Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have successfully engineered a novel class of compounds resembling cannabidiol (CBD) from an everyday spice: caraway seeds. Initial pre-clinical studies indicate that these newly developed compounds may offer enhanced efficacy in treating epilepsy while also fostering the development of brain cells.
The research team, comprised of psychology students and faculty members, utilized genetic manipulation techniques on caraway seeds to produce compounds that share structural similarities with non-intoxicating CBD. According to Dustin Hines, a co-author of the study and professor of neuroscience at UNLV, these caraway-derived compounds were effective in preventing seizures, decreasing seizure-related fatalities, and encouraging healthier brain cell growth. Notably, this was achieved without the sedative side effects commonly associated with existing epilepsy treatments.
Hines noted, “Childhood seizure disorders often do not respond to available medications, and both the seizures and the current primary therapies can significantly impact brain development, cognition, and overall quality of life. This discovery is particularly encouraging.” The findings were published last month in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, highlighting the compounds” potential to significantly lower seizure-related mortality in both adult and developmental epilepsy mouse models, thereby supporting further preclinical and clinical investigations.
The research received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, with the goal of developing new therapeutic options for epilepsy patients. Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD medication, Epidiolex, is derived from cannabis.
UNLV student Adriana Carrillo, a participant in the study, remarked, “Advancing this new class of therapeutics presents significant hope for patients who have run out of effective treatment options, whether due to severe side effects or a lack of response to current therapies.” She cautioned the public against expecting immediate benefits from eating caraway seeds, clarifying that the seeds serve merely as a foundation for the development of these CBD-like compounds.
The researchers are optimistic that this initial discovery will lead to further studies, ultimately resulting in safer and more effective treatment alternatives for individuals suffering from epilepsy in the future.
