Tag Archives: anti-inflammatory

A systematic review of the effect of cannabidiol on cognitive function: Relevance to schizophrenia.

Posted on by

Image result for neuroscience & biobehavioral reviews

“Cognitive impairment is a core symptom domain of schizophrenia, neurological disorders and substance abuse. It is characterised by deficits in learning, memory, attention and executive functioning and can severely impact daily living.

Antipsychotic drugs prescribed to treat schizophrenia provide limited cognitive benefits and novel therapeutic targets are required. Cannabidiol (CBD), a component of the cannabis plant, has anti-inflammatory and antipsychotic-like properties; however, its ability to improve cognitive impairment has not been thoroughly explored. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate preclinical and clinical literature on the effects of CBD in cognitive domains relevant to schizophrenia.

CBD improves cognition in multiple preclinical models of cognitive impairment, including models of neuropsychiatric (schizophrenia), neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s disease), neuro-inflammatory (meningitis, sepsis and cerebral malaria) and neurological disorders (hepatic encephalopathy and brain ischemia). To-date, there is one clinical investigation into the effects of CBD on cognition in schizophrenia patients, with negative results for the stroop test. CBD attenuates Δ9-THC-induced cognitive deficits.

 

The efficacy of CBD to improve cognition in schizophrenia cannot be elucidated due to lack of clinical evidence; however, given the ability of CBD to restore cognition in multiple studies of impairment, further investigation into its efficacy in schizophrenia is warranted. Potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy of CBD to improve cognition are discussed.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27884751

Medical Cannabis – another piece in the mosaic of autoimmunity?

Posted on by

Image result for Clin Pharmacol Ther.

“Legalization of cannabis’ medicinal use is rapidly increasing worldwide, raising the need to evaluate medical implications of cannabis. Currently evidence supports cannabis and its active ingredients as an immune-modulating agents, affecting T-cells, B-cells, Monocytes and Microglia-cells, causing an overall reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Due to the supporting evidence of cannabinoids as an immune-modulating agent, research focusing on cannabinoids and autoimmunity has emerged. Several clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and fibromyalgia suggest cannabis’ effectiveness as an immune-modulator. However, contradicting results and lack of large scale clinical trials obscure these results. Though lacking clinical research, in-vitro and in-vivo experiments in rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes type 1 and systemic sclerosis, demonstrate a correlation between disease activity and cannabinoids.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27859024

A Science Based Evaluation of Cannabis and Cancer

Posted on by

Image result for thebmj

“The irritant properties of all smoke will naturally tend to promote a pro-inflammatory immune response with the corresponding production of potentially carcinogenic free radicals. However, cannabis promotes immune deviation to an anti-inflammatory Th2 response via immune-system specific CB2 receptors. Thus, the natural pharmacological properties of marijuana’s cannabinoids, that are not present in tobacco smoke, would minimize potential irritant initiated carcinogenesis. In contrast, the pharmacological activities of tobacco smoke would tend to amplify its carcinogenic potential by inhibiting the death of genetically damaged cells. Together these observations support the epidemiological study of the Kaiser Foundation that did not find cannabis smoking to be associated with cancer incidence. Additionally, the demonstrated cancer killing activities of cannabinoids has been ignored. Cannabinoids have been shown to kill some leukemia and lymphoma, breast and prostate, pheochromocytoma, glioma and skin cancer cells in cell culture and in animals.” http://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/29/science-based-evaluation-cannabis-and-cancer

Prevalence and Patterns of Marijuana Use in Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Posted on by

Image result for journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition

“Recent studies in adults report symptom relief with marijuana use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

We assessed the prevalence, pattern, effects and adverse effects of marijuana use in young adults with IBD.

We conducted a prospective questionnaire survey study at a pediatric IBD clinic. All patients (18 to 21 years of age) answered anonymous questionnaires about demographics, IBD, medications and marijuana use.

Overall, 98% of patients supported legalization of marijuana and 85% were interested in using medical marijuana if it became legally available.

We found a high rate of marijuana use in our cohort of young adults with IBD. Majority of users report symptom improvement but do not inform physicians. Future well controlled studies are necessary to assess role of marijuana in IBD therapy.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27846066

Survey of herbal cannabis (marijuana) use in rheumatology clinic attenders with a rheumatologist confirmed diagnosis.

Posted on by

Image result for pain journal

“Cannabinoids may hold potential for the management of rheumatic pain.

Arthritis, often self-reported, is commonly cited as the reason for the use of medicinal herbal cannabis (marijuana). We have examined the prevalence of marijuana use among 1000 consecutive rheumatology patients with a rheumatologist-confirmed diagnosis and compared in an exploratory manner the clinical characteristics of medicinal users and nonusers.

Current marijuana use, medicinal or recreational, was reported by 38 patients (3.8%; 95% CI: 2.8-5.2). Ever use of marijuana for medical purposes was reported by 4.3% (95% CI: 3.2-5.7), with 28 (2.8%; 95% CI: 1.9-4.0) reporting current medicinal use. Current medicinal users had a spectrum of rheumatic conditions, with over half diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Medicinal users were younger, more likely unemployed or disabled, and reported poorer global health. Pain report and opioid use was greater for users, but they had similar physician global assessment of disease status compared with nonusers.

Medicinal users were more likely previous recreational users, with approximately 40% reporting concurrent recreational use. Therefore, less than 3% of rheumatology patients reported current use of medicinal marijuana. This low rate of use in patients with a rheumatologist-confirmed diagnosis is in stark contrast to the high rates of severe arthritis frequently reported by medicinal marijuana users, especially in Canada. Familiarity with marijuana as a recreational product may explain use for some as disease status was similar for both groups.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27842047

The combination of β-caryophyllene, baicalin and catechin synergistically suppresses the proliferation and promotes the death of RAW267.4 macrophages in vitro.

Posted on by

Image result for International Journal of Molecular Medicine

“β-caryophyllene, which is a constituent of many essential oils, has been known to be a selective agonist of the cannabinoid receptor type-2 and to exert cannabimimetic anti-inflammatory effects in animals.

On the whole, this study demonstrates that the combination of β-caryophyllene, baicalin and (+)-catechin exerts synergistic suppressive effects on macrophages in vitro.

This composition may be a useful as an anti-inflammatory treatment strategy.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27840942

Antagonism of cannabinoid receptor 1 attenuates the anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture in a rodent model of migraine.

Posted on by

Image result for acupuncture in medicine

“The anti-nociceptive effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in migraine have been documented in multiple randomised controlled trials.

Neurogenic inflammation plays a key role in migraine attacks, and the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture have been associated with the type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor.

CB1 receptors appear to mediate anti-inflammatory effects of EA in a rat model of migraine.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27834685

Cannabinoids in the Management of Musculoskeletal or Rheumatic Diseases.

Posted on by

Image result for Curr Rheumatol Rep.

“The endocannabinoid system impacts pain and inflammation with potential for therapeutic effect on patients with rheumatic diseases. The current treatment options include the herbal product derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, as well as pharmaceutical preparations. The legalization of medicinal cannabis (marijuana) in many jurisdictions and widespread public advocacy has propelled an interest in use either by prescription or self-medication. In this review, we examine current evidence for efficacy and adverse effects of any cannabinoid product in rheumatic conditions. The evidence to date is scant and precludes making recommendations for the use of cannabinoid preparations in rheumatology patients. In particular, the risks of herbal cannabis in patients are not well defined. Anecdote and advocacy cannot supersede sound evidence.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27832442

The cannabinoid receptor CB1 contributes to the development of ectopic lesions in a mouse model of endometriosis.

Posted on by

Image result for human reproduction journal

“Does signaling via the cannabinoid (CB1) receptor play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis in a mouse model?

The expression of components of the endocannabinoid system has been demonstrated in both mouse and human uteri. CB1 receptors are expressed in human epithelial and stromal cell lines derived from eutopic endometrium and deep infiltrating endometriosis nodules.

This was a randomized study in a mouse model of endometriosis.

We provide evidence that endocannabinoid signaling via CB1 receptor plays a role in the development of endometriosis in a mouse model.

However, the relative contribution of the CB1-mediated signaling pathways active in inflammatory, uterine and peritoneal cells remains to be ascertained. Since the study was performed in a mouse model, the significance of the findings in the human system warrants further investigation.

Clarifying the function and regulation of CB1 and its molecular interactions with endogenous ligands, and how endocannabinoids levels are regulated in women with endometriosis, represent critical areas of research for the potential development of a novel medical treatment of the disease.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27821707

Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Posted on by

Image result for FASEB J.

“Cannabinoids apparently act on inflammation through mechanisms different from those of agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

As a class, the cannabinoids are generally free from the adverse effects associated with NSAIDs. Their clinical development thus provides a new approach to treatment of diseases characterized by acute and chronic inflammation and fibrosis.

A concise survey of the anti-inflammatory actions of the phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, cannabichromene, and cannabinol is presented.

The endogenous cannabinoids, including the closely related lipoamino acids, are then discussed.

The review concludes with a presentation of a possible mechanism for the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions of these substances.

Thus, several cannabinoids may be considered candidates for development as anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents.

Of special interest is their possible use for treatment of chronic inflammation, a major unmet medical need.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27435265