Control by the endogenous cannabinoid system of ras oncogene-dependent tumor growth.

Posted on March 21, 2014 by David

“Because THC-like compounds are used to inhibit nausea and induce appetite in cancer patients, and anandamide appears to be an endogenous orexigenic mediator, the finding of possible antitumor effect for these substances might have a tremendous potential for therapeutic intervention in preventing the progression of cancer and, at the same time, in alleviating its symptoms.

Because multiple pathways are important for the proliferation of tumor cells and because combination therapies are often more effective than single-drug administration, cannabimimetic substances may complement other anticancer agents…”

http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2001/12/02/fj.01-0320fje.long

“[Targeting the RAS signalling pathway in cancer].” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21715253

“Targeting the RAS oncogene.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3804031/

Analgesic effects of 1′,1′ dimethylheptyl-delta8-THC-11-oic acid (CT3) in mice.

Posted on March 21, 2014 by David

“The metabolic pathway leading to carboxylic acid derivatives of cannabinoids was discovered more than twenty years ago. While these compounds showed no cannabimimetic activity, subsequent work documented several biological responses both in vitro and in vivo for the THC acids.

These include inhibition of eicosanoid synthesis, antiedema effects, antagonism to PAF actions, inhibition of leucocyte adhesion and anti nociception.

In this report we present data further characterizing the analgesic properties of the title substance which is a potent synthetic member of this group. CT3 was effective in the mouse…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9698045

Antinociceptive activity of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol non-ionic microemulsions.

Posted on March 21, 2014 by David

“Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the major psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa L., has been widely studied for its potential pharmaceutical application in the treatment of various diseases and disturbs.

The aim of this work was to develop a stable aqueous Delta(9)-THC formulation acceptable for different ways of administration, and to evaluate the therapeutic properties of the new Delta(9)-THC based preparation for pain treatment.

Significant antinociceptive activity has been detected by both intraperitoneal and intragastric administration of the new Delta(9)-THC pharmaceutical preparation.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20399844

Therapeutic utility of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB(2)) selective agonists.

Posted on March 21, 2014 by David

“The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is a class A GPCR that was cloned in 1993 while looking for an alternative receptor that could explain the pharmacological properties of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol.

CB2 was identified among cDNAs based on its similarity in amino acid sequence to the CB1receptor and helped provide an explanation for the established effects of cannabinoids on the immune system.

In addition to the immune system, CB2 has widespread tissue expression and has been found in brain, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Several “mixed” cannabinoid agonists are currently in clinical use primarily for controlling pain, and it is believed that selective CB2 agonism may afford a superior analgesic agent devoid of the centrally mediated CB1 effects.

Thus, selective CB2 receptor agonists represent high value putative therapeutics for treating pain and other disease states. In this Perspective, we seek to provide a concise update of progress in the field.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23865723

The yin and yang of cannabis-induced psychosis: the actions of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in rodent models of schizophrenia.

Posted on March 18, 2014 by David

“There is substantial epidemiological evidence showing that cannabis increases the risk of psychosis, whereas other research suggests that schizophrenia patients self-medicate with the substance. These conflicting accounts may at least be partially explained by the two phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and their opposing actions on schizophrenia-related symptoms.

…propsychotic actions of THC… antipsychotic actions of CBD.

…animal studies… showing that CBD antagonises the neurobehavioural effects of THC, while others show the opposite, that CBD potentiates the actions of THC.

Various mechanisms are put forth to explain these divergent effects such as CBD antagonism at central CB1 receptors…”

…the present study suggests a beneficial property of a direct cannabinoid receptor agonist… and of CBD…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22716133

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/schizophrenia/

A drug discovery case history of ‘delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol’.

Posted on March 15, 2014 by David

“…the Cannabis sativa herb has been known for its therapeutic benefit for centuries… interest in the clinical potential of cannabinoid-based drugs escalated after the discovery of the endocannabinoid system… therapeutic applications of cannabinoids (plant-derived or synthetic)… may constitute a useful addition to the pharmacotherapeutic armamentarium in chronic conditions insufficiently alleviated by existing drugs.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22646020

“The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15340387

“Cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16402900

“Cannabinoids.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16266285

“Plant, synthetic, and endogenous cannabinoids in medicine.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16409166

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its major metabolite Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-11-oic acid as 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

Posted on March 3, 2014 by David

“Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC), a major component of marijuana, has suggested to suppress atherosclerosis…. Δ(9)-THC seems to be attractive for the prevention of atherosclerosis…

In the present study, Δ(9)-THC was found to be a direct inhibitor for 15-LOX…

Furthermore, Δ(9)-THC-11-oic acid, a major and nonpsychoactive metabolite of Δ(9) -THC, but not another Δ(9)-THC metabolite 11-OH-Δ(9)-THC (psychoactive), was revealed to inhibit 15-LOX.

Taken together, it is suggested that Δ(9) -THC can abrogate atherosclerosis via direct inhibition of 15-LOX, and that Δ(9)-THC-11-oic acid is shown to be an “active metabolite” of Δ(9) -THC in this case.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20891010

“15-lipoxygenase inhibitors as anti-atherosclerosis agents.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18465533

HIV/AIDS Cure May Be Found In Marijuana: Study

Posted on March 1, 2014 by David

“It is even more evidence of our need for the government to stop punishing patients for using this relatively safe and non-toxic treatment method … ”

Curtis Rood,36, a Cohen House resident with limited mobility, smokes marijuana with the assistance of another resident on Sunday, Nov. 30,1997 in San Francisco. Cohen House provides an assisted living environment for individuals with the AIDS virus. Most of the residents use marijuana for its medicine benefits in alleviating nausua, pain, and helping to stimulate the appetite. Curtis' parrot and self proclaimed best friend, Kona, rests on his shoulder while in the backyard of Cohen House. (AP photo/Julie Stupsker)

“For years, many Americans with HIV/AIDS have used medical marijuana to relieve some common symptoms associated with the illness such as nausea, vomiting and appetite loss.

Now, a new study published last week in the journal AIDS Researcher and Human Retroviruses found that a daily dosage of marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, may actually fight the HIV/AIDS virus itself.”

More: http://www.mintpressnews.com/hivaids-cure-may-be-found-in-marijuana-study/179398/

HIV Infections Cured With Cannabis a Real Possibility

Posted on March 1, 2014 by David

“Researchers are looking into the use of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana, to help stop the spread of HIV infection.

Hundreds of marijuana researchers have reported that THC was able to pierce the RIV virus in monkeys. That particular virus is almost identical to the HIV virus found in humans, so this news is very encouraging.

The greatest drawbacks to this excellent news are the current laws preventing testing on human candidates.

With the changing of these restrictive laws, HIV infections have a great chance of being cured, with cannabis as a real possible player in the race to stop the disease.”

More: http://guardianlv.com/2014/02/hiv-infections-cured-with-cannabis-a-real-possibility/

HIV Cure: Medical Cannabis Or ‘Weed’ Explored To Help Stop HIV Infection Using THC Component; Laws Prevent Clinical Trials On Humans

Posted on March 1, 2014 by David

“Medical cannabis is used as an appetite stimulant, antiemetic, antispasmodic and sometimes as analgesic to help treat chronic, non-cancerous pain, vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy. In some cases, it is also used to aid treating symptoms of AIDS patients…

Marijuana or “weed” is now among the several ingredients that researchers are looking into to helping stop further spread of HIV infection.”

More: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/539079/20140217/hiv-cure-medical-cannabis-weed-explored-help.htm#.UxJCyPBX-uY