CBDV and Autism: A New Therapeutic Frontier?

What is CBDV, and Why is it the Focus of Medical Research?

Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. From a chemical standpoint, CBDV is the homolog of CBD. In chemistry, homologs are a series of compounds with similar structures but differences in the length of their functional chains.

In the case of CBDV, it is essentially CBD with a side chain that is two methyl groups shorter. CBD is a more well-known cannabinoid that has been extensively studied for its multiple therapeutic properties. In fact, cannabidiol gained prominence for its unique potential in treating certain neurological disorders, particularly Dravet syndrome, which is a highly aggressive form of refractory epilepsy.

In recent years, the scientific community has also turned its attention to CBDV, a phytocannabinoid that appears to be effective in treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Several studies suggest that CBDV could be a therapeutic option for ASD patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Let's explore what science has to say about this topic.

Therapeutic Properties of CBDV: What Does Science Say?

Just as with CBD, recent studies have discovered that CBDV could be a powerful natural ally for the treatment of certain disorders. Cannabidiol gained fame through the case of Charlotte Figi, an American girl who had her severe epilepsy successfully treated with CBD when all conventional treatments had failed. Similarly, CBDV also appears to have anticonvulsant properties.

CBDV: A Powerful Natural Anticonvulsant

Several studies support the anticonvulsant properties of CBDV, which has led to its exploration for the treatment of both epilepsy and Rett syndrome. In fact, a study published in the journal Neurology (1) demonstrated that cannabidivarin was effective in 80.5% of analysed cases. Moreover, this compound showed no proconvulsant effects.

Another clinical trial (2) evaluated the safety and tolerance of this cannabinoid in girls with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause seizures, among other symptoms. Girls with this disorder have a high probability (between 50 and 90%) of also developing epilepsy.

The study determined that CBDV is both effective and safe for the treatment of this condition, and can significantly reduce its symptoms.

CBDV and Autism: Can CBDV Improve ASD Symptoms?

Autism spectrum disorders can present with a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. Generally speaking, autism often affects communication and social interaction. Additionally, some individuals with autism can also experience compulsive and repetitive behaviours, and may also suffer from anxiety.

Recent studies (3) have revealed that CBDV can help modulate the glutamate and GABA systems in the brain, resulting in improved social interaction and a reduction in repetitive behaviours.

Moreover, a systematic review of six clinical trials (4) focusing on cannabinoid administration (including CBDV) in ASD patients, concluded that these patients experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.

How Does CBDV Work in the Human Body?

Science has revealed that CBDV appears to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, modulating the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, this cannabinoid also interacts with TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which are involved in pain transmission and neural signalling.

A 2019 study (4) determined that, due to these interactions, CBDV can reduce neuronal excitability, helping to decrease seizures whilst also relieving some ASD symptoms.

CBD vs. CBDV: Which Cannabinoid Is More Effective Therapeutically?

Both CBD and CBDV have demonstrated therapeutic potential in epilepsy and ASD. However, these two compounds exhibit some differences:

• Chemical Structure: Although similar, CBDV has a slightly different molecular structure, which allows it to interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system differently.
• Efficacy in Treating Epilepsy: The numerous studies conducted on CBD and the many cannabis strains developed with high CBD ratios have led to the widespread popularity of this cannabinoid. Thanks to the progressive legislation in some countries and the medical and scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, the FDA has approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug designed to treat certain types of epilepsy. However, CBDV is still in the research phase (although, as seen above, it's already showing promising anticonvulsant effects).
• Impact on ASD Patients: Some studies suggest that CBDV might be more effective at modulating repetitive behaviours and improving social interaction, while CBD is more focused on reducing anxiety and aggression associated with ASD.
• Availability and Regulation: Today, CBD is easily accessible in many countries, whereas CBDV is still undergoing regulatory processes and clinical studies. Additionally, while CBDV is a minor cannabinoid found in small quantities, there are now dozens of cannabis strains with high CBD concentrations.

As with any compound used for medicinal purposes, it cannot be definitively stated that one is better than the other. Both cannabinoids showcase significant properties, and the choice between one or the other depends on the specific needs of each patient and the recommendations of a healthcare professional.

What is evident, however, is that CBDV is increasingly capturing the attention of the scientific community and emerging as a promising alternative for the treatment of epilepsy and ASD. Nevertheless, although preliminary studies show positive results, further research is still essential to confirm its effectiveness and safety for the development of future treatments with this cannabinoid.

References

1. Espinosa-Jovel, C. *Cannabinoids in epilepsy: Clinical efficacy and pharmacological considerations.* Neurology Service, Kennedy Western Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia; Neurology Postgraduate Program, University of La Sabana, Chía, Colombia.
2. Pretzsch CM, Voinescu B, Lythgoe D, Horder J, Mendez MA, Wichers R, Ajram L, Ivin G, Heasman M, Edden RAE, Williams S, Murphy DGM, Daly E, McAlonan GM. *Effects of cannabidivarin (CBDV) on brain excitation and inhibition systems in adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A single-dose trial during magnetic resonance spectroscopy.* Transl Psychiatry. 2019 Nov 20;9(1):313. doi: 10.1038/s41398-019-0654-8.
3. Quinapanta Castro NI, Gallegos Cobo AE, Viteri Rodríguez PN. *Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes, Ecuador.
4. 4. Iannotti FA, Hill CL, Leo A, Alhusaini A, Soubrane C, Mazzarella E, Russo E, Whalley BJ, Di Marzo V, Stephens GJ. *Nonpsychotropic plant cannabinoids, cannabidivarin (CBDV) and cannabidiol (CBD), activate and desensitize transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels in vitro: Potential for the treatment of neuronal hyperexcitability.* ACS Chem Neurosci. 2014 Nov 19;5(11):1131-41. doi: 10.1021/cn5000524.