title: In vivoEvidence for Therapeutic Properties of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's Disease.
abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that is affecting an increasing number of people. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau hyperphosphorylation as well as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Current AD treatments do not stop or reverse the disease progression, highlighting the need for new, more effective therapeutics. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that has demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant propertiesin vitro. Thus, it is investigated as a potential multifunctional treatment option for AD. Here, we summarize the current status quo ofin vivoeffects of CBD in established pharmacological and transgenic animal models for AD. The studies demonstrate the ability of CBD to reduce reactive gliosis and the neuroinflammatory response as well as to promote neurogenesis. Importantly, CBD also reverses and prevents the development of cognitive deficits in AD rodent models. Interestingly, combination therapies of CBD and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient ofcannabis sativa, show that CBD can antagonize the psychoactive effects associated with THC and possibly mediate greater therapeutic benefits than either phytocannabinoid alone. The studies provide "proof of principle" that CBD and possibly CBD-THC combinations are valid candidates for novel AD therapies. Further investigations should address the long-term potential of CBD and evaluate mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects described.
authors.affiliation: Karl Group, Behavioural Neuroscience, Western Sydney University Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Watt
authors.affiliation: Karl Group, Behavioural Neuroscience, Western Sydney UniversityCampbelltown, NSW, Australia; Neuroscience Research AustraliaRandwick, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karl
keywords: Alzheimer's disease; cannabidiol; therapy; transgenic mouse model; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol