Kedar N. Prasad,
Neuroprotection by Micronutrients and Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Journal of Brain and Nerves
2020
2733-2284
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.JBN.2020.01.03
https://www.sciencerepository.org/neuroprotection-by-micronutrients_JBN-2020-1-103 
Abstract: The major objectives of this review are to elucidate the role of antioxidants and cannabidiol (CBD) in
reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and glutamate levels, which contribute to the pathogenesis of
human neurological diseases. Antioxidants act by: (a) donation of electrons to molecules with unpaired
electrons to neutralize them, (b) activation of ROS-resistant Nrf2 to enhance the levels of antioxidant
enzymes, (c) restoration of deficiency of antioxidants to normal levels, (d) alterations in the expression of
microRNAs, which guide their respective mRNAs to translate protective proteins, and (e) prevention of the
release and toxicity of glutamate. CBD acts by: (a) activating endocannabinoid system, which consists of
anandamide and archidonoylglycerol, cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, and their synthesizing and
degrading enzymes, (b) acting as an agonist to non-cannabinoid receptors, such as dopamine, serotonin, and
adenosine, (c) acting as an inhibitor of serotonin re-uptake, and (d) acting as an antagonist to glutamate
receptors. Since antioxidants and CBD act primarily by different mechanisms, it is proposed that
combination of the two may be more effective than either individually. No review on this topic has been
published. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are suggested to test the efficacy of proposed combination in
selected neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords: Antioxidants, endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol, cannabinoid receptors, non-cannabinoid receptors, neuroprotection