Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and acceptability of cannabinoids for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched for randomized trials utilizing cannabinoids for the treatment of adults with anxiety disorders. Primary outcomes were reduction in anxiety disorder symptoms, and study discontinuation due to adverse events. Evidence was synthesized as rate ratios (RRs) and as standardized mean differences (SMDs) using random-effects meta-analyses. Results A total of 14 eligible trials representing 1548 individuals (median age: 33 years; range: 28–44; 66% male) were identified. Cannabinoids reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD = −1.85, 95% CI: −2.61...

ABSTRACT Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid-derived product that has recently been approved for the treatment of pharmacoresistant seizures in patients with epileptic encephalopathies such as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Short-term side effects of cannabidiol are well know and well-documented in the clinical trials that lead to its approval. Generally, is a well tolerated drug with transitory, dose-dependent mild to moderate effects like somnolence, decreased appetite or diarrhoea. However severe life-threatening reactions can also occur, and are often related to the non-controlled toxic combination with other antiseizure drugs that are widely used in this type of patients like sodium valproate or clobazam. In this brief...

Abstract O-1602 and O-1918 are atypical cannabinoid ligands for GPR55 and GPR18, which may be novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of obesity by targeting energy homeostasis regulation in skeletal muscle. This study aimed to determine the effect of O-1602 or O-1918 on markers of oxidative capacity and fatty acid metabolism in the skeletal muscle. Diet-induced obese (DIO) male Sprague Dawley rats were administered a daily intraperitoneal injection of O-1602, O-1918 or vehicle for 6 weeks. C2C12 myotubes were treated with O-1602 or O-1918 and human primary myotubes were treated with O-1918. GPR18 mRNA was expressed in the skeletal muscle of DIO rats and was up-regulated...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Importance  Cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS)—a diagnostic indicator of cannabis use disorder—commonly occurs on cessation of heavy and prolonged cannabis use. To date, the prevalence of CWS syndrome has not been well described, nor have the factors potentially associated with CWS. Objectives  To estimate the prevalence of CWS among individuals with regular or dependent use of cannabinoids and identify factors associated with CWS. Data Sources  A search of literature from database inception to June 19, 2019, was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest, Allied and Complementary Medicine,...

Abstract Novel antimicrobial drugs are urgently needed to counteract the increasing occurrence of bacterial resistance. Extracts of Cannabis sativa have been used for the treatment of several diseases since ancient times. However, its phytocannabinoid constituents are predominantly associated with psychotropic effects and medical applications far beyond the treatment of infections. It has been demonstrated that several cannabinoids show potent antimicrobial activity against primarily Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As first in vivo efficacy has been demonstrated recently, it is time to discuss whether cannabinoids are promising antimicrobial drug candidates or overhyped intoxicants with benefits.

Abstract This review examines the impact of cannabinoids on viral infections, as well as its effects on the mitochondria of the nervous and immune system. The paper conveys information about the beneficial and negative impacts of cannabinoids on viral infections, especially HIV-1. These include effects on the inflammatory response as well as neuroprotective effects. We also explore non-apoptotic mitochondrial pathways modulated by the activity of cannabinoids, resulting in modifications to cellular functions. As a large part of the literature derives from studies of the nervous system, we first compile the information related to mitochondrial functions in this system, particularly through the CB1 receptor. Finally,...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Purpose of Review Here, we overview the latest findings from studies investigating the skeletal endocannabinoid (EC) system and its involvement in bone formation and resorption. Recent Findings The endocannabinoid system consists of endogenous ligands, receptors, and enzymes. The main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are expressed in bone and regulate bone homeostasis in rodents and humans. CBD treatment was shown to enhance fracture healing in rats. Recent studies in mice indicate that strain, age, and sex differences dictate the skeletal outcome of the...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Studies that have analyzed the association between cannabis use and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have provided conflicting results. In this study, we aim to determine the association of recent cannabis use detected through urine drug screen (UDS) among patients admitted with AIS. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed using the medical records database. All patients aged 18 years and older admitted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, who underwent urine toxicology testing on admission were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze independent association between recent...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a dementing, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by increased accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ), degeneration of hippocampal neurons and the gradual development of learning and memory deficits. Therapeutically, there are still no ideal medicines available and this represents an urgent need for the development of new strategies to treat AD. Emerging lines of evidence suggest that modulation of the cannabinoid system exhibits neuroprotective effects in various neurological diseases, including AD. However, a consensus is yet to emerge as to the impact of hippocampal cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) in protection of hippocampal neurons against Aβ induced...

ABSTRACT Cannabinoids include a variety of substances, of which cannabidiol (CBD) is the main substance investigated for the treatment of epilepsy, and this will be the focus in the present review. CBD preparations exist in various forms. There are significant differences in quality control regarding content and reproducibility for an approved drug versus herbal preparations. Cannabidiol has challenging pharmacological properties, and pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects will depend on the formulation or preparation of a certain product. This article will focus on the characteristics, pharmacokinetic challenges, and interactions of standardised CBD-containing drugs based on evidence from clinical and pharmacokinetic studies.