“The endocannabinoid system (ECS), composed of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that regulate biosynthesis and degradation, plays a fundamental role in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the small and large intestine and liver.
Specifically, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R), located principally in the nervous system and immune cells, orchestrate processes such as intestinal motility, intestinal and hepatic inflammation, and energy metabolism, respectively.
The main endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), influence appetite, body weight regulation, and inflammatory states and thus have implications in obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Recent studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS to modulate gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases. In particular, peripheral CB1R antagonists and CB2R agonists have shown efficacy in treating intestinal inflammation, reducing hepatic steatosis, and controlling IBS symptoms. Moreover, the ECS is emerging as a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer, acting on cell proliferation and apoptosis.
This review highlights the opportunity to exploit the endocannabinoid system in the search for innovative therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of a targeted approach to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39941074/
“In conclusion, these findings suggest that the ECS offers a versatile approach for modulating gastrointestinal physiological aspects and treating conditions such as obesity and its complications, IBS, and CRC. Future research should refine ECS-targeted therapies to maximize their efficacy and minimize adverse effects, unlocking new opportunities for innovative treatments of disordered metabolism, inflammation, and cancer.
Clinical studies show that medical cannabis could be a valuable adjunct to cancer and treatments for inflammation, providing symptom relief and improving patients’ overall quality of life. However, further research is needed to refine treatment protocols and explore their full therapeutic potential.”