[News about therapeutic use of Cannabis and endocannabinoid system].
Growing basic research in recent years led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system with a central role in neurobiology. New evidence suggests a therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as in pain, spasticity and other symptoms in multiple sclerosis and movement disorders. Results of large randomized clinical trials of oral and sublingual Cannabis extracts will be known soon and there will be definitive answers to whether Cannabis has any therapeutic potential. Although the immediate future may lie in plant-based medicines, new targets for cannabinoid therapy focuses on the development of endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors which may offer site selectivity not afforded by cannabinoid receptor agonists.
Duran
Marta
M
Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. mdd@icf.uab.es
Laporte
Joan-Ramon
JR
Capellà
Dolors
D
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002188:Cannabis; D013759:Dronabinol; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D013759:Dronabinol