“Cannabinoids (CBs) are neuroprotective in vivo and in vitro.
…the PI 3-K/AKT signaling pathway mediates the neuroprotective effect of exogenous cannabinoids in primary CNS neurons.”
“Cannabinoids were shown to induce apoptosis of glioma cells in vitro and tumor regression in vivo…
… we suggest that the increase of proapoptotic Bad activity is an important link between the inhibition of survival pathways and an onset of execution phase of cannabinoid-induced glioma cell death.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15451022
“A glioma is a primary brain tumor that originates from the supportive cells of the brain, called glial cells.” http://neurosurgery.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=159
“Remarkably, cannabinoids kill glioma cells selectively and can protect non-transformed glial cells from death.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15275820
“Cannabinoids exert pleiotropic actions in the CNS, including the inhibition of inflammatory responses and the enhancement of neuronal survival after injury… cannabinoid receptors are distributed widely in brain… Cannabinoids Promote Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Survival: Involvement of Cannabinoid Receptors and Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase/Akt Signaling.
Limited clinical studies have suggested that cannabis might ameliorate the symptomatology in multiple sclerosis patients, and beneficial effects of synthetic cannabinoids have been reported in vivoin rodent models of multiple sclerosis.
Apart from their actions on motor and pain pathways, cannabinoids regulate the immune response by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators by leukocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, which may contribute to their beneficial effects.
The results of the present study also point to a direct role of cannabinoids in promoting the survival of oligodendrocyte progenitors, particularly in unfavorable conditions, as would be the case in demyelinating diseases. Studies in progress are aimed to evaluate the function of cannabinoids in other models affecting oligodendroglial survival.
“Most data on effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids on anterior pituitary hormone secretion point out to a primary impact on the hypothalamus. There is also some evidence, however, of possible direct actions of these compounds on the anterior pituitary, although the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the pituitary has not been documented as yet.
In the present study, we evaluated the presence of cannabinoid CB(1) receptor-mRNA transcripts in the pituitary gland by in situ hybridization.
We observed CB(1) receptor-mRNA transcripts in the anterior pituitary and to a lesser extent in the intermediate lobe whereas they were absent in the neural lobe. We then examined whether CB(1) receptor-mRNA levels in both pituitary lobes responded to chronic activation by a specific agonist, as did receptors located in adjacent hypothalamic nuclei and in other brain regions…
We also checked whether endogenous cannabinoid ligands are present in the anterior pituitary and the hypothalamus.
Although anandamide itself was detected only in trace amounts, concentrations of its precursor N-arachidonoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and of 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol were found in both tissues, suggesting that endocannabinoids may be synthetized in the anterior pituitary.
In summary, CB(1) receptors and corresponding ligands seem to be expressed in cells of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary, but the response of CB(1) receptor-mRNA transcripts in the anterior lobe to chronic agonist activation is different than the desensitization observed in hypothalamic nuclei.”
“The endocannabinoid system has been found to play an important role in modulating alcohol intake.
Inhibition or genetic deletion of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH; a key catabolic enzyme for endocannabinoids) leads to increased alcohol consumption and preference in rodent models.
A common human single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; C385A, rs324420) in the FAAH gene is associated with decreased enzymatic activity of FAAH, resulting in increased anandamide levels in both humans and FAAH C385A knock-in mice.
These data suggest that there is direct and selective involvement of the human FAAH C385A SNP and CB1 receptors in alcohol “binge” drinking.”
“Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by tics and frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidities. While most cases are mild and improve with age, some are treatment-refractory.
Here, we review strategies for the management of this population. We begin by examining the diagnosis of TS and routine management strategies.
We then consider emerging treatments for refractory cases, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and novel pharmacological approaches such as new vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 inhibitors, cannabinoids, and anti-glutamatergic drugs.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26875502
http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/tourettes-syndrome/
“Cannabinoids have shown to have a variety effects on body systems. Through CB1 and CB2 receptors, amongst other, they exert an effect by modulating neurotransmitter and cytokine release.
Current research in the role of cannabinoids in the immune system shows that they possess immunosuppressive properties. They can inhibit proliferation of leucocytes, induce apoptosis of T cells and macrophages and reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
In mice models, they are effective in reducing inflammation in arthritis, multiple sclerosis, have a positive effect on neuropathic pain and in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
They are effective as treatment for fibromyalgia and have shown to have anti-fibrotic effect in scleroderma.
Studies in human models are scarce and not conclusive and more research is required in this field.
Cannabinoids can be therefore promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents in the therapy of autoimmune disorders.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26876387
http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/autoimmune-disease/
“Endocannabinoids including anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are involved in cancer pathophysiology in several ways, including tumor growth and progression, peritumoral inflammation, nausea and cancer pain.
Recently we showed that the endocannabinoid profiles are deranged during cancer to an extent that this manifests in alterations of plasma endocannabinoids in cancer patients, which was mimicked by similar changes in rodent models of local and metastatic cancer.
The present topical review summarizes the complexity of endocannabinoid signaling in the context of tumor growth and metastasis.”
“This may be hard to believe — as we’re fairly accustomed to the notion that inhaling smoke is always bad for your health — but research shows smoking marijuana actually decreases the risk for developing lung cancer.
According to multiple study findings published on Cancer.gov, “Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death.”
Dr. Donald Tashkin, professor emeritus of medicine at UCLA, also recently revealed to LA Weekly that after 30 years of studying the effects of marijuana smoke on lung function, he did not find any association between lung cancer and smoking weed.
Tashkin also found smoking marijuana does not lead to impaired lung function even after years of habitual use.”
More: http://extract.suntimes.com/information-resources/10/153/892/smoking-marijuana-reduces-cancer-risk
“Cannabis has been shown to kill cancer cells in the laboratory. Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death.” http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#section/all
“Cannabis sativa L. is an important herbaceous species originating from Central Asia, which has been used in folk medicine and as a source of textile fiber since the dawn of times.
This fast-growing plant has recently seen a resurgence of interest because of its multi-purpose applications: it is indeed a treasure trove of phytochemicals and a rich source of both cellulosic and woody fibers.
Equally highly interested in this plant are the pharmaceutical and construction sectors, since its metabolites show potent bioactivities on human health and its outer and inner stem tissues can be used to make bioplastics and concrete-like material, respectively.
In this review, the rich spectrum of hemp phytochemicals is discussed by putting a special emphasis on molecules of industrial interest, including cannabinoids, terpenes and phenolic compounds, and their biosynthetic routes.
Cannabinoids represent the most studied group of compounds, mainly due to their wide range of pharmaceutical effects in humans, including psychotropic activities.
The therapeutic and commercial interests of some terpenes and phenolic compounds, and in particular stilbenoids and lignans, are also highlighted in view of the most recent literature data.
Biotechnological avenues to enhance the production and bioactivity of hemp secondary metabolites are proposed by discussing the power of plant genetic engineering and tissue culture. In particular two systems are reviewed, i.e., cell suspension and hairy root cultures.
Additionally, an entire section is devoted to hemp trichomes, in the light of their importance as phytochemical factories.
Ultimately, prospects on the benefits linked to the use of the -omics technologies, such as metabolomics and transcriptomics to speed up the identification and the large-scale production of lead agents from bioengineered Cannabis cell culture, are presented.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26870049
“Known since the ancient times for its medicinal and textile uses, hemp is currently witnessing a revival, because of its rich repertoire of phytochemicals, its fibers and its agricultural features, namely quite good resistance to drought and pests, well-developed root system preventing soil erosion, lower water requirement with respect to other crops, e.g., cotton.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740396/
