Tag Archives: Cannabinoids

Nabiximols for opioid-treated cancer patients with poorly-controlled chronic pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, graded-dose trial.

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 “Patients with advanced cancer who have pain that responds poorly to opioid therapy pose a clinical challenge. Nabiximols (Nabiximols is the U.S. Adopted Name [USAN] for Sativex [GW Pharma Ltd, Wiltshire, U.K.], which does not yet have an INN), a novel cannabinoid formulation, is undergoing investigation as add-on therapy…

This study supports the efficacy and safety of nabiximols at the 2 lower-dose levels and provides important dose information for future trials.

 PERSPECTIVE: Nabiximols, a novel cannabinoid formulation, may be a useful add-on analgesic for patients with opioid-refractory cancer pain. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, graded-dose study demonstrated efficacy and safety at low and medium doses.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22483680

An Open-Label Extension Study to Investigate the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of THC/CBD Oromucosal Spray and Oromucosal THC Spray in Patients With Terminal Cancer-Related Pain Refractory to Strong Opioid Analgesics.

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  “Chronic pain in patients with advanced cancer poses a serious clinical challenge. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (U.S. Adopted Name, nabiximols; Sativex(®)) is a novel cannabinoid formulation currently undergoing investigation as an adjuvant therapy for this treatment group.

OBJECTIVES:

This follow-up study investigated the long-term safety and tolerability of THC/CBD spray and THC spray in relieving pain in patients with advanced cancer.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed that the long-term use of THC/CBD spray was generally well tolerated, with no evidence of a loss of effect for the relief of cancer-related pain with long-term use. Furthermore, patients who kept using the study medication did not seek to increase their dose of this or other pain-relieving medication over time, suggesting that the adjuvant use of cannabinoids in cancer-related pain could provide useful benefit.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23141881

Treatment of Tourette syndrome with cannabinoids.

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Abstract

“Cannabinoids have been used for hundred of years for medical purposes. To day, the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the cannabis extract nabiximols are approved for the treatment of nausea, anorexia and spasticity, respectively. In Tourette syndrome (TS) several anecdotal reports provided evidence that marijuana might be effective not only in the suppression of tics, but also in the treatment of associated behavioural problems. At the present time there are only two controlled trials available investigating the effect of THC in the treatment of TS. Using both self and examiner rating scales, in both studies a significant tic reduction could be observed after treatment with THC compared to placebo, without causing significant adverse effects. Available data about the effect of THC on obsessive-compulsive symptoms are inconsistent. According to a recent Cochrane review on the efficacy of cannabinoids in TS, definite conclusions cannot be drawn, because longer trials including a large number of patients are missing. Notwithstanding this appraisal, by many experts THC is recommended for the treatment of TS in adult patients, when first line treatments failed to improve the tics. In treatment resistant adult patients, therefore, treatment with THC should be taken into consideration.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23187140

Marijuana- Like Compound in Brain Reduces Anxiety Associated With Fragile X Syndrome

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“Increasing levels of a marijuana-like compound in the brain may help reduce some behavioral problems seen in people with Fragile X Syndrome.
Researchers say that the marijuana-like compound may help reduce some of the anxiety and learning-related issues in people with this condition. The compound, called 2-AG, falls under a class of chemicals in the brain called endocannabinoids transmitters.

 Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes learning disabilities. Children with this condition have characteristic physical features like long and narrow face, large forehead and ears, flexible fingers and flat feet that become more apparent as the child ages. The condition is caused by a change in the FMR1 gene that codes for a protein that helps the brain grow properly.”

Read more at http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/12334/20120926/marijuana-compound-brain-reduces-anxiety-associated-fragile.htm#tFdDDvKazcBZ1gFG.99

  • mike

    “YES, finally its time… i have autistic spectrum and i have incorrect behaviors that cannot be fixed unless you tell yourself 24/7 and behaviors and thought process that is incorrect that you will never even know is incorrect. Ive tried marijuana before and the first time ive tried it ive done some self explaining to myself that was very different and i didnt know why. after using marijuana several times which i find relaxing if not used too much at once, i started realizing the difference in thought process and realizing the off things that i do and it got to the point where i actually started figuring out my problems with cannabis and i cant believe the correction in thought process when using this significant plant. there was never a cure for autism but this is the CLOSEST to it. i have a lot more things to say about this but it would take too long to write but all i have to say is this is THE best medication for personality disorders and autistic behaviors and correction to the thought process of such.”

Marijuana cannabinoids found to help combat autism

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“(NaturalNews) The cannabinoid compounds naturally found in many varieties of cannabis, also known more commonly as marijuana, may help children with autism spectrum disorders experience dramatic behavioral improvements, and potentially even full recovery from their symptoms. These are the findings of a new study published in the journal Nature Communications that help reinforce the growing body of evidence which shows that medicinal cannabinoids hold incredible potential in both treating and potentially curing chronic illness.

Daniele Piomelli from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and her colleague Olivier Manzoni from Inserm, a French research agency, observed that marijuana cannabinoids are very closely related to the endocannabinoid transmitters naturally found in the brain that facilitate the transport of electrical signals between neurons. Known as 2-AG, these transmitters are responsible for regulating a whole host of important bodily processes, which include things like telling the body when it is hungry or when it is experiencing pain.

Children with autism spectrum disorders; however, including those who developed these disorders as a result of Fragile X syndrome, which is said to be the most commonly-known genetic cause of autism, often have poorly or non-functioning 2-AG, which necessitates chronic synaptic failure in the brain. Many children with Fragile X-induced autism end up becoming mentally disabled as a result of this synaptic failure, and have trouble developing basic motor skills like walking and talking, or learning how to behave in various social situations.

But taking marijuana cannabinoids, which as we pointed out in an earlier article are not psychoactive in the same way that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is (http://www.naturalnews.com/035759_cannabis_juicing_health.html), can help effectively block the enzymes that inhibit the proper function of 2-AG. In essence, marijuana cannabinoids essentially restore synaptic communication by feeding an ailing body the cannabinoids it lacks, which are absolutely vital for proper cell function and communication.

“Endocannabinoid compounds are created naturally in the body and share a similar chemical structure with THC … (and) are distinctive because they link with protein molecule receptors — called cannabinoid receptors — on the surface of cells,” explains the UCI report. “Because the body’s natural cannabinoids control a variety of factors — such as pain, mood and appetite — they’re attractive targets for drug discovery and development.””

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037445_marijuana_cannabinoids_autism.html#ixzz2DRNu5iDg

Cannabis-like chemical combats chief genetic cause of autism

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“Natural cannabis-like chemicals in the brain may help combat the leading genetic cause of autism, research has shown.

Scientists linked blockages in a signalling pathway dependent on the compounds, called 2-AG endocannabinoid transmitters, with symptoms of Fragile X syndrome.

Correcting the fault with drugs led to dramatic behavioural improvements in mice with a version of the condition.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common known genetic cause of autism.

It results from a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the female X chromosome. Men possess one copy of the chromosome, paired with a male Y chromosome, and women two.

Boys are much more likely to be born with Fragile X than girls. This is thought to be because with two X chromosomes, a defect in one may be compensated for by the other.

People with the syndrome suffer mental impairment, learning difficulties, and may be hyperactive or impulsive. They also possess notable physical characteristics such as an elongated face, flat feet and large ears.

“What we hope is to one day increase the ability of people with Fragile X syndrome to socialise and engage in normal cognitive functions,” said lead researcher Professor Daniele Piomelli, from the University of California at Irvine in the United States.

The study was the first to identify the role of endocannabinoids in the neurobiology of Fragile X, she said.

About endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoid compounds are created naturally in the body and share a similar chemical structure with THC, the primary psychoactive component of the marijuana plant, Cannabis.

Endocannabinoids are distinctive because they link with protein molecule receptors — called cannabinoid receptors — on the surface of cells. For instance, when a person smokes marijuana, the cannabinoid THC activates these receptors. And because the body’s natural cannabinoids control a variety of factors — such as pain, mood and appetite — they’re attractive targets for drug discovery and development.”

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/cannabis-chemical-combats-chief-genetic-cause-of-autism-16216090.html#ixzz2DRLsbjJO

Consequences of Cannabinoid and Monoaminergic System Disruption in a Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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“Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors . The cause of autism is not completely understood and there is no effective cure. However, genetic and environmental factors and the interaction between genes and environment are known to play a role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)…

Our data provides a basis for further studies in evaluating the role of the cannabinoid and monoaminergic systems in the etiology of ASDs.

It is tempting to suggest the evaluation of Δ9-THC or other cannabinoids with reduced psychoactivity in irritability, tantrums and self-injurious behavior associated with autistic individuals.

 The rationale for this novel hypothesis arises from the discovery that the endocannabinoid system is one of the most abundant physiological control systems in animals and humans.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3137184/

Would some cannabinoids ameliorate symptoms of autism?

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“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major nonpsychotropic constituent of cannabis sativa, which unlike the other major constituent delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), is virtually inactive at both of its central nervous system receptors. In one study, cell-based calcium mobilization and electrophysiological assays were used to identify and characterize several novel cannabinoid TRPV2 agonists in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Among these, CBD was found to be the most robust and potent, followed by delta9-THC and cannabinol. Those cannabinoids may, accordingly, possess the ability, due to their action as TRPV2 agonists, to increase the release of both oxytocin and vasopressin enhancing the stimulation of oxytocin receptor and V1a receptors at the same time. CBD displays a plethora of other actions including anticonvulsive, sedative, hypnotic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. CBD and delta9-THC are components of drugs commercialized, in certain countries, as treatments for neuropathic pain, overactive bladder, and spasticity in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Thus, despite their action on oxytocin and vasopressin release, CBD and delta9-THC may help in improving symptoms of ASD by their sedative, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant and tranquilizing effects. In addition, the cannabinoid system has already been shown to be implicated in social behavior in rats.
 
The administration of cannabinoids for children and adolescents suffering from ASD is a controversial legal and ethical issue. Instead, those cannabinoids may be tested when administered to animals presenting autistic symptoms. Animal models of autistic symptoms exist especially in rodents that have their oxytocin and/or vasopressin function impaired such as mice or rats lacking the oxytocin or vasopressin gene or one of their receptors]. Whenever cannabinoids were found efficient in animal models of autism, the rationale supporting their efficacy may outweigh their legal and ethical adversities, when administered to children in the setting of randomized controlled studies.”
 

[Cannabinoids in the control of pain].

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Abstract

“Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been used since remotes ages as a herbal remedy. Only recently the medical community highlighted the pharmacological scientific bases of its effects. The most important active principle, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, was identified in the second half of the last century, and subsequently two receptors were identified and cloned: CB1 that is primarily present in the central nervous system, and CB2 that is present on the cells of the immune system. Endogenous ligands, called endocannabinoids, were characterized. The anandamide was the first one to be discovered. The effectiveness of the cannabinoids in the treatment of nausea and vomit due to anti-neoplastic chemotherapy and in the wasting-syndrome during AIDS is recognized. Moreover, the cannabinoids are analgesic, and their activity is comparable to the weak opioids. Furthermore, parallels exist between opioid and cannabinoid receptors, and evidence is accumulating that the two systems sometimes may operate synergistically. The interest of the pharmaceutical companies led to the production of various drugs, whether synthetic or natural derived. The good ratio between the polyunsatured fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 of the oil of Cannabis seeds led to reduction of the phlogosis and an improvement of the pain symptoms in patients with chronic musculo-skeletal inflammation.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19388223

An analgesic role for cannabinoids.

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Abstract

“Cannabinoids have significant analgesic properties in animal models, particularly for chronic pain states, but there are few human studies. An endogenous cannabinoid system, with specific receptors and transmitters, has recently been discovered. This discovery has led pharmacologists to explore the potential of synthetic cannabinoids to selectively target chronic pain disorders without producing the side effects associated with cannabis. Well-controlled clinical trials on cannabinoids, and cannabinoid delivery systems, are now required.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11130354