A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Muscle & Nerve shows that full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) oil may help treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Alfenas in Brazil, the study focused on both in vitro and in vivo models, using an animal model.
“Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by pathogenic variants in the DMD gene, making muscle fibers susceptible to contraction-induced membrane damage”, states the study’s abstract. “Given the potential beneficial action of cannabidiol (CBD), we evaluated the in vitro effect of full-spectrum CBD oil on the viability of dystrophic muscle fibers and the in vivo effect on myopathy of the mdx mouse, a DMD model.”
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Victoria Police, examining proscribed drug detections in road crashes. Time series graphs per substance explored indicative trends and comparisons between road users. Negative binomial regression models, with robust SEs and adjusted for exposure (kilometres travelled, Victorian licence holders), modelled the incidence rate ratio, with a Bonferroni-adjusted α=0.007 for multiple comparisons.
In vitro tests showed that full-spectrum CBD oil had a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. However, when administered in vivo to 14-day-old mdx mice at 10 mg/kg per day for 14 days, the treatment was safe and yielded significant improvements in muscle pathology.
The study reported reductions in key markers of muscle damage, including a decrease in central nuclei, IgG+ myofibers, inflammatory areas, and fibrosis in the diaphragm and quadriceps muscles. Myofiber size increased significantly, while macrophage presence and NF-κB levels were also reduced. Additionally, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, a marker of muscle damage, were lowered following CBD treatment.
“Full-spectrum CBD oil may represent a promising new approach to treating DMD, but its potential toxicity must be considered”, concludes the study.
