Cannabis plants are being grown at a secret facility in the south of England in the hope of producing a new treatment for epilepsy. Researchers at the University of Reading have discovered that three compounds found in cannabis leaves can help to reduce and control seizures in epilepsy. They are now using extracts from the plants grown in huge industrial-sized greenhouses in the south of England to develop new drugs that could help millions of epilepsy sufferers around the world. Dr Ben Whalley, who is leading the research at the department of pharmacy at the University of Reading, said tests in animals had shown the compounds effective at preventing seizures and convulsions while also having less side effects than existing epilepsy drugs. Cannabis is thought of being a treasure trove of compounds that could be used for pharmacological development. We have a list of around a dozen potential candidates for epilepsy and have tested three that show promise.
Source : The Telegraph
