Category Archives: Autism

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…
 

Can non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds actually cure chronic illness?

Though the researchers were quick to deny that cannabinoids hold any potential at actually curing autism, which more than likely was a politically-motivated denial rather than a factual admission, other research and actual case studies suggest that cannabinoid compounds are, indeed, powerful enough to mitigate many or all of the symptoms associated with autism, as well as many other diseases.”

 

Stanford University Study Finds That Marijuana Could Help With Autism

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“A study conducted by Stanford University has found that there might be compounds in marijuana which have some very specific health benefits. The study’s results reveal that cannabinoids – which are found in cannabis – might help to treat autism.”

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“A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on,” according to the Autism Daily Newscast. “Thomas Sudhof, a cellular physiologist at Stanford University, tested mutations associated with autism in mice. Two mutations associated with autism in a synapse-adhesion protein led to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. This suggests that autism could caused by a disruption of the brain’s ability to send clear signals.
 
ADN references another study that supports the theory that cannabinoids could be used as a treatment to autism…”
 

More: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/stanford-university-study-finds-marijuana-could-help-autism#

Study Finds Cannabis May Provide Treatment For Autism

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“A new study out of Standford University has found promising signs to suggest that cannabinoids – compounds found in cannabis, as well as naturally produced in our body – may help to treat autism.

According to Autism Daily Newscast (ADN); ”A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on”.

They continue: “Thomas Sudhof, a cellular physiologist at Stanford University, tested mutations associated with autism in mice. Two mutations associated with autism in a synapse-adhesion protein led to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. This suggests that autism could caused by a disruption of the brain’s ability to send clear signals”.

These findings suggest that cannabinoids could be used as a treatment to autism as they can unblock a disruption in the body’s cannabinoid receptors…”

More: http://www.theweedblog.com/study-finds-cannabis-may-provide-treatment-for-autism/

Hope for autistic children might lie in medical marijuana, study says – msn

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Marijuana in a prescription bottle (© Gary Morrison/Getty Images)

“Stanford University released a study that will most likely add more fuel to the already contentious debate over medical marijuana, especially regarding its possible use by kids. The study, released in April, shows that cannabinoids, which are found in cannabis, might help treat autism. In the human brain, endocannabinoid signaling affects memory formation, learning, and other processes, but forms of autism can block these signals. When cannabinoids were present in the brains of mice being studied, these signals were able to get through. While more research is needed, autism groups are hopefull about the possibilties of medical marijuana. As the Autism Daily Newscast put it, “Many children with autism are already given cocktails of drugs that may be even stronger than marijuana, with serious side effects and limited results.”

http://now.msn.com/marijuana-affects-autism-by-helping-brain-signals-get-through-says-stanford-study

A Link Between Autism and Cannabinoids

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“Two autism-related mutations in a synapse-adhesion protein lead to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. It’s a surprising connection that suggests such signaling problems could be implicated in autism spectrum disorders, according to a paper published today (April 11) in Neuron.

Tonic endocannabinoid signaling is long-lasting and contrasts with the brief pulses characteristic of phasic signaling. Endocannabinoid signaling in general affects memory formation, learning, pain, and other important processes, but the distinctions between tonic and phasic signaling have been poorly understood.

“It’s a very stimulating finding which could be a real turning point in understanding tonic endocannabinoids and how this otherwise mysterious lipid signaling really works,” said Bradley Alger, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine…

Alger added that, if the endocannabinoid system does turn out to be connected to autism in humans, medical marijuana could turn out to hold possibility for treating autism.”

More: http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/35088/title/A-Link-Between-Autism-and-Cannabinoids/

The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation.

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“The term ‘endocannabinoid’ – originally coined in the mid-1990s after the discovery of membrane receptors for the psychoactive principle in Cannabis, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and their endogenous ligands – now indicates a whole signalling system that comprises cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands and enzymes for ligand biosynthesis and inactivation. This system seems to be involved in an ever-increasing number of pathological conditions. With novel products already being aimed at the pharmaceutical market little more than a decade since the discovery of cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid system seems to hold even more promise for the future development of therapeutic drugs. We explore the conditions under which the potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system might be realized in the years to come.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15340387

http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v3/n9/full/nrd1495.html

Oregon family uses medical marijuana to manage son’s autistic rage

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“An Oregon family has turned to medical marijuana to manage their son’s severe autistic rage. “It was indescribable, it was horrifying,” said Jeremy Echols, father of 11-year-old Alex. “When you’ve got no other options, are you honestly gonna say no?”

Eleven-year-old Alex Echols is severely autistic, and his doctor said Alex’s self-destructive behavior is brought on by Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare, genetic disorder that affects about 50,000 people in the U.S.  The disorder causes unregulated growth of non-malignant tissue in organs. In Alex’s case, his neurologist said growths in Alex’s brain have led to seizures and autism.”

Read more: http://www.kptv.com/story/20660400/medical-marijuana-used-to-treat-autism

“The Echols have set up a Facebook page that chronicles Alex’s journey. You can find their blog at www.facebook.com/alex.autism.rage.mmj.”

Ore. parents use pot to treat boy’s autistic rages

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“The parents of an 11-year-old boy in Oregon are using marijuana for his autistic rages.

Alex Echols’ behavior was brought on by tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder that affects about 50,000 Americans. The disease causes growths in organs, which can lead to seizures and autism.

Echols  cannot communicate with words, so it is difficult for his parents to know what’s troubling him.

His parents have turned to medical marijuana to manage his behavior.

Echols is one of about 50 Oregon children with a medical marijuana card. While autism is not a qualifying medical condition like cancer or severe pain, seizures are.

After a few months of treatment, his parents say they saw a dramatic improvement.

“Indescribable, it was horrifying,” says Echols’ father. “He was …. acting normal then all of a sudden run himself into a wall. When you’ve got no other options are you honestly going to say ‘No’?””

http://www.10news.com/lifestyle/health/parents-use-pot-for-to-treat-boys-autistic-rages-012513

Boy given medical marijuana to manage violent Autism symptoms

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“Parents of a young boy are using medical marijuana to help manage violent self control issues due to Autism. The boys parents were not able to find a solution to their sons violent outbursts and self destructive behavior.They then researched using medical marijuana as a solution. The child has shown remarkable positive results using the liquid form of the drug.”

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYlAbJRQ5g0 

“Boy given pot to manage autism

 An Oregon family is using medical marijuana to calm their son’s autistic rage. KPTV covers this difficult story.”
.http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2013/01/24/dnt-pot-helps-kid-with-autism.kptv

Marijuana-Like Chemical May Help Autism And Fragile X Syndrome Symptoms

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“American and European researchers have found that increasing natural marijuana-like chemicals in the brain may help correct behavioral issues related to autism.

Daniele Piomelli of UC Irvine and Olivier Manzoni of INSERM, the French national research agency, led the study, which could result in treatments of anxiety and cognitive defects in individuals with fragile X syndrome, the most common known genetic cause of autism, according to a press release by UC Irvine.

The study examined 2-AG, which naturally occurs in the brain and is in a class of chemicals called endocannabinoid transmitters. These transmitters allow for the efficient transport of electrical signals at synapses, which is severely limited in people with fragile X syndrome.

The researchers treated mice that exhibited symptoms of fragile X syndrome with novel compounds that correct 2-AG protein signaling in the brain. And the results were promising–the mice showed “dramatic behavioral improvements in maze tests measuring anxiety and open-space acceptance,” UCI reports.

Piomelli said this is the first study to identify the role of naturally-occuring endocannabinoids, which share a similar chemical structure with THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. “What we hope is to one day increase the ability of people with fragile X syndrome to socialize and engage in normal cognitive functions,” said Piomelli, a UCI professor of anatomy and neurobiology.

“It would be either an oral or injected drug but that’s at the very end stage of drug discovery, and we are at the very early stage of drug discovery,” Kwang Mook Jung, a researcher on the study and UCI professor, told The Huffington Post.

In addition, his study of endocannabinoids could result in new treatments for anxiety, pain, depression and obesity, according to UCI.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/marijuana-chemical-autism-fragile-x_n_1920320.html