Efficacy of cannabidiol in the treatment of convulsions and diseases of the central nervous system: systematic review

Abstract

The therapies used to treat central nervous system diseases are complex and most of them have many adverse effects, leading the pharmaceutical industry to research new substances and produce drugs that are more effective and less aggressive to the patient. This research studied the efficacy of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy convulsions and other diseases of the central nervous system. The method adopted was a qualitative exploratory research, carried out through active search in the PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO databases and in official sites such as ANVISA, Brazilian League of Epilepsy and among others, addressing epilepsy, cannabidiol and convulsions. The results showed that, of the articles selected, all agree that cannabidiol (CBD) has anticonvulsive action in epilepsy. However, there was disagreement as to the mechanisms of action and safety in the use. Of these, some explain their agonist properties at 5-HT 1A receptors and point to CBD as activating element of type 1 vanilloid receptor. Most works express the need to elucidate their functioning in the body. The therapeutic properties of CBD need further research to: increase knowledge about this substance, identify its therapeutic window and better understand its mechanism of action in the treatment of neurological diseases. Induce greater safety of administration of the drug for patients and prescribers.