Cannabis: A Toxin-Producing Plant with Potential Therapeutic Uses

For thousands of years, Cannabis sativa has been utilized as a medicine and for recreational and spiritual purposes. Phytocannabinoids are a family of compounds that are found in the cannabis plant, which is known for its psychotogenic and euphoric effects; the main psychotropic constituent of cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The pharmacological effects of cannabinoids are a result of interactions between those compounds and cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, located in many parts of the human body. Cannabis is used as a therapeutic agent for treating pain and emesis. Some cannabinoids are clinically applied for treating chronic pain, particularly cancer and multiple sclerosis-associated pain, for appetite stimulation and anti-emesis in HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, and for spasticity treatment in multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients. Medical cannabis varies from recreational cannabis in the chemical content of THC and cannabidiol (CBD), modes of administration, and safety. Despite the therapeutic effects of cannabis, exposure to high concentrations of THC, the main compound that is responsible for most of the intoxicating effects experienced by users, could lead to psychological events and adverse effects that affect almost all body systems, such as neurological (dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and others), ophthalmological (mydriasis and conjunctival hyperemia), cardiovascular (tachycardia and arterial hypertension), and gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, and thirst), mainly associated with recreational use. Cannabis toxicity in children is more concerning and can cause serious adverse effects such as acute neurological symptoms (stupor), lethargy, seizures, and even coma. More countries are legalizing the commercial production and sale of cannabis for medicinal use, and some for recreational use as well. Liberalization of cannabis laws has led to increased incidence of toxicity, hyperemesis syndrome, lung disease cardiovascular disease, reduced fertility, tolerance, and dependence with chronic prolonged use. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, as well as the acute and chronic toxic effects of cannabis use on various body systems.

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Therapeutic Effects of Nigella Sativa and Cannabis Sativa Seeds On Multiple Sclerosis

10.47829/cos.2021.5401 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 05 (04) ◽

Author(s):

Arefhosseini SR ◽

Alijani S ◽

Simal-Gandara J ◽

Jazar H ◽

Firozi SR

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Nigella Sativa ◽

Therapeutic Effects

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Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2015/238482 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Charu Sharma ◽

Bassem Sadek ◽

Sameer N. Goyal ◽

Satyesh Sinha ◽

Mohammad Amjad Kamal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Discovery ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Metabolizing Enzymes ◽

Drug Discovery And Development ◽

Synthetic Drugs ◽

Psychiatric Adverse Effects ◽

G Protein Coupled

The cannabinoid molecules are derived fromCannabis sativaplant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2receptors. However, these synthetic basedCannabisderived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other thanCannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.

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Safety of Medical Cannabis in Neuropathic Chronic Pain Management

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26206257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (20) ◽

pp. 6257

Author(s):

Alessandra Bennici ◽

Carmen Mannucci ◽

Fabrizio Calapai ◽

Luigi Cardia ◽

Ilaria Ammendolia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Neuropathic Pain ◽

Adverse Reactions ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Chronic Pain Management ◽

Drug Reactions ◽

Medical Cannabis ◽

Chronic Neuropathic Pain ◽

Insufficient Knowledge

Products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa are widely appreciated for their analgesic properties and are employed for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Only nabiximols, a product composed of two extracts containing similar percentages of the two cannabinoids cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is approved by regulatory authorities for neuropathic pain and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis in many European countries and Canada. It is also included in pharmacovigilance systems monitoring the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. However, it is not the same for the great variety of other cannabis preparations widely used for medical purposes. This creates a situation characterized by insufficient knowledge of the safety of cannabis preparations and the impossibility of establishing a correct risk–benefit profile for their medical use in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. With the aim to explore this issue more deeply, we collected data on adverse reactions from published clinical studies reporting the use of cannabis for neuropathic relief.

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A Review of Herbal Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin ◽

10.15171/apb.2018.066 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 575-590 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Sina Mojaverrostami ◽

Maryam Nazm Bojnordi ◽

Maryam Ghasemi-Kasman ◽

Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh ◽

Hatef Ghasemi Hamidabadi

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Nigella Sativa ◽

Curcuma Longa ◽

New Drugs ◽

Crocus Sativus ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Oenothera Biennis ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Disease ◽

Promising Therapeutic Approach

Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder which characterized by demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). Several evidences indicate that some new drugs and stem cell therapy have opened a new horizon for multiple sclerosis treatment, but current therapies are partially effective or not safe in the long term. Recently, herbal therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis disease. Here, we consider the potential benefits of some herbal compounds on different aspects of multiple sclerosis disease. The medicinal plants and their derivatives; Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Nigella sativa,Piper methysticum, Crocus sativus, Panax ginseng, Boswellia papyrifera, Vitis vinifera, Gastrodia elata, Camellia sinensis, Oenothera biennis, MS14 and Cannabis sativa have been informed to have several therapeutic effects in MS patients.

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An open-label pilot study of cannabis-based extracts for bladder dysfunction in advanced multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1191/1352458504ms1063oa ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 425-433 ◽

Cited By ~ 151

Author(s):

C M Brady ◽

R DasGupta ◽

C Dalton ◽

O J Wiseman ◽

K J Berkley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Dose Range ◽

Rank Test ◽

Open Label ◽

Self Assessment ◽

Whole Plant ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Signed Rank Test

The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Anecdotal reports suggest that cannabis may alleviate LUTS, and cannabinoid receptors in the bladder and nervous system are potential pharmacological targets. In an open trial we evaluated the safety, tolerability, dose range, and efficacy of two whole-plant extracts of Cannabis sativa in patients with advanced MS and refractory LUTS. Patients took extracts containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD; 2.5 mg of each per spray) for eight weeks followed by THC-only (2.5 mg THC per spray) for a further eight weeks, and then into a long-term extension. Assessments included urinary frequency and volume charts, incontinence pad weights, cystometry and visual analogue scales for secondary troublesome symptoms. Twenty-one patients were recruited and data from 15 were evaluated. Urinary urgency, the number and volume of incontinence episodes, frequency and nocturia all decreased significantly following treatment (PB/0.05, Wilcoxon’s signed rank test). However, daily total voided, catheterized and urinary incontinence pad weights also decreased significantly on both extracts. Patient self-assessment of pain, spasticity and quality of sleep improved significantly (PB/0.05, Wilcoxon’s signed rank test) with pain improvement continuing up to median of 35 weeks. There were few troublesome side effects, suggesting that cannabis-based medicinal extracts are a safe and effective treatment for urinary and other problems in patients with advanced MS.

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Cannabis Therapeutic Applications - Review

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa040.015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

J Faim ◽

J Balteiro

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Scientific Interest ◽

Medical Cannabis ◽

Therapeutic Application ◽

Anti Tumour Activity ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Full Analysis ◽

Tumour Activity

Abstract Introduction Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis or cannabinoids as medical therapy to treat disease or alleviate symptoms. Cannabinoids can be given orally, sublingually or topically, can be smoked, inhaled, mixed with food or made into tea. Objectives Elaboration of a systematic literature review about cannabis’s medicinal and therapeutic properties. It is intended to characterize the plant and its properties, highlighting the proven therapeutic evidence published in the area of oncology and diseases of the central nervous system. Methodology The selection of articles was based on the reading and analysis of the title and the abstract; only articles published in the last 15 years have been considered. After full analysis of the selected articles, it was concluded that 64 scientific articles were relevant to the study. Results With this systematic review, we can conclude that its therapeutic application in areas such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and in the relief of some cancer patient’s symptoms is promising. Its apparent anti-tumour activity in various types of cancer is of increasing scientific interest as current treatments in these situations are scarce. Conclusion The future of cannabis therapy is getting closer. It is therefore necessary to study and develop new synthetic analogues of THC, with better separation between therapeutic and side effects. Scientific advances show that Cannabis sativa is a treatment option for many conditions. With this systematic review we can conclude that its therapeutic application in areas such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and in the relief of some symptoms in cancer patients is promising. Its apparent anti-tumour activity in various types of cancer is also of increasing scientific interest.

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The Intricate Influence of the Placebo Effect on Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids ◽

10.1159/000489291 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 60-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jürg Gertsch

Keyword(s):

Placebo Effect ◽

Manufacturing Industry ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Medical Cannabis ◽

Double Blind ◽

Botanical Drug ◽

Bona Fide ◽

Preclinical Animal Models

The botanical drug cannabis flos (inflorescence of Cannabis sativa L.) has a unique popular status as being a potent recreational drug and bona fide universal remedy (panacea). Generally, cannabinoids exert therapeutic effects in a broad range of pathophysiologies related to inflammation, pain, metabolic and stress-related conditions in preclinical animal models. However, the translation of such data to humans still lacks an evidence-based foundation. Motivated by the booming cannabis manufacturing industry and the increasing worldwide self-therapy by patients, there are cumulative accounts about broad therapeutic effects of cannabis and legal cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) beyond statistical evidence. The numerous affirming anecdotal reports by patients pose a challenge to physicians and legal authorities. Moreover, the lack of standardization of cannabis products and widely missing randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials largely hinder the scientific assessment of medical cannabis in humans. Given the recent insight that the endocannabinoid system is mediating, at least in part, a placebo effect, psychoactive cannabis and cannabinoids could exert complex neuropharmacological actions. As discussed in this commentary, the meaning response may play a role in the broad palliative and therapeutic effects of medical cannabis unprecedented by other phytopharmaceuticals.

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Assessment of biochemical determinants in Multiple Sclerosis patients following the oral administration of β-D-Mannuronic acid [M2000]

Current Drug Discovery Technologies ◽

10.2174/1570163817999200918104333 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamad Reza Nikouei Moghaddam ◽

Monireh Movahedi ◽

Maryam Bananej ◽

Soheil Najafi ◽

Nahid Beladi Moghadam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Uric Acid ◽

Vitamin D3 ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽

Toxic Effects ◽

Control Group ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Mannuronic Acid ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that can lead to some serious disabilities. Despite using various immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs that have therapeutic effects, they cannot reduce its progression completely, and have some unwanted side effects too. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of the β-D-Mannuronic acid [M2000] have been proven in several surveys, and the present research was designed to determine its toxicity and therapeutic effects in MS patients. Methods: This study was performed on 15 MS patients who took 25 mg/kg/day the oral form of the β-D-Mannuronic acid for six months, and 15 healthy people as a control group. Serum levels of Urea, Creatinine, GGT, Vitamin D3, Uric acid, and Anti-Phospholipids were compared to evaluate the therapeutic and possible toxic effects of this drug after this period. Results: Non- toxic effects through the study of Urea, Creatinine, GGT, and non-significant changes in Uric acid and AntiPhospholipids levels, besides a significant rise in Vitamin, D3 levels in the M2000 treated cases were found. Conclusions: Our results suggested that β-D-Mannuronic acid is a safe drug and has no toxicity when administered orally and also has some therapeutic effects in MS patients.

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Cannabis Use among Older Persons with Arthritis, Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis: Are We Comparing Apples and Oranges?

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11050532 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 532

Author(s):

Brian Kaskie ◽

Hyojung Kang ◽

Divya Bhagianadh ◽

Julie Bobitt

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Older Persons ◽

Behavioral Outcomes ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Medical Cannabis ◽

Opioid Use ◽

Quality Of Sleep ◽

Impact Processes ◽

Lower Baseline

Although researchers have identified medications that relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), none are entirely effective and some persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) use alternatives. Our study compared cannabis use among PwMS (N = 135) and persons diagnosed with arthritis (N = 582) or cancer (N = 622) who were age 60 and older, enrolled in the State of Illinois Medical Cannabis Program, and invited to complete a survey fielded between June and September, 2019. We used logistic regression to identify significant differences in self-reported effects of cannabis on psychological wellbeing, quality of life, and three behavioral outcomes, and we also considered effects of past year opioid use relative to these outcomes. We found that the majority of individuals from all groups used cannabis to address pain and improve quality of sleep. While PwMS reported lower baseline levels across all five outcomes, we found that the reported effects of cannabis were largely comparable across the groups. We also found that cannabis benefitted persons with sleep and digestive issues regardless of condition, whereas persons who used opioids in addition to cannabis were less likely to experience an improvement in any of the outcomes. This comparative evaluation suggests that cannabis’ effects are not specific to MS, arthritis, or cancer as much as they impact processes common among these distinct conditions. We also found evidence that cannabis may be a viable alternative to opioids for those with these conditions and experiencing pain.

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