title: Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb.
abstract: Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol binds cannabinoid (CB(1) and CB(2)) receptors, which are activated by endogenous compounds (endocannabinoids) and are involved in a wide range of physiopathological processes (e.g. modulation of neurotransmitter release, regulation of pain perception, and of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and liver functions). The well-known psychotropic effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, which are mediated by activation of brain CB(1) receptors, have greatly limited its clinical use. However, the plant Cannabis contains many cannabinoids with weak or no psychoactivity that, therapeutically, might be more promising than Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Here, we provide an overview of the recent pharmacological advances, novel mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic applications of such non-psychotropic plant-derived cannabinoids. Special emphasis is given to cannabidiol, the possible applications of which have recently emerged in inflammation, diabetes, cancer, affective and neurodegenerative diseases, and to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin, a novel CB(1) antagonist which exerts potentially useful actions in the treatment of epilepsy and obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. aaizzo@unina.it
authors.forename: Angelo A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Borrelli
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Capasso
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Di Marzo
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mechoulam
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002188:Cannabis / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids