Tag Archives: cannabis

Targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat haunting traumatic memories

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“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.

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“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

Cannabidiol: promise and pitfalls.

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“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/

Evaluation of the tolerability and efficacy of Sativex in multiple sclerosis.

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“Refractory spasticity, central neuropathic pain and bladder dysfunction are common clinical problems in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). None of the currently available oral medications has proven to be reliably effective and can be limited by toxicity.

Cannabinoids have shown therapeutic effects on those MS-associated symptoms.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) Sativex (nabiximols) is an oromucosal spray formulation that contains THC and CBD in an approximate 1:1 ratio and is described as an endocannabinoid system modulator.

The efficacy of THC/CBD on MS-associated spasticity, pain and bladder dysfunction has been studied in clinical trials as well as in clinical practice studies. Adverse effects are usually mild or moderate and the low rate of drug discontinuation provides good evidence of long-term tolerability. This article focuses on the pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability of THC/CBD in MS patients.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25331416

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

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“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/

Intraocular pressure, ocular toxicity and neurotoxicity after administration of cannabinol or cannabigerol.

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“Cannabinol or cannabigerol was administered to cats topically in doses of 250, 500 and 1000 micrograms as a single drop or chronically via osmotic minipumps (20 micrograms hr-1) over a period of 9 days. While cannabinol had a modest effect on intraocular pressure after a single dose, it caused a more significant reduction in ocular tension during chronic administration. Cannabigerol had similar effects, but the magnitude of response to its chronic administration was greater. Cannabinol but not cannabigerol caused conjunctival erythema and hyperemia. After systemic administration of cannabinol (20, 40 or 80 mg kg-1) to rats, 8-13 Hz polyspike discharges appeared in the electrocorticogram during wakefulness and during rapid eye movement sleep episodes. Cannabigerol (10, 30 and 100 mg kg-1) lacked this effect.

These results indicate that chronic administration of these cannabinoids lowers ocular tension considerably.

Like marihuana and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol produced both ocular toxicity and neurotoxicity. As cannabigerol lacked these toxicities, it appears that the ocular hypotensive effect of this cannabinoid is somewhat dissociable from both the adverse central and ocular effects accompanying marihuana intake.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6499952

A comparison of the ocular and central effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol.

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“Both delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) and cannabigerol, two naturally occurring marihuana cannabinoids, produced only a modest fall in intraocular pressure after acute topical application to the eyes of cats.

After chronic administration unilaterally to the cornea via Alzet osmotic minipumps and connecting extraocular cannulas, however, a considerable fall in ocular tension amounting to 4 to 7 mm Hg occurred. After systemic administration of delta 9-THC to rats, polyspike discharges appeared in the cortical electroencephalogram initially during wakefulness and behavioral depression. These polyspikes subsequently became evident within rapid eye movement sleep episodes. Cannabigerol was devoid of this effect. After removal of either sympathetic or parasympathetic input to the eyes of cats, the intraocular pressure lowering effect of delta 9-THC was not changed. Neither delta 9-THC nor cannabigerol altered the rate of formation of aqueous humor. On the other hand, both cannabinoids produced a two-to three-fold increase in aqueous outflow facility.

These results suggest that cannabigerol and related cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of glaucoma.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1965836

Antiestrogenic effects of marijuana smoke condensate and cannabinoid compounds.

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“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.

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“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/

Advances in the management of multiple sclerosis spasticity: recent clinical trials.

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“Most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience spasticity as the clinical course evolves. Associated symptoms include (often painful) spasms, urinary dysfunction and sleep disturbances. THC:CBD oromucosal spray (Sativex®) is approved for symptom improvement in adult patients with moderate to severe MS-related spasticity who have not responded adequately to other antispasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity-related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy.

SUMMARY:

In pivotal clinical trials of THC:CBD oromucosal spray, a meaningful proportion of patients with treatment-resistant MS spasticity achieved clinically relevant improvement with active treatment versus placebo. The utility of a 4-week trial of therapy to identify patients who respond to treatment was demonstrated in an enriched-design study.

THC:CBD oromucosal spray was well tolerated in these studies, with no evidence of effects typically associated with recreational cannabis use.

In a subsequent post approval clinical trial, THC:CBD oromucosal spray had no statistically significant effect on cognition and mood compared with placebo.

Moreover, after 50 weeks’ treatment, approximately two-thirds of patients, physicians and caregivers reported improvement from baseline in spasticity based on global impressions of change.

In phase III clinical trials, approximately one-third of MS patients with treatment-resistant spasticity had a clinically relevant and statistically significant response to THC:CBD oromucosal spray.

In addition to a reduction in spasticity, responders experienced meaningful relief from associated symptoms.

THC:CBD oromucosal spray was generally well tolerated and efficacy was maintained over the longer term.

A post-approval clinical trial indicated no effect of THC:CBD oromucosal spray on cognition or mood after 50 weeks of use.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25278117

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