Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have developed a new class of CBD-like compounds that could revolutionize treatment for epilepsy—without using the cannabis plant at all.
Instead, the team used caraway seeds, a familiar kitchen spice found in breads, cheeses, and stews. Through genetic modification, UNLV researchers transformed compounds in the seeds to mimic the molecular structure of non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD), commonly found in cannabis.
A Breakthrough Beyond Cannabis
According to a new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, these lab-made compounds may be even more effective than traditional CBD at reducing seizures and promoting healthy brain cell growth.
“These fully synthetic compounds, made from a safe plant extract and free of THC, not only prevented seizures and reduced seizure-related deaths but also promoted healthier brain cell development—without the sedative side effects of current treatments,” said Dustin Hines, a neuroscience professor at UNLV and co-author of the study.
The findings come from pre-clinical trials that showed the caraway-based CBD significantly lowered seizure-related mortality in mice. The researchers say this discovery could pave the way for new therapies for epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Funded by the NIH
The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD drug for epilepsy is Epidiolex, which is derived from the cannabis plant. The UNLV team hopes their synthetic version could offer a THC-free alternative for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments or experience side effects.
Not Your Average Spice
While the research centers around caraway seeds, the seeds themselves don’t contain CBD. UNLV student Adriana Carrillo, who contributed to the study, clarified that the spice “just contains the scaffold to create it.”
Carrillo added that this discovery offers new hope:
“It is encouraging to help build the foundation for future treatment options that could one day offer families safer and more effective choices.”
As research continues, these caraway-based compounds could represent the next generation of CBD-style therapeutics—without cannabis.