A new study has suggested that the cannabinoid CBN shows promise as a potential treatment for glaucoma.
A recently published study has found that cannabinol (CBN) may be an effective treatment for the eye condition of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. Most cases are caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye when fluid cannot drain correctly.
Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, and headaches, and without treatment, it can lead to blindness.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis may help lower the pressure and improve symptoms of glaucoma, but until now, no products have been investigated in clinical trials.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from THC and is often found after prolonged storage at higher temperatures.
Canadian company InMed Pharmaceuticals is conducting preclinical studies on its CBN formulation as a potential treatment for glaucoma. The findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Biochimica et Biophysical Acta (BBA—Molecular Basis of Disease).
Researchers at the University of British Columbia, in association with InMed Pharmaceuticals, found that CBN conducted several studies using cell and animal models to evaluate the survival of retinal ganglion cells [a type of neuron located near the retina], modulation of pressure in the eye, and its effects on extracellular matrix proteins, which support and surround the cells.
Researchers found that CBN promotes neuroprotection and normalizes pressure in the eyeball to help prevent damage caused by the condition.
They also compared the effects of CBN with other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with results indicating that CBN has a more substantial impact and broader neuroprotective therapeutic range.
The study concludes: “Our observations in the present study indicate a therapeutic potential for CBN in the treatment of glaucoma.”
Over three percent of the global population is thought to be living with glaucoma, with those of African,
Caribbean or Asian origin is more likely to be affected.
Existing treatments include eye drops to reduce the pressure, laser treatment, or surgery to help with drainage.
According to its website, InMed is preparing for a pre-Investigational New Drug meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration and expects to file regulatory applications in the first half of 2023 to initiate a human clinical trial.
Disclaimer: https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2022/03/14/cbn-a-potential-treatment-for-glaucoma
