Evaluation of Hemp-Derived Botanical Dietary Supplementation to Promote Healthy Brain Function During Recovery From Brain Injury
Evaluation of Hemp-Derived Botanical Dietary Supplementation to Promote Healthy Brain Function During Recovery From Brain Injury
The objective of the proposed research is to evaluate adult subjects currently taking phytocannabinoid Hemp-derived botanical supplements (HDS) during recovery from traumatic brain injury. This study seeks to answer whether subjects taking HDS formulations experience relief from self-reported symptoms or improved subjective well-being, sleep quality, cognitive benefits, side effects and/or quantifiable changes in brain state neuronal activity or stress biomarkers. We seek to answer whether regular users (once/week to multiple uses/day) of HDS experience signs of dependence, addiction or physiological withdrawal. To accomplish this we will use survey questions, quantitative EEG, cognitive testing and salivary biomarkers to determine the effectiveness of self-initiated HDS administration. In addition, we are interested in whether our objective measures allow us to understand why some people are responders to HDS health benefits while others are not.
Inclusion Criteria: Adult male or female volunteers between the ages of 18-55 who have experience a head trauma/ concussion resulting in the diagnosis of mild to moderate TBI (Glasgow Coma scale score between 9-14) with less than 30 minutes of unconsciousness and post-traumatic amnesia lasting less than 24 hours more than 1 month ago will be considered for participation in the study. Volunteers must be able to move about the community of the Denver metro area and speak fluent English. They must be able to leisurely ride a stationary recumbent bicycle without assistance for 10 minutes and sit stationary for 15 minutes without discomfort. They must be familiar with the brand and dosing of HDS and been regular users, defined as once /week up to multiple uses per day for at least 1 month in the past year. They must be able to hear a 25 decibels in at least one ear and respond verbally to questions while remaining still.
Exclusion Criteria:
Medications. Most subjects may continue to take medications for other conditions. However, subjects should be on stable doses of these medications for a specified period prior to beginning the study. A stable dose means that there have been no changes in the drug dosage during the past 2 months.
Subjects may not be current users of illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine) Subjects may not have an immune-relevant disease (e.g. HIV, MS, Lyme Disease) Females may be pregnant or lactating and taking HDS supplementation. In the consent form we will include a warning that taking cannabis related products during pregnancy or while nursing could pose a danger to the development of the infant.
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