# The neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol is enhanced by resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid in social isolation

## TL;DR

Combining cannabidiol with resveratrol or alpha-lipoic acid improves its effects on aggression and depression in a mouse model of PTSD.

## Contribution

The study shows that combining CBD with natural antioxidants enhances its therapeutic effects in a PTSD-like model.

## Key findings

- CBD combined with RES or ALA reduced aggressive behavior in isolated mice.
- The combinations also reduced immobility time, indicating antidepressant-like effects.
- No significant anxiolytic effects were observed in the hole-board test.

## Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by persistent cognitive and affective disturbances following exposure to severe trauma. In rodents, prolonged post-weaning social isolation is a well-established model of PTSD-like symptomatology. In this study, we investigated the behavioral effects of chronic cannabidiol (CBD) administration—either alone or in combination with two natural antioxidants, resveratrol (RES) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)in socially isolated mice.

Male CD1 mice (n = 8) were isolated in individual cages from postnatal day 21 (PN21) and maintained in isolation for 30 days. They were then treated with CBD (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg), resveratrol (RES, 20 mg/kg), or alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, 10 mg/kg) for 15 days following social isolation.

While low-dose CBD (2.5 mg/kg) alone was ineffective, its combination with either RES or ALA restored the latency to the first attack and significantly reduced aggressive behavior, comparable to high-dose CBD (10 mg/kg). Similarly, combined treatments with RES or ALA markedly reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test, indicating antidepressant-like effects. In contrast, no significant anxiolytic effect was observed with the combinations in the hole-board test, suggesting a limited action on anxiety-like behavior.

These findings suggest that co-administration of CBD with RES or ALA exerts synergistic antidepressants and anti-aggressive effects in a PTSD-like model, potentially allowing for dose reduction of CBD. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.