title: Marijuana Compounds: A Nonconventional Approach to Parkinson's Disease Therapy.
abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is the second most common neurological illness in United States. Neurologically, it is characterized by the selective degeneration of a unique population of cells, the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. The current treatment is symptomatic and mainly involves replacement of dopamine deficiency. This therapy improves only motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease and is associated with a number of adverse effects including dyskinesia. Therefore, there is unmet need for more comprehensive approach in the management of PD. Cannabis and related compounds have created significant research interest as a promising therapy in neurodegenerative and movement disorders. In this review we examine the potential benefits of medical marijuana and related compounds in the treatment of both motor and nonmotor symptoms as well as in slowing the progression of the disease. The potential for cannabis to enhance the quality of life of Parkinson's patients is explored.
authors.affiliation: Touro College of Pharmacy, 230 West 125th Street, Room 530, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5758-5589
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Babayeva
authors.affiliation: Touro College of Pharmacy, 230 West 125th Street, Room 530, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Haregewein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Assefa
authors.affiliation: Touro College of Pharmacy, 230 West 125th Street, Room 530, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Paramita
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.affiliation: Touro College of Pharmacy, 230 West 125th Street, Room 530, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Sanjeda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chumki
authors.affiliation: Touro College of Pharmacy, 230 West 125th Street, Room 530, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Zvi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Loewy