provide flexibility in treatment delivery. This review shows the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis in managing neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric disorders, and painful pathologies. Drawing from surveys, patient studies, and clinical trials, it highlights the potential of cannabis in alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving overall quality of life for patients. Understanding the diverse therapeutic mechanisms of cannabis can open up possibilities for using this plant for individual patient needs.

Keywords: Cannabis sativa; cannabidiol; cannabis; neurological disorders; tetrahydrocannabinol.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The structures of cannabinoids (cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in neutral, acidic, and varinic forms.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structures of chosen terpenes, myrcene, limonene, α-pinene, and linalool.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Chemical structures of cannflavins.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The potential of cannabis use in discussed neurological diseases of various etiologies.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The possible mechanisms of action of CBD in epilepsy [105].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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