Anti-aversive role of the endocannabinoid system in the periaqueductal gray stimulation model of panic attacks in rats.

Posted on November 14, 2014 by David

“Direct activation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) inhibits anxiety- and panic-related behaviours in experimental animals. It has remained unclear, however, whether the local endocannabinoid signalling is recruited as a protective mechanism against aversive stimuli.

The present study tested the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid system counteracts aversive responses in the dlPAG-stimulation model of panic attacks…

The endocannabinoid system in the dlPAG attenuates the behavioural, cellular and cardiovascular consequences of aversive stimuli. This process may be considered for the development of additional treatments against panic and other anxiety-related disorders.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25388290

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/panic-attack/

Transdermal Delivery of Cannabidiol Attenuates Binge Alcohol-Induced Neurodegeneration in a Rodent Model of an Alcohol Use Disorder

Posted on November 13, 2014 by David

“Excessive alcohol consumption, characteristic of alcohol use disorders, results in neurodegeneration… the current study aimed to advance the preclinical development of transdermal delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of alcohol-induced neurodegeneration…

CBD is a main constituent of cannabis sativa… CBD is very well tolerated in humans. CBD has a plethora of actions, including anticonvulsive, anxiolytic, anti-relapse and neuroprotective properties, which make it an ideal candidate for treating multiple pathologies associated with alcohol use disorders…

These results demonstrate the feasibility of using CBD transdermal delivery systems for the treatment of alcohol-induced neurodegeneration.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096899/

Targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat haunting traumatic memories

Posted on November 11, 2014 by David

“One of the core symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the traumatic memory that constantly haunts the patient.

An increasing body of evidence points to the endocannabinoid (eCB) system as a key system in the regulation of emotionality and memory.

Hence, eCB enhancers may be the ideal pharmacological treatment for PTSD…

…eCBs have an essential role in maintaining emotional homeostasis and in modulating memory consolidation, retrieval and extinction.

Hence, the authors concluded that eCBs could be an ideal drug to treat PTSD by addressing both the emotional and cognitive aspects of the disorder.

Indeed, accumulating data from both clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest that targeting the eCB system may benefit PTSD.

Several studies support the self-medication hypothesis explanation for cannabis use to cope with PTSD symptoms.

To conclude, the eCB system may be a useful target for treating both the cognitive and emotional features of PTSD…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776936/

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/

Cannabidiol improves lung function and inflammation in mice submitted to LPS-induced acute lung injury.

Posted on October 31, 2014 by David

Image result for immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology

“We have previously shown that the prophylactic treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) reduces inflammation in a model of acute lung injury (ALI).

In this work we analyzed the effects of the therapeutic treatment with CBD in mice subjected to the model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI on pulmonary mechanics and inflammation.

The results show that CBD decreased total lung resistance and elastance, leukocyte migration into the lungs, myeloperoxidase activity in the lung tissue, protein concentration and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF and IL-6) and chemokines (MCP-1 and MIP-2) in the bronchoalveolar lavage supernatant.

Thus, we conclude that CBD administered therapeutically, i.e. during an ongoing inflammatory process, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect and also improves the lung function in mice submitted to LPS-induced ALI.

Therefore the present and previous data suggest that in the future cannabidiol might become a useful therapeutic tool for the attenuation and treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25356537

Cannabinoid Type 1 and Type 2 Receptor Antagonists Prevent Attenuation of Serotonin-Induced Reflex Apneas by Dronabinol in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Posted on October 29, 2014 by David

“The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Americans is 9% and increasing…

Vagal afferent neurons are inhibited by cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) or cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors in animal models of vagally-mediated behaviors…

These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of dronabinol (THC) in the treatment of OSA and implicate participation of both cannabinoid receptors in dronabinol’s apnea suppression effect.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25350456

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/sleep-apnea/

[There is evidence for the use of cannabinoids for symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis.]

Posted on October 29, 2014 by David

“We identified 16 randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating cannabinoids as symptomatic treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS).

There is evidence that nabiximols (THC/CBD) oromucosal spray may reduce subjective symptoms of spasticity and that dronabinol (THC) is effective against neuropathic pain in patients with MS…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25350886

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/multiple-sclerosis-ms/

Cannabidiol: promise and pitfalls.

Posted on October 28, 2014 by David

“Over the past few years, increasing public and political pressure has supported legalization of medical marijuana.

One of the main thrusts in this effort has related to the treatment of refractory epilepsy-especially in children with Dravet syndrome-using cannabidiol (CBD).

Despite initiatives in numerous states to at least legalize possession of CBD oil for treating epilepsy, little published evidence is available to prove or disprove the efficacy and safety of CBD in patients with epilepsy. This review highlights some of the basic science theory behind the use of CBD, summarizes published data on clinical use of CBD for epilepsy, and highlights issues related to the use of currently available CBD products.

Cannabidiol is the major nonpsychoactive component of Cannabis sativa.

Over the centuries, a number of medicinal preparations derived from C. sativa have been employed for a variety of disorders, including gout, rheumatism, malaria, pain, and fever.

These preparations were widely employed as analgesics by Western medical practitioners in the 19(th) century.

More recently, there is clinical evidence suggesting efficacy in HIV-associated neuropathic pain, as well as spasms associated with multiple sclerosis.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25346628

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/epilepsy-2/

Cannabis, cannabidiol, and epilepsy – From receptors to clinical response.

Posted on October 9, 2014 by David

“The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is becoming more prevalent.

For this purpose, various preparations of cannabis of varying strengths and content are being used.

The recent changes in the legal environment have improved the availability of products with high cannabidiol (CBD) and low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations.

There is some anecdotal evidence of their potential efficacy, but the mechanisms of such action are not entirely clear.

Some suspect an existence of synergy or “entourage effect” between CBD and THC.

There is strong evidence that THC acts via the cannabinoid receptor CB1.

The mechanism of action of CBD is less clear but is likely polypharmacological.

The scientific data support the role of the endocannabinoid system in seizure generation, maintenance, and control in animal models of epilepsy.

There are clear data for the negative effects of cannabis on the developing and mature brain though these effects appear to be relatively mild in most cases.

Further data from well-designed studies are needed regarding short- and long-term efficacy and side effects of CBD or high-CBD/low-THC products for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy in children and adults.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25282526

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/epilepsy-2/

Antiestrogenic effects of marijuana smoke condensate and cannabinoid compounds.

Posted on October 4, 2014 by David

“The antiestrogenic effects of marijuana smoke condensate (MSC) and three major cannabinoids, ie., delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN), were evaluated…

The results showed that MSC induced the antiestrogenic effect via the ER-mediated pathway, while THC, CBD, and CBN did not have any antiestrogenic activity.

This suggests that the combined effects of the marijuana smoke components are responsible for the antiestrogenicity of marijuana use.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16392670

“Antiestrogen treatment of breast cancer: an overview.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7044524

“Newly Found Estrogen Pathway Suggests Novel Breast Cancer Targets” http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/newly-found-estrogen-pathway-suggests-novel-breast-cancer-targets/81250405/

“New Estrogen Mechanism Holds Novel Cancer Treatment Promise”
http://www.counselheal.com/articles/11565/20140929/new-estrogen-mechanism-holds-novel-cancer-treatment-promise.htm

“CB1 and CB2 receptors are novel molecular targets for Tamoxifen and 4OH-Tamoxifen.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24148245

“Scientists discover new role estrogen plays in cancer growth” http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/scientists-discover-new-role-estrogen-plays-cancer-growth-article-1.1957877

“Antiestrogen-induced remissions in stage IV breast cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1021225

“Antiestrogenic effects of marijuana smoke condensate and cannabinoid compounds.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16392670

“New estrogen-related breast cancer mechanism detected” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283168.php

“Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol targeting estrogen receptor signaling: the possible mechanism of action… Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC), a biologically active constituent of marijuana, possesses a wide variety of pharmacological and toxicological effects (e.g., analgesia, hypotension, reduction of inflammation, and anti-cancer effects).” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25177025

“Anti-Estrogen Drugs to Treat Breast Cancer” http://www.fccc.edu/cancer/types/breast/treatment/hormonal/anti-estrogen.html

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/breast-cancer/

Advances in the Management of MS Spasticity: Recent Observational Studies.

Posted on October 4, 2014 by David

“Clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of an intervention under experimental conditions, but information on use under daily practice conditions is required to confirm the effectiveness and safety of new management options.

Clinical outcomes for THC:CBD oromucosal spray (Sativex®) in patients with treatment-resistant MS spasticity have been collected in post-marketing safety registries from the UK and Germany, a safety study from Spain and two observational studies from Germany, including one investigating its effects on driving ability.

Collectively, findings from daily practice support the long-term effectiveness and safety of THC:CBD oromucosal spray.

There was no evidence of abuse/misuse or other adverse events of special interest with a cannabis-based medicine and no impairment of driving ability.

Observational data and real world experience reinforce the efficacy and safety of THC:CBD oromucosal spray as reported in phase III clinical trials.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25278118

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/multiple-sclerosis-ms/