CBD Oil for CTE - April 2024

Why People Are Turning to CBD for CTE

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive hits to the head. It is commonly found in athletes and people with a history of repeated brain trauma.

In CTE, a type of protein, known as tau, begins to accumulate and slowly spread throughout the brain, destroying brain cells along the way⁽⁶⁾.

Memory loss, impaired judgment, confusion, and progressive dementia are some of the indicators of CTE. 

The cognitive signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy usually appear later than the other symptoms.

Neuroinflammation, an inflammatory response within the brain, is believed to play a critical role in the development of CTE⁽⁷⁾.

Microglial cells of the nervous system used for immune defense are said to contribute to the accumulation and spread of the tau protein. 

When activated, these cells bring about a neuroinflammatory response that researchers believe can be targeted for therapeutic interventions⁽⁸⁾.

The cannabis constituent, known as CBD (cannabidiol), has been reported to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁹⁾.

A review published in 2017 assessed several studies on CBD’s effects on animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.

The studies revealed that CBD was able to reduce neuroinflammatory response and cell damage while promoting neurogenesis⁽¹⁰⁾. Neurogenesis is the process wherein neurons are made in the brain.

Furthermore, the review showed that cannabidiol was able to reverse and prevent the development of cognitive deficits in rodents⁽¹¹⁾. Cognitive impairment is one of the primary symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.  

In 2019, a study published by Frontiers in Pharmacology found that consuming CBD oil restored behavioral alterations in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury⁽¹²⁾. The study’s authors suggested that CBD may be used to improve neurological functions caused by trauma.

Although studies have hinted at CBD’s potential health benefits for CTE, there is still a lack of human evidence to prove that it can effectively treat the condition.

How CBD Oil Works to Help with CTE

Studies conducted on animals and humans revealed that CBD exerts therapeutic benefits for brain function and protection by how it affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽¹³⁾.

The ECS is a system in mammals that is said to maintain homeostasis or balance in the body.

CBD reportedly binds to the CB1 receptors of the ECS⁽¹⁴⁾. Numerous studies have shown that this type of receptor plays a neuroprotective role against neuronal damage⁽¹⁵⁾.

Another study examined the neuroprotective effects of CBD and found that the compound provides potent neuroprotection through an anti-inflammatory CB1 receptor mechanism⁽¹⁶⁾.

Furthermore, authors in a 2010 study learned that CBD induced robust neuroprotection in the brain of newborn mice by acting on another group of ECS receptors called CB2⁽¹⁷⁾.

The activation of CB2 receptors has been linked to a delayed progression of neurodegenerative events, particularly those involving microglial cells⁽¹⁸⁾.

The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for CTE

The Pros

• Studies previously mentioned have shown that CBD possesses neuroprotective effects that could benefit patients with CTE.
• CBD was found to engage with various receptors of the body, particularly CB1 and CB2, which have been implicated in neuroprotective roles.
• Many places in the United States have legalized the purchase and consumption of cannabidiol. People can obtain CBD products even without a prescription.
• CBD is non-psychoactive. It does not cause a euphoric “high” to its users when consumed.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the potential opportunities that cannabis and cannabis constituents may offer⁽¹⁹⁾.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the safety and non-addictiveness of CBD⁽²⁰⁾.

The Cons

• There is a knowledge gap concerning CBD’s effectiveness in treating neurodegenerative conditions. A lack of human clinical trials has made it difficult to determine whether or not the compound benefits CTE patients.
• Using CBD is not risk-free. Studies on human subjects have shown that the compound can cause diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and drowsiness⁽²¹⁾.
• Epidiolex, a medication for treating two unique forms of epilepsy, is the only CBD product approved by the FDA. No other marketing applications have been found for cannabis and its constituents⁽²²⁾.
• Researchers in a 2018 study found that CBD products are likely to be mislabeled, especially those sold online⁽²³⁾.

How CBD Oil Compares to Alternative Treatments for CTE

Taking vitamins and minerals, such as D, E, and zinc, are believed to help with traumatic brain injury⁽²⁴⁾.

In a clinical trial, a combination therapy consisting of vitamin D and progesterone was found to reduce neuroinflammation in an animal model⁽²⁵⁾.

Animals treated with vitamin E showed a significant attenuation or reduction of learning deficits⁽²⁶⁾.

Vitamin E is considered an essential antioxidant primarily because of its ability to protect from oxidative stress damage. Oxidative stress is regarded as a significant contributor to neurodegeneration⁽²⁷⁾.

A study on zinc supplementation also hinted that the mineral might be an effective treatment for improving cognitive impairment and depression, following traumatic brain injury⁽²⁸⁾.

Like these supplements, CBD has beneficial neuroprotectant effects, as shown in the studies mentioned previously.

Also, people can find CBD products infused with vitamins D, E, and zinc today. 

These items are usually available in the form of CBD tinctures and are advertised to improve overall health.

How to Choose the Right CBD for CTE

Since there is a lack of studies on CBD for CTE, there is no official recommendation on the type of CBD to use.

However, understanding the different forms of the compound may help users identify the most appropriate CBD for their needs.

There are three types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates.

The CBD in full-spectrum form is known for the “entourage effect,” a synergistic action that occurs among cannabis constituents⁽²⁹⁾.

It is labeled “full-spectrum” because this CBD variant contains all of the phytocannabinoids that are naturally present in cannabis plants. 

Full-spectrum CBD may be considered as the most potent form of cannabidiol available.

Quality full-spectrum CBD products are generally high in cannabidiol, with trace amounts of other cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Broad-spectrum CBD is cannabidiol that has been extracted from cannabis along with the other compounds, except for THC. This type of CBD contains terpenes and other cannabinoids found in the plant.

Some individuals prefer to purchase the broad-spectrum variety due to its lack of THC.

CBD isolate is the purest type of CBD that can be bought today. This form of CBD only contains pure cannabidiol.

CBD isolates are often referred to as crystals because it is sold in crystalline form. These crystals can be crushed into powder for easier consumption.

Whichever form of CBD buyers select, choosing only the highest quality available is important.

The following are tips to help users obtain only the best CBD oil:

• Buy organic, non-GMO CBD that has been extracted from hemp plants. Industrial hemp is a reliable source of obtaining cannabidiol.
• Get a copy of the certificate of analysis or COA of the chosen CBD product. This laboratory report indicates that the item contains the exact specifications mentioned on its label.
• Be sure to know the legalities concerning the use of CBD in the state where one plans to purchase the compound. Awareness is crucial to avoid legal repercussions.
• Browse and read testimonials of a store before purchasing online. If deciding to buy from a dispensary, check to see if they have the proper authorization to sell cannabidiol products.
• Talk to a healthcare professional, preferably a doctor knowledgeable in medical cannabis.

Additional Advice to Obtain the Best CBD Oil Products

1. Avoid brands that claim their CBD was extracted from the seeds and stalks of the hemp plant. The seeds of hemp do not have cannabidiol, and the stalks only have trace amounts of the compound.
2. Ensure that CBD edibles, such as CBD gummies, are assessed carefully before buying. Some CBD companies may sell snacks containing artificial or sub-standard ingredients that can be harmful.
3. Feel free to switch to another CBD brand if the present company does not respond appropriately to questions concerning their products.

CBD Dosage for CTE

No official guidelines exist on CBD dosage for chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Although the FDA recognizes cannabidiol’s potential, it has not yet found another marketing application for CBD.

However, one can look at past research to find a dosing range that may be beneficial for their needs.

A 2019 study found that CBD appeared to provide a wide range of activity between 1 and 50 mg/kg per day⁽³⁰⁾. The study’s authors also noted that the side effects of CBD are generally mild and infrequent.

How to Take CBD Oil for CTE

There are many ways to take CBD hemp oil. Users can find tinctures, edibles, topicals, and even vapes.

CBD oil tinctures allow users to apply drops under the tongue. These products come with droppers that make it easy to measure the amount of CBD desired.

Edibles, such as gummies and cookies, are a more direct way of taking cannabidiol. There are also CBD capsules and tablets that can be administered similarly to supplements.

Applying topicals by way of creams, balms, and salves are ideal for massage therapies.

CBD vaping pens used with liquids containing various flavors are also available. However, vaping is not recommended, as it can lead to the worsening of lung disorders⁽³¹⁾.

What Causes CTE?

Repeated head impacts can damage the fibers coursing through the brain. This brain injury can lead to a buildup of a protein known as tau, which is thought to cause cell death⁽³²⁾.

Losing brain cells can interfere with the brain’s normal functions, causing neurological problems, like memory loss, aggressiveness, and depression.

Several types of head injuries may lead to tau accumulation in the brain. These head injuries include:

• Mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions
• A series of mild hits with no symptoms
• Serious brain damage, like traumatic brain injury (TBI)

CTE is common in contact sports⁽³³⁾. Football players, former NFL players, boxers, and military veterans have a high risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

How Is CTE Diagnosed?

At this time, chronic traumatic encephalopathy can only be diagnosed by analyzing the brain tissue of a dead patient.

Doctors who specialize in brain diseases remove the brain tissue and use chemicals to identify tau protein clumps. They then search the brain systematically for patterns related to CTE.

The process can take several months to be completed. The analysis is often not part of the normal autopsy.

Treating a disorder that can only be officially diagnosed after the patient has died is difficult. However, there are steps available that may address the symptoms and provide relief.

Many CTE treatments involve the identification of these symptoms and treating them with targeted therapies.

Conclusion

CTE is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive hits to the head. It is often present in athletes and individuals who continuously experience repeated head traumas and brain traumas.

The inflammatory response of the brain, called neuroinflammation, is thought to contribute significantly to the development of CTE.

CBD is believed to benefit patients with CTE due to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

Several studies have shown the benefits of CBD as a neuroprotectant. The chemical was found to engage with cannabinoid receptors of the ECS to exert its therapeutic effects.

However, no human clinical trials on CBD for CTE have been completed. This lack of data means that CBD has not been proven to be an effective solution for treating the disorder.

People should consult a doctor before deciding to incorporate CBD in their daily regimen.

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