CBDV (Cannabidivarin) is a cannabinoid that has sparked the interest of many medical specialists. It has been shown to reduce acute anxiety and has anticonvulsant properties by interacting with neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate.
CBDV is found in a few select cannabis strains but not as much as the more prevalent cannabinoids like CBD and THC. However, it is starting to draw the attention of pharmaceutical companies.
Anti-seizure
What CBDV benefits? CBDV has piqued the interest of scientists due to its potential for reducing seizures. This cannabinoid has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in animal and human studies.
It has also been shown to reduce acute anxiety and decrease the occurrence of seizures in people with autism spectrum disorder. It acts on the TRPA1 and TRPV2 ion channels to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability, thus reducing seizure activity.
Anti-anxiety
CBDV is a relative newcomer to formal medical research. However, the interest in this cannabinoid is growing fast.
Studies in rats and mice have demonstrated CBDV’s potential as an anticonvulsant agent by dephosphorylating TRP channels. These studies also showed that CBDV reduced the length and strength of simulated epileptic seizures.
In a study on participants who experienced public speaking anxiety, CBDV significantly reduced their acute pressure. It enhanced the extinction of contextually conditioned fear responses and activated GABA receptors.
Anti-cancer
CBDV shows promising anti-cancer properties in animal experiments. It significantly reduced tumor growth rates in xenografts and prevented the recurrence of tumors after chemotherapy.
A human case study also reported a patient with recurrent cancer achieving remission after taking CBDV alongside the anti-cancer drug temozolomide.
CBDV works through the ECS and TRP ion channels to regulate the excitatory and inhibitory systems in the brain, which is why it can reduce nausea symptoms and ease inflammation. It may even help with some types of seizures.
Anti-inflammation
CBDV has excellent potential as a pharmaceutical drug. Some Pharmaceuticals have developed it to reduce seizures in certain types of epilepsy, and it is currently in clinical trials. It is also showing promise in supporting symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and reducing nausea.
It is working on creating cannabis strains that are high in this unique cannabinoid. They will be similar to their hemp-only genetics and can be grown using the same mediums and methods as other cannabis plants.
Anti-aging
CBDV is one of the 113 known cannabinoids found in hemp plants. It was discovered over 50 years ago but was not widely researched, as cannabis and hemp were illegal in many states.
Now that hemp and CBD products are legal, CBDV is getting more attention from researchers. In one study, CBDV was shown to reduce the toxicity of a chemical that causes neuron damage in mice. Another study on rats showed that it acts as an inverse agonist to CB1 receptors, blocking the onset of nausea.
Pain relief
CBDV shows solid anticonvulsant potential, and it was found to alleviate recurrent behavioral and communication issues in rodents. It has also been shown to inhibit chemically-induced seizures.
CBDV doesn’t have a strong affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors, so it doesn’t produce the intoxicating effects of cannabis. However, it activates and desensitizes the TRPV1 receptors, which detect pain and heat.
GW Pharmaceuticals is developing a CBDV drug called GWP42006 that may help treat drug-resistant epilepsy. There’s also interest in CBDV for autism spectrum disorders and Rett syndrome, which is caused by an X chromosome mutation and causes seizures and muscle stiffness.
Rett syndrome
When Janelle Noble Donovan’s daughter, Raegan, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes seizures and affects girls more than boys, she knew she wanted to try cannabis. But her doctors weren’t receptive.
CBDV has shown anticonvulsant properties in animal studies, and a study published in the ACS Chemical Neuroscience journal found that it interacts with TRP channels to reduce chemically-induced seizures. It also shows promise in easing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder
CBDV has been found to help in several ways, including aiding the mood, healthy cellular function, and normalizing inflammation. It also works as an anticonvulsant and is currently being studied by GW Pharmaceuticals for their pharmaceutical medication Epilodex to aid people with resistant epilepsy.
This study found that CBDV shifted subcortical excitatory glutamate systems in autistic and neurotypical brains; however, responses to CBDV varied by baseline Glx levels.
Muscular dystrophy
GW Pharmaceuticals is exploring CBDv’s effect on childhood intractable epilepsy, but that’s not the only condition that this cannabinoid could treat. Scientists also want to learn more about its impact on patients with muscular dystrophy.
Dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy are caused by genetic mutations that lead to skeletal muscle degeneration and inflammation. CBD and CBDV can reduce these symptoms in mdx mice and improve muscle function through TRP channel activation.
