Cannabis-Based Cannabinoids Showed Neuroprotective Effects in MS Animal Models
Synthetic CBD slowed disability accumulation in a mouse model of relapsing MS, possibly by blocking sodium channels, while low-dose THC slowed clinical progression without suppressing immune attacks.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers tested cannabis-derived cannabinoids in a mouse model of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in ABH mice).
Synthetic CBD slowed the accumulation of disability that occurs during the "inflammatory penumbra" (damage spreading from initial immune attack sites), possibly through blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels rather than through cannabinoid receptors.
Non-sedating doses of THC did not suppress the immune attacks (relapses) themselves but dose-dependently slowed the accumulation of disability between attacks. In a human clinical trial, a planned subgroup analysis of less-disabled MS patients who progressed more rapidly showed significant slowing of progression with oral THC versus placebo.
Key Numbers
Synthetic CBD slowed disability in relapsing EAE; non-sedating THC doses slowed progression dose-dependently; phase III subgroup: significant slowing of progression with oral THC in less-disabled, rapidly-progressing patients
How They Did This
Mouse studies using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model with synthetic CBD and THC. Also reported results from a subgroup analysis of a 3-year phase III clinical trial of oral THC in progressive MS.
Why This Research Matters
This study provided both animal and preliminary human evidence that cannabinoids may protect nerve cells during MS. The distinction between suppressing immune attacks (which THC did not do) and slowing disability accumulation (which it did) is critical for understanding how cannabinoids might help.
The Bigger Picture
If confirmed, neuroprotection by cannabinoids could complement existing MS therapies that target the immune system. Current treatments primarily reduce relapses but do not effectively prevent progressive disability. Cannabinoids might fill this gap.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Mouse model does not fully replicate human MS. The human clinical trial subgroup analysis was planned but not the primary outcome. CBD mechanism (sodium channel blockade) was suggested but not confirmed. THC doses that protect without sedation may be difficult to achieve clinically.
Questions This Raises
- ?Can the neuroprotective effects be confirmed in a dedicated clinical trial?
- ?Would CBD's sodium channel blockade be more practical than THC for MS neuroprotection?
- ?Could CBD and THC be combined for additive neuroprotective effects?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- THC slowed progression in MS trial subgroup of rapidly-progressing patients
- Evidence Grade:
- Animal studies plus a subgroup analysis from a phase III trial. Suggestive but not definitive evidence for neuroprotection.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2015. Further clinical trials investigating cannabinoid neuroprotection in MS are ongoing.
- Original Title:
- Neuroprotection in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis by Cannabis-Based Cannabinoids.
- Published In:
- Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 10(2), 281-92 (2015)
- Authors:
- Pryce, Gareth(10), Riddall, Dieter R, Selwood, David L(3), Giovannoni, Gavin, Baker, David
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01044
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD protect nerves in MS?
In this mouse model, synthetic CBD slowed the accumulation of disability, possibly by blocking sodium channels that contribute to nerve damage. Human clinical evidence for CBD neuroprotection in MS has not been established.
Did the clinical trial show THC helps MS?
The overall trial did not detect a benefit, but a planned subgroup analysis of less-disabled patients who were progressing faster showed significant slowing of progression with oral THC. A dedicated trial would be needed to confirm this finding.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01044APA
Pryce, Gareth; Riddall, Dieter R; Selwood, David L; Giovannoni, Gavin; Baker, David. (2015). Neuroprotection in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis by Cannabis-Based Cannabinoids.. Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 10(2), 281-92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-014-9575-8
MLA
Pryce, Gareth, et al. "Neuroprotection in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis by Cannabis-Based Cannabinoids.." Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-014-9575-8
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Neuroprotection in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis..." RTHC-01044. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/pryce-2015-neuroprotection-in-experimental-autoimmune
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.