Category Archives: Depression

The “entourage effect”: Terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders.

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“Mood disorders are the most prevalent mental conditions encountered in psychiatric practice. Numerous patients suffering from mood disorders present with treatment-resistant forms of depression, co-morbid anxiety, other psychiatric disorders and bipolar disorders.

Standardized essential oils (such as that of Lavender officinalis) have been shown to exert clinical efficacy in treating anxiety disorders. As endocannabinoids are suggested to play an important role in major depression, generalized anxiety and bipolar disorders, Cannabis sativa, was suggested for their treatment.

The endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the body including the brain, modulating many functions. It is involved in mood and related disorders, and its activity may be modified by exogenous cannabinoids.

CB1 and CB2 receptors primarily serve as the binding sites for endocannabinoids as well as for phytocannabinoids, produced by cannabis inflorescences. However, ‘cannabis’ is not a single compound product but is known for its complicated molecular profile, producing a plethora of phytocannabinoids alongside a vast array of terpenes.

Thus, the “entourage effect” is the suggested positive contribution derived from the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids. Here we review the literature on the effects of cannabinoids and discuss the possibility of enhancing cannabinoid activity on psychiatric symptoms by the addition of terpenes and terpenoids.

Possible underlying mechanisms for the anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects are reviewed. These natural products may be an important potential source for new medications for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31481004

http://www.eurekaselect.com/174648/article

S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe), Cannabidiol (CBD), and Kratom in Psychiatric Disorders: Clinical and Mechanistic Considerations.

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Brain, Behavior, and Immunity“Given the limitations of prescription antidepressants, many individuals have turned to natural remedies for the management of their mood disorders.

We review three selected natural remedies that may be of potential use as treatments for depressive disorders and other psychiatric or neurological conditions.

The best studied and best supported of these three remedies is S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), a methyl donor with a wide range of physiological functions in the human organism.

With the increasing legalization of cannabis-related products, cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity for various potential indications and has even obtained approval in the United States and Canada for certain neurological conditions.

Kratom, while potentially useful for certain individuals with psychiatric disorders, is perhaps the most controversial of the three remedies, in view of its greater potential for abuse and dependence.

For each remedy, we will review indications, doses and delivery systems, potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action, adverse effects, and will provide recommendations for clinicians who may be considering prescribing these remedies in their practice.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31301401

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159119302788?via%3Dihub

Repetitive high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation reverses depressive-like behaviors and protein expression at hippocampal synapses in chronic unpredictable stress-treated rats by enhancing endocannabinoid signaling.

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Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior“The anti-depressant effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a clinically-useful treatment for depression, is associated with changes to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

However, it is currently unknown whether different frequencies of rTMS alter the ECS differently. To test this, rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were treated with rTMS at two different frequencies (5 (high) or 1 Hz (low), 1.26 Tesla) for 7 consecutive days.

Interestingly, we found that only high-frequency rTMS ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and normalized the expression of hippocampal synaptic proteins in CUS-treated rats;

Collectively, our results suggest that high-frequency rTMS exerts its anti-depressant effect by up-regulating diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα) and cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R).”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31229467

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305719301376?via%3Dihub

Transcranial magnetic stimulation.jpg

“Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), also known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation in which a changing magnetic field is used to cause electric current at a specific area of the brain through electromagnetic induction. An electric pulse generator, or stimulator, is connected to a magnetic coil, which in turn is connected to the scalp. The stimulator generates a changing electric current within the coil which induces a magnetic field; this field then causes a second inductance of inverted electric charge within the brain itself. Adverse effects of TMS are rare, and include fainting and seizure. Other potential issues include discomfort, pain, hypomania, cognitive change, hearing loss, and inadvertent current induction in implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators”  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305719301376?via%3Dihub

Quetiapine induces myocardial necroptotic cell death through bidirectional regulation of cannabinoid receptors.

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Toxicology Letters

“Quetiapine is a common atypical antipsychotic used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. There has been increasing number of reports describing its cardiotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying quetiapine-induced myocardial injury remain largely unknown.

Herein, we reported a novel cell death type, quetiapine-induced necroptosis, which accounted for quetiapine cardiotoxicity in mice and proposed novel therapeutic strategies.

Quetiapine-treated hearts showed inflammatory infiltration and evident fibrosis after 21-day continuous injection. The specific increases of protein levels of RIP3, MLKL and the phosphorylation of MLKL showed that quetiapine-induced necroptotic cell death both in vivo and in vitro. Pharmacologic blockade of necroptosis using its specific inhibitor Necrostatin-1 attenuated quetiapine-induced myocardial injury in mice.

In addition, quetiapine imbalanced the endocannabinoid system and caused opposing effects on two cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R).

Specific antagonists of CB1R (AM 281, Rimonabant), but not its agonist ACEA significantly ameliorated the heart histopathology induced by chronic quetiapine exposure. By contrast, specific agonists of CB2R (JWH-133, AM 1241), but not its antagonist AM 630 exerted beneficial roles against quetiapine cardiotoxicity.

The protective agents (AM 281, Rimonabant, AM 1241, and JWH-133) consistently inactivated the quetiapine-induced necroptosis signaling. Quetiapine bidirectionally regulates cannabinoid receptors and induces myocardial necroptosis, leading to cardiac toxic effects.

Therefore, pharmacologic inhibition of CB1R or activation of CB2R represents promising therapeutic strategies against quetiapine-induced cardiotoxicity.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31220554

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427419301766?via%3Dihub

Pharmacokinetics of oral and intravenous cannabidiol and its antidepressant-like effects in chronic mild stress mouse model.

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Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology

“Cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits significant efficacy in mental and inflammatory diseases. Several studies have recently reported on the rapid antidepressant-like effects of CBD, suggesting that CBD is a potential anti-depressant or anti-stress drug. However, CBD is mainly administered orally or by inhalation with poor bioavailability, resulting in high costs. We aim to explore the efficacy of long-term periodic administration of CBD in chronic mild stress (CMS) via two routes and its pharmacokinetics. We treated ICR mice with CBD administered orally and intravenously and then determined the kinetic constants. A single bolus intravenous injection of CBD resulted in a half-life of 3.9 h, mean residence time of 3.3 h, and oral bioavailability of about 8.6%. The antidepressant-like effects of periodically administered CBD on the chronic mild stress mouse model are evaluated. Results demonstrated that such treatment at a high dose of 100 mg/kg CBD (p.o.) or a low dose of 10 mg/kg CBD (i.v.), elicited significant antidepressant-like behavioral effects in forced swim test, following increased mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptophysin in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Our findings are expected to provide a reference for the development of intravenous antidepressant formulations of CBD.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31173966

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1382668919300687?via%3Dihub

Emerging evidence for the antidepressant effect of cannabidiol and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

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Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy

“Significant limitations with the currently available antidepressant treatment strategies have inspired research on finding new and more efficient drugs to treat depression. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic component of Cannabis sativa, and emerges in this regard as a promising compound. In 2010, we were the first laboratory to demonstrate that CBD is effective in animal models of predictive of antidepressant effect, a finding now confirmed by several other groups. Recent evidence suggests that CBD promotes both a rapid and a sustained antidepressant effect in animal models. CBD has a complex pharmacology, with the ability to interact with multiple neurotransmitter systems involved in depression, including the serotonergic, glutamatergic, and endocannabinoid systems. Moreover, CBD induces cellular and molecular changes in brain regions related to depression neurobiology, such as increased Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels and synaptogenesis in the medial prefrontal cortex, as well as it increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus. This review presents a comprehensive critical overview of the current literature related to the antidepressant effects of CBD, with focus at the possible mechanisms. Finally, challenges and perspectives for future research are discussed.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31039391

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891061818302114?via%3Dihub

Ketamine-induced antidepressant like effects in mice: A possible involvement of cannabinoid system.

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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

“The purpose of this study was to explore the possible interaction between ketamine and cannabinoid system in the modulation of depression-related responses.

It seems that possible interaction between ketamine and cannabinoid system may modulate depression-related behavior.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30970516

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218375309?via%3Dihub

“Antidepressant-like effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/
http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/depression-2/

β-Caryophyllene, a Natural Sesquiterpene, Attenuates Neuropathic Pain and Depressive-Like Behavior in Experimental Diabetic Mice.

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 View details for Journal of Medicinal Food cover image“Neuropathic pain (NP) is associated with chronic hyperglycemia and emotional disorders such as depression in diabetic patients, complicating the course of treatment. Drugs currently used to treat NP have undesirable side effects, so research on other natural sources has been required.

β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene found in some food condiments and considered an agonist to cannabinoid receptor type 2, could have potential therapeutic effects to treat conditions such as NP and emotional disorders. For this reason, we assessed whether BCP modulates nociception, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetic BALB/c female mice.

BCP was orally chronic administrated (10 mg/kg/60 μL). Pain developed with STZ was evaluated with von Frey filament test, SMALGO®, and hot plate test. Anxiety and depression-like behavior were assessed by marbles test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. BCP significantly reduced glycemia in experimental diabetic mice. The pain was also mitigated by BCP administration. Depression-like behavior assessed with tail suspension test was attenuated with orally chronic BCP administration. Substance P and cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also attenuated with BCP administration. NP was positively correlated with substance P and IL-6 and IL-1β release.

Our data using an orally chronic BCP administration in the STZ challenged mice to suggest that glycemia, diabetes-related NP, and depressive-like behavior could be prevented/reduced by dietary BCP.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30864870

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2018.0157

“β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a common constitute of the essential oils of numerous spice, food plants and major component in Cannabis.”   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23138934

“Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid.”   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18574142

Hemisphere-dependent endocannabinoid system activity in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the Flinders Sensitive Line rodent model of depression.

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Neurochemistry International“Altered endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling is suggested as an important contributor to the pathophysiology of depression.

In summary, our data suggest a decreased eCB signalling in the FSL rats, which could contribute to the depressive-like behaviour.

Interestingly, the altered eCB system activity appear to be hemisphere-specific in the limbic regions.

Our study support the existing literature and showed altered eCB system activity in this particular animal model of depression.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30716357

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197018618305151?via%3Dihub

“Antidepressant-like effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. Results of this study show that Delta(9)-THC and other cannabinoids exert antidepressant-like actions, and thus may contribute to the overall mood-elevating properties of cannabis.”   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332000

Cannabinoid receptor 2 activation mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation and sickness behavior in mice.

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 Image result for psychopharmacology journal“Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) signaling in the brain is associated with the pathophysiology of depression.

Sickness behavior, characterized by lessened mobility, social interaction, and depressive behavior, is linked with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system.

The present study was aimed at evaluating 1-phenylisatin (PI), a CB2R agonist, in sickness behavior.

Our data propose that acute and long-term activation of CB2R might prevent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress-associated sickness behavior.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30666359