Cannabis: old medicine with new promise for neurological disorders.
Marijuana is a complex substance containing over 60 different forms of cannabinoids, the active ingredients. Cannabinoids are now known to have the capacity for neuromodulation, via direct, receptor-based mechanisms at numerous levels within the nervous system. These have therapeutic properties that may be applicable to the treatment of neurological disorders; including anti-oxidative, neuroprotective, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions; immunomodulation, modulation of glial cells and tumor growth regulation. This article reviews the emerging research on the physiological mechanisms of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids in the context of neurological disease.
Carter
Gregory T
GT
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98531, USA. gtcarter@u.washington.edu
Weydt
Patrick
P
D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D002188:Cannabis / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy
D002186:Cannabinoids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents