Studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) used as an anti-depressant can be a safe and effective method of treatment. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant which has been shown to possess antidepressant-like properties.

A group of researchers from Brazil and Denmark are conducting studies using rats to examine the effect of CBD when injected directly in the Hippocampus area of the brain and whether CBD could be a viable treatment therapy for depression. The hippocampus is thought to be the center of emotion, memory and the autonomic nervous system. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether BDNF-TrkB-mTOR signaling (brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-receptor kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin) in the brain plays a role in administering the effects of antidepressant drugs.

In this study, groups of rats received targeted injections of CBD directly into the hippocampus and were then subjected to a forced swim test and an open-field test to induce stress. After testing, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were analyzed. The results showed that these direct injections of cannabidiol induced an antidepressant-like effect and increased Bdnf Levels. The CBD also reduced immobility time, an effect that other drugs being tested were not able to replicate.

After analysis, the researchers concluded that using the hippocampal BDNF-TrkB-mTOR pathway to inject CBD could be a vital method of treatment for depression. While further research is necessary, this targeted approach for administration is promising for those that suffer from severe depression, further demonstrating the effectiveness of CBD as a potential treatment therapy for depression.

To learn more about the medical study referenced above, please click here. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29968502

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