CBD could be used to treat Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition.

Research by scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine show it may alleviate seizures and normalise brain rhythms

The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, used animal models to show that CBD could benefit children and adults with the condition.

Angelman syndrome causes intellectual disability, speech problems, brain rhythm dysfunction, and epilepsy.

Ben Philpot, PhD, associate director of the UNC Neuroscience Center, said: “There is an unmet need for better treatments for kids with Angelman syndrome to help them live fuller lives and to aid their families and caregivers.

“Our results show CBD could help the medical community safely meet this need.”

CBD was injected into genetically-modified mice

The researchers tested the beneficial effects on mice that genetically model Angelman syndrome.

Injecting mice who had seizures triggered by higher temperatures or loud noises with CBD reduced the seizure’s severity. It also restored normal brain rhythms.

Bin Gu, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Philpot lab, said: “We’re confident our study provides the preclinical framework necessary to better guide the rational development of CBD as a therapy to help lessen seizures associated with Angelman syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders.”

Last month a phase 2 clinical trial found a CBD capsule can reduce the frequency of seizures in children with epilepsy.

Harvest One, through its subsidiary Satipharm, announced positive results with CBD Gelpell capsules in the management of treatment resistant epilepsy (TRE).

The results were published in Epilepsy & Behaviour, a bimonthly peer-reviewed medical journal covering behavioural aspects of epilepsy.