A new formulation of cannabidiol in cream shows therapeutic effects in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Posted on October 23, 2015 by David

“The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a new formulation of alone, purified cannabidiol (CBD) (>98 %), the main non-psychotropic cannabinoid of Cannabis sativa, as a topical treatment in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most commonly used model for multiple sclerosis (MS)…

All these data suggest an interesting new profile of CBD that could lead to its introduction in the clinical management of MS and its associated symptoms at least in association with current conventional therapy.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26489494

“Summarizing, we have shown that the topical administration of CBD can protect against the cascade of events (inflammation, oxidative injury and neuronal cell death) associated to the induction of EAE. Of note, topical CBD application was able to recover the hind limb lost sensitivity. This observation provides a rationale for evaluating its clinical translation that might represent a new concept in the management of MS. Finally, we suggest that CBD, devoid of psychoactive activity, could be potentially, safe and effective non invasive alternatives for alleviating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4618347/

Medical Cannabis Effective for Chronic Pain, Other Indications

Posted on September 28, 2015 by David

“According to this study:

* Moderate-quality evidence supports the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain and for the spasticity related to multiple sclerosis.

* Low-quality evidence suggests that cannabinoids may be effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and other indications.”

http://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/Abstract/2015/10000/Medical_Cannabis_Effective_for_Chronic_Pain,_Other.31.aspx

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282153137_Medical_Cannabis_Effective_for_Chronic_Pain_Other_Indications

“Medical Cannabis Effective for Chronic Pain, Other Indications. According to this study.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26402288

“Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2338251

Endocannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Posted on September 27, 2015 by David

“There are numerous reports that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have for many years been self-medicating with illegal street cannabis or more recently medicinal cannabis to alleviate the symptoms associated with MS and also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

These anecdotal reports have been confirmed by data from animal models and more recently clinical trials on the ability of cannabinoids to alleviate limb spasticity, a common feature of progressive MS (and also ALS) and neurodegeneration.

Experimental studies into the biology of the endocannabinoid system have revealed that cannabinoids have efficacy, not only in symptom relief but also as neuroprotective agents which may slow disease progression and thus delay the onset of symptoms.

This review discusses what we now know about the endocannabinoid system as it relates to MS and ALS and also the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid therapeutics as disease-modifying or symptom control agents, as well as future therapeutic strategies including the potential for slowing disease progression in MS and ALS.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26408162

Alteration of delta-6-desaturase (FADS2), secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2) enzymes by Hot-nature diet with co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients.

Posted on September 16, 2015 by David

“The effect of nutrition and dietary supplements as environmental factors has been suggested as possible factors affecting both disease risk and progression in on the course of multiple sclerosis with complex genetic-risk profiles.

This study was aimed to assess regulation of surface-membrane enzymes such as Delta-6-desaturase (FADS2), secretory Phospholipase A2(sPLA2) by hemp seed and evening primrose oils as well as Hot-natured dietary intervention in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients…

The co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with Hot nature diet can have beneficial effects in improving clinical symptoms and signs in RRMS patients which were confirmed by regulation of surface-membrane enzymes.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26365444

Cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis (CAMS study): multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Posted on September 15, 2015 by David

“Multiple sclerosis is associated with muscle stiffness, spasms, pain, and tremor. Much anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabinoids could help these symptoms.

Our aim was to test the notion that cannabinoids have a beneficial effect on spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis.

There was evidence of a treatment effect on patient-reported spasticity and pain, with improvement in spasticity…

INTERPRETATION:

Treatment with cannabinoids did not have a beneficial effect on spasticity when assessed with the Ashworth scale. However… objective improvement in mobility and patients’ opinion of an improvement in pain suggest cannabinoids might be clinically useful.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14615106

The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised placebo-controlled trial (CAMS-LUTS).

Posted on September 15, 2015 by David

“To test whether cannabinoids reduce urge incontinence episodes without affecting voiding in patients with multiple sclerosis. This was part of the multicentre trial of the Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis (CAMS) study.

Both active treatments showed significant effects over placebo.

:The findings are suggestive of a clinical effect of cannabis on incontinence episodes in patients with MS. This is in contrast to the negative finding of the CAMS study, where no difference was seen in the primary outcome of spasticity.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16552618

Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis (CAMS) study: safety and efficacy data for 12 months follow up

Posted on September 15, 2015 by David

“To test the effectiveness and long term safety of cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis (MS), in a follow up to the main Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis (CAMS) study.

There was suggestive evidence for treatment effects of Δ9-THC on some aspects of disability.

There were no major safety concerns.

Overall, patients felt that these drugs were helpful in treating their disease.

These data provide limited evidence for a longer term treatment effect of cannabinoids.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1739436/

Clinical perspectives on medical marijuana (cannabis) for neurologic disorders.

Posted on September 4, 2015 by David

“The American Academy of Neurology published an evidence-based systematic review of randomized controlled trials using marijuana (Cannabis sativa) or cannabinoids in neurologic disorders.

Several cannabinoids showed effectiveness or probable effectiveness for spasticity, central pain, and painful spasms in multiple sclerosis.

The review justifies insurance coverage for dronabinol and nabilone for these indications.

Many insurance companies already cover these medications for other indications.

It is unlikely that the review will alter coverage for herbal marijuana.

Currently, no payers cover the costs of herbal medical marijuana because it is illegal under federal law and in most states.

Cannabinoid preparations currently available by prescription may have a role in other neurologic conditions, but quality scientific evidence is lacking at this time.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26336632

Medical Marijuana: Reducing Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Posted on August 29, 2015 by David

“Medical marijuana is a justifiable treatment for spasticity in patients with MS.

Interviews indicate that many patients choose marijuana over other medicines because they experience minimal side effects and rapid improvements in motor functioning…

Compared to the steroids, tranquilizers, and sedatives usually prescribed for MS patients, marijuana is remarkably safe and benign…

There is a lack of evidence for long-term risks associated with marijuana use. The short-term risks are minimal and short-lived.

Studies verify the positive relationship between medical marijuana use and reduced spasticity.

Voters are realizing the cruelty associated with robbing a terminally or chronically ill patient from the medicine that most relieves their pain.

MS is a chronic disease that can lead to severe pain and disability if untreated. For these reasons, medical marijuana should be available to patients who understand the risks associated with its use.

Until medical research develops an equally effective oral drug, marijuana will remain a reasonable option for patients suffering from MS.”

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/medicalmarijuana.htm

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

Clinical Use of Cannabinoids for Symptom Control in Multiple Sclerosis.

Posted on August 21, 2015 by David

“The endocannabinoid system was discovered in 1988 but has received little attention for its potential therapeutic possibilities.

That has started to change, and since 2000, a significant number of clinical trials of cannabinoids, principally for the control of spasticity in multiple sclerosis, have been undertaken. These studies have been difficult because of the nature of the disease and have involved patients for whom other therapies have failed or proved inadequate.

This paper outlines the background to the use of cannabinoids available and discusses the principles of practice associated with their safe use.

The focus has been on nabiximols, being the most studied and the only cannabinoid that has been both adequately researched for use in multiple sclerosis and granted a license by the regulators. However, what has emerged is that the effect for many patients can be much wider than just control of spasticity.

Within and outside of neurology there seems to be an expanding range of possibilities for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26289248

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