Cannabidiol (CBD) in neurological disorders: past, present and future perspectives

Event Description:

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active ingredients of Cannabis sativa and it has about 400 bioactive substances and cannabis can be classified as a medicinal plant. Cannabinoids is a group of compounds highly present in this herb; they are divided into psychoactive agents, the highlight being Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and non-psychoactive agents, like the CBD. The neurobiological effects of compounds present in Cannabis, with a focus on Cannabidiol, will be presented to the public, with special focus on its use for treating epilepsy and chronic pain.
It is well-known that the incidence of chronic pain in the general population is high and its impact on quality of life, mood, and sleep exceed the burden of its causal pathology. The cannabinoid system plays an essential role in the pain sensitivity neuronal networks. In this perspective, cannabidiol is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Similarly, the endocannabinoid system is closely related to neural networks involved in the genesis and control of epileptic seizures. Therefore, pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system, as well as treatment with CBD are important therapeutic approaches for the control of epileptic seizures.
Advances in clinical and preclinical research of epilepsy and chronic pain, will also be presented and discussed, with emphasis on Brazilian research groups with international recognized by their studies in these research areas.