Over the years, studies have shown numerous health benefits of cannabis, including its potential to relieve Down syndrome symptoms. This article highlights how CBD functions in the body and how this product can help with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is a prevalent chromosomal condition in the United States. It occurs when one has an extra chromosome. The additional chromosome is medically called Trisomy, and its cause has not been identified. A person with Down syndrome is highly vulnerable to infections, is likely to have behavioral impulsiveness, doesn’t concentrate for long, makes poor judgments, and has slow learning abilities. Although studies suggest CBD oil as a treatment for Down syndrome, these claims have not been scientifically approved. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has also not approved CBD oil for this condition. This article discusses more about CBD oil for Down syndrome and what current research has to say.
Comprehending CBD Oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is among over a hundred active compounds of the cannabis plant, referred to as cannabinoids. CBD is the major non-psychoactive compound, meaning it doesn’t produce a high feeling. The other most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a psychoactive compound that gives users a high feeling. CBD oil has been lauded for the natural treatment of various ailments and conditions. It has been found to have therapeutic properties; thus the compound has stormed the health and beauty space worldwide. Additionally, you can access CBD products in various forms, including capsules, topicals, pills, vapes, and tinctures. By taking CBD in one of these forms, research shows that it may improve the Down syndrome condition without a high feeling.
Besides, cannabidiol is a fairly safe alternative with minimum or no side effects. Remember, the cannabidiol may interact with other drugs you may be taking, which may cause more problems. However, always talk to a health professional before using cannabidiol for any treatment to avoid worse situations.
How CBD Functions In Your Body
Most aspects surrounding CBD oil and its use are still a mystery. Therefore, we rely on anecdotal evidence showing promising results. Scientists suggest that the human body has a complex system of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. This system is wholly referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps in maintaining the body at a homeostatic state. When you take CBD products, CBD interacts with the ECS to promote homeostasis or stability when your body goes out of balance. The ECS is responsible for major body functions such as anxiety, stress, moods, sleep, and immunity. Its interactions have made researchers believe that CBD may be a potent treatment for Down syndrome. Remember, these claims have no scientific back up neither has the FDA endorsed CBD oil for these assertions.
What Research Says About Down Syndrome
Stasiulewicz et al. (2020) showed that patients with Down syndrome are likely to have enhanced activity in their CB2 receptors and the enzyme (DAAH). They break down endocannabinoid anandamide in their beta-amyloid plaques. This study approved CBD use in various forms, from gummies to tinctures and topicals. Maroon & Bost (2018) revealed that CBD and THC were able to minimize damaged neurons and amyloid plaques in humans and animals with various conditions.
Pinto et al. (2020) found that mice with Down syndrome had more CB1 receptors in the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory, compared to mice lacking the condition. The research also revealed that hindering these CB1 receptors with gene therapy or medication corrected memory deficits, synaptic plasticity, plus neurogenesis which is the growth of new brain cells in the adult brain. Shannon et al. (2019) showed that CBD enhanced sleep which is key for Down syndrome patients. Elsewhere, Wijnen et al. (2020) stated that CBD could potentially treat seizures, and it’s the only CBD product with FDA approval. Moreover, there’s anecdotal evidence that CBD oil may enhance Down syndrome symptoms. Parents of children with Down syndrome have disclosed that their kids would speak clearer, with better focus and attention, fewer seizures, and enhanced mobility.
CBD Oils for Down Syndrome Symptoms
If you consider taking CBD products to alleviate Down syndrome symptoms. In that case, you should consult a doctor prior for dosage instructions and advice concerning other medications you may be taking at the moment. CBD oil or products aren’t recommended for Down syndrome symptoms. CBD is still new, and most brands are unreliable. These brands display wrong information, particularly CBD and THC strength. Also, CBD oil products have no one size fits all, and people react differently to specific dosages. Always begin low and work your way up under medical guidance.
Defiance of CBD Oil for Down syndrome Symptoms
Although research is promising and relays that cannabidiol could assist with Down syndrome symptoms, various challenges have been encountered. First, science hasn’t proved the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the condition. Available studies only point out that this condition has something to do with the endocannabinoid system and that correcting deficits might lead to some remedies.
It is still doubtful if human beings have an ECS, and it’s there that the level of affecting genetic conditions hasn’t been fully established. Also, most studies involved animals, so human research is needed to make conclusive remarks. Moreover, CBD oil isn’t yet under FDA regulation for most conditions it’s claimed to treat, including Down syndrome symptoms.
Conclusion
Down syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from an additional chromosome and thus results in mental and physical disabilities. Other symptoms include decreased learning abilities, performance, and low concentration span. Due to the risk of adverse effects related to conventional treatments, most victims of this condition have opted for natural treatments such as CBD oil. Although numerous research has been conducted, its preliminary research is without scientific backup and thus can’t be used to make conclusive assertions. So, there are so many knowledge gaps around CBD oil studies, and using CBD oil for Down syndrome treatment is almost a risky attitude.
However, available research has shown promising results. Talking to a health professional will save you all the trouble.
References
Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9.
Pinto, B., Morelli, G., Rastogi, M., Savardi, A., Fumagalli, A., Petretto, A., … & Cancedda, L. (2020). Rescuing over-activated microglia restores cognitive performance in juvenile animals of the Dp (16) mouse model of Down syndrome. Neuron, 108(5), 887-904.
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
Stasiulewicz, A., Znajdek, K., Grudzień, M., Pawiński, T., & Sulkowska, J. I. (2020). A guide to targeting the endocannabinoid system in drug design. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(8), 2778.Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
Wijnen, B., Armstrong, N., Ramaekers, B., Witlox, W., Westwood, M., Fayter, D., … & Joore, M. (2020). Cannabidiol for adjuvant treatment of seizures associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome: an evidence review group perspective of a NICE single technology appraisal. Pharmacoeconomics, 38(10), 1043-1053.
