The gastrointestinal pharmacology of cannabinoids: focus on motility.
The marijuana plant Cannabis sp. and its derivatives and analogues, known as cannabinoids (CBs), induce many effects throughout the whole body. Herein we briefly review the gastrointestinal (GI) pharmacology of CBs, with special focus on motor function. Some drugs are available to treat nausea and emesis, and evidences in humans and animal models suggest that other GI motility alterations (gastro-oesophageal reflux, inflammatory bowel conditions or paralytic ileus) might benefit from modifications of the CB tone throughout the gut. However, central and peripheral (including GI) side effects may occur upon acute and chronic CB administration. Hopefully, the ongoing worldwide intense research on CBs will soon provide new, safer CB-based medicines.
Departamento de Farmacología y Nutrición, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, España.
Raquel
R
Abalo
Gema
G
Vera
Ana Esther
AE
López-Pérez
María
M
Martínez-Villaluenga
María Isabel
MI
Martín-Fontelles
D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
D002186:Cannabinoids