Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol Oil for Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

Summary

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. However, non-motor symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression, are also common and substantially affect patients' daily functioning and quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating constituent of Cannabis sativa, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anxiolytic properties and has shown therapeutic potential in several clinical settings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of full-spectrum CBD oil administered at three different doses (30 mg/day, 60 mg/day, and 300 mg/day) as adjunctive therapy for anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. This randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging clinical trial enrolled 27 participants with Parkinson's disease and moderate anxiety-depressive symptoms. Participants aged 40 to 70 years, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at least four years before enrollment and presenting with moderate or greater anxiety-depressive symptoms, were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive full-spectrum CBD oil at doses of 30 mg/day, 60 mg/day, or 300 mg/day for two months.

Assessments were conducted at baseline, Month 1, Month 2 (end of treatment), and Month 3 (1-month post-treatment follow-up) to evaluate treatment effects and safety after treatment discontinuation. Primary outcomes included changes in anxiety and depression severity measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-I (BDI-I). Secondary and other pre-specified outcomes included assessments of sleep quality, fatigue, cognitive functioning, psychosis symptoms, quality of life, motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, daytime sleepiness, pain, wearable sensor-derived motor assessments, and participant-rated treatment effectiveness.

The CBD oils used in the study were prepared under controlled conditions and tested to verify CBD concentration and the absence of contaminants, including heavy metals and mold contamination.

Participants were monitored throughout the study for adverse events, including somnolence, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and potential treatment-related safety concerns. The study evaluated the potential role of CBD as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety and depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease and assessed the safety and tolerability of different CBD dosing regimens.

The duration of participation for each participant was approximately three months, including a two-month treatment period and a one-month follow-up assessment.

Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease (PD)

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Full-spectrum Cannabidiol (CBD) oil

Participants will receive full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) oil, administered orally as a dietary supplement. CBD oil will be delivered sublingually twice daily during meals. Three dosage groups will be studied: 30 mg/day, 60 mg/day, and 300 mg/day. CBD oil used in the study contains 2000 mg CBD per 30 ml bottle. Each participant will receive blinded bottles labeled with unique identifiers, ensuring double-blind administration. The duration of intervention is 60 days, followed by a one-month follow-up period to assess safety and lasting effects after discontinuation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medical University of Warsaw

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-12-18

Primary Completion

2024-11-17

Completion

2024-11-17

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations