Recent research shows cannabis can decrease epileptic seizures in children by 86 percent
When ten children with seizure disorders started taking a treatment that included the entire cannabis plant, including cannabidiol, terpenes, and flavonoids, their seizure rate decreased by 86 percent on average.
Although according to former research, the anti-seizure properties of marijuana plants are unlikely to be distilled to a single molecule like cannabidiol (CBD). Several more anticonvulsant chemicals in the cannabis plant have been discovered in new Australian experiments and these discoveries may be even more effective than CBD.
These case studies show a better performance than CBD extracts alone, although the study was neither randomized nor placebo-controlled. The study results were backed up by short observational research in the United Kingdom.
The only form of an approved Cannabis drug for the treatment of severe seizure disorders by the United States Federal Drug Agency (FDA) is an oral extract called Epidyolex.
The Dravet Syndrome
Children with Dravet Syndrome, a rare epilepsy syndrome have shown resistance to the Epidyolex drug in placebo trials and recent studies show only a 32 percent success rate of the drug.
This result shows a lower success rate of treatment compared to the whole Cannabis plant drug. Although the results still require further research, studies show the success rate is extremely promising.
‘We are in the process of studying the components of each approved medication and we also plan to give an extensive report of the findings’, the authors of the case write.
The Medical Effects of the Cannabis Plant
Considered illegal in most countries around the world, scientists are trying to understand the medical effects of the Cannabis plant but have been unsuccessful.
‘The flavonoids are thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties and are also more effective in relieving pain compared to Aspirin. Terpenes, the overlooked constituent, is responsible for the funky smell and looks remarkably similar to garlic, possessing anti-carcinogenic properties in the body.’, the authors added.
Meanwhile, guardians are required to pay private treatment costs of £2000 per month at the expense of their financial capabilities.
This research will be of great benefit to families who are in charge of catering for sick children’, the authors of the case studies conclude.
