Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoid and Its Receptor

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2024 | Viewed by 6014

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: pharmacology; pharmacodynamics; neuroscience; preclinical studies; cannabinoids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: pharmacology; pharmacodynamics; neuroscience; preclinical studies; mood disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: pharmacology; pharmacodynamics; neuroscience; preclinical studies; mood disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: pharmacology; pharmacodynamics; neuroscience; preclinical studies; mood disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has a long history as a medicinal plant. This plant has been known and used since ancient times, and cannabis use demonstrates numerous therapeutic effects, including antispastic, analgesic, antiemetic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions. Indeed, it is also effective against certain psychiatric diseases. Cannabinoid compounds, occurring in cannabis, produce their effects via interaction with the brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS, through the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) receptors, is involved in many emotional functions and there are a wide variety of interactions between the CB receptors and many different neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the central and peripheral nervous system. The pharmacological modulation of ECS functions could be useful for the treatment of various medical conditions. However, the knowledge on the potential mechanisms of cannabinoid activities still requires further enrichment. Thus, the aim of the Special Issue is to expand the current knowledge of the role of the ECS in the pathomechanisms of many mental and physical dysfunctions. This knowledge may in the future open up new possibilities for the development of cannabinoid-based therapies for many disorders. A step towards this of this project will be to bring together international experts to provide a comprehensive overview about this research field. Therefore, I invite you to participate with either an original article or a review focused on some aspects of the subject.

Dr. Marta Kruk-Słomka
Dr. Jolanta Orzelska-Górka
Dr. Ewa Kędzierska
Dr. Ewa Gibuła-Tarłowska
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • endocannabinoid system
  • cannabinoid receptor ligands
  • medical marihuana
  • cannabinoid-based therapies

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1789 KiB  
Article
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness and Safety of Melatonin and Three Formulations of Floraworks Proprietary TruCBN™ for Improving Sleep
by Antonija Kolobaric, Jessica Saleska, Susan J. Hewlings, Corey Bryant, Christopher S. Colwell, Christopher R. D’Adamo, Jeff Chen and Emily K. Pauli
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(8), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17080977 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 795
Abstract
The phytocannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) has a potential mechanism of action as an alternative sleep aid but there is minimal evidence to support its effectiveness. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to assess the safety and effects of three formulations of [...] Read more.
The phytocannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) has a potential mechanism of action as an alternative sleep aid but there is minimal evidence to support its effectiveness. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to assess the safety and effects of three formulations of a hemp-derived CBN sleep aid, TruCBN™ [25 mg (n = 206), 50 mg (n = 205), 100 mg (n = 203)], on sleep quality (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance 8A), relative to placebo (n = 204). The effectiveness and safety of these formulations relative to 4 mg of melatonin (n = 202) was assessed. Exploratory measures were stress (PROMIS Stress 4A), anxiety (Anxiety 4A), pain (PROMIS™ PEG), and well-being (WHO 5). All groups and the 4 mg melatonin group experienced significant improvement in sleep quality relative to the placebo group with no significant differences between any group and the melatonin group. Participants taking 100 mg showed a larger decrease in stress compared to the placebo group. There were no significant differences in anxiety, pain, well-being, or the frequency of side effects between any group and the placebo group. There was no significant difference in improvements in sleep quality between any of the treatment groups and the 4 mg melatonin group. Orally ingested CBN, at 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, is a safe and effective alternative for the improvement of sleep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoid and Its Receptor)
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18 pages, 2560 KiB  
Article
The Influence of an Acute Administration of Cannabidiol or Rivastigmine, Alone and in Combination, on Scopolamine-Provoked Memory Impairment in the Passive Avoidance Test in Mice
by Marta Kruk-Slomka, Tomasz Slomka and Grazyna Biala
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060809 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Memory is one of the most important abilities of our brain. The process of memory and learning is necessary for the proper existence of humans in the surrounding environment. However, sometimes there are unfavourable changes in the functioning of the brain and memory [...] Read more.
Memory is one of the most important abilities of our brain. The process of memory and learning is necessary for the proper existence of humans in the surrounding environment. However, sometimes there are unfavourable changes in the functioning of the brain and memory deficits occur, which may be associated with various diseases. Disturbances in the cholinergic system lead to abnormalities in memory functioning and are an essential part of clinical symptoms of many neurodegenerative diseases. However, their treatment is difficult and still unsatisfactory; thus, it is necessary to search for new drugs and their targets, being an alternative method of mono- or polypharmacotherapy. One of the possible strategies for the modulation of memory-related cognitive disorders is connected with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The aim of the present study was to determine for the first time the effect of administration of natural cannabinoid compound (cannabidiol, CBD) and rivastigmine alone and in combination on the memory disorders connected with cholinergic dysfunctions in mice, provoked by using an antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptor—scopolamine. To assess and understand the memory-related effects in animals, we used the passive avoidance (PA) test, commonly used to examine the different stages of memory. An acute administration of CBD (1 mg/kg) or rivastigmine (0.5 mg/kg) significantly affected changes in scopolamine-induced disturbances in three different memory stages (acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval). Interestingly, co-administration of CBD (1 mg/kg) and rivastigmine (0.5 mg/kg) also attenuated memory impairment provoked by scopolamine (1 mg/kg) injection in the PA test in mice, but at a much greater extent than administered alone. The combination therapy of these two compounds, CBD and rivastigmine, appears to be more beneficial than substances administered alone in reducing scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. This polytherapy seems to be favourable in the pharmacotherapy of various cognitive disorders, especially those in which cholinergic pathways are implicated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoid and Its Receptor)
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15 pages, 1681 KiB  
Article
Systemic Chronic Treatment with Cannabidiol in Carioca High- and Low-Conditioned Freezing Rats in the Neuropathic Pain Model: Evaluation of Pain Sensitivity
by Carolina Macêdo-Souza, Silvia Soares Maisonnette, Jaime E. Hallak, José A. Crippa, Antônio W. Zuardi, J. Landeira-Fernandez and Christie Ramos Andrade Leite-Panissi
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(7), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16071003 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1373
Abstract
Studies have shown high comorbidity of anxiety disorder and chronic pain; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neuropathic pain are among these pathologies. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been considered a promising treatment for these conditions. This study investigated whether chronic systemic treatment with CBD alters [...] Read more.
Studies have shown high comorbidity of anxiety disorder and chronic pain; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neuropathic pain are among these pathologies. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been considered a promising treatment for these conditions. This study investigated whether chronic systemic treatment with CBD alters pain in high- (CHF) and low-freezing (CLF) Carioca rats (GAD model) and control rats (CTL) submitted to chronic neuropathic pain. The rats were evaluated in the sensory aspects (von Frey, acetone, and hot plate tests) before the chronic constriction injury of the ischiatic nerve (CCI) or not (SHAM) and on days 13 and 23 after surgery. Chronic treatment with CBD (5 mg/kg daily) was used for ten days, starting the 14th day after surgery. The open field test on the 22nd also evaluated locomotion and anxiety-like behavior. CBD treatment had an anti-allodynic effect on the mechanical and thermal threshold in all lineages; however, these effects were lower in the CHF and CLF lineages. Considering emotional evaluation, we observed an anxiolytic effect in CTL+CCI and CHF+CCI after CBD treatment and increased mobility in CLF+SHAM rats. These results suggest that the CBD mechanical anti-allodynic and emotional effects can depend on anxiety level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoid and Its Receptor)
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Review

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31 pages, 404 KiB  
Review
Cannabinoids: Potential for Modulation and Enhancement When Combined with Vitamin B12 in Case of Neurodegenerative Disorders
by Anna Aleksandra Kaszyńska
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060813 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1277
Abstract
The enduring relationship between humanity and the cannabis plant has witnessed significant transformations, particularly with the widespread legalization of medical cannabis. This has led to the recognition of diverse pharmacological formulations of medical cannabis, containing 545 identified natural compounds, including 144 phytocannabinoids like [...] Read more.
The enduring relationship between humanity and the cannabis plant has witnessed significant transformations, particularly with the widespread legalization of medical cannabis. This has led to the recognition of diverse pharmacological formulations of medical cannabis, containing 545 identified natural compounds, including 144 phytocannabinoids like Δ9-THC and CBD. Cannabinoids exert distinct regulatory effects on physiological processes, prompting their investigation in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research highlights their potential in modulating protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction, crucial factors in conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining homeodynamics in neurodegenerative disorders and explores innovative therapeutic approaches such as nanoparticles and RNA aptamers. Moreover, cannabinoids, particularly CBD, demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of microglial activity, offering multifaceted neuroprotection including mitigating aggregation. Additionally, the potential integration of cannabinoids with vitamin B12 presents a holistic framework for addressing neurodegeneration, considering their roles in homeodynamics and nervous system functioning including the hippocampal neurogenesis. The potential synergistic therapeutic benefits of combining CBD with vitamin B12 underscore a promising avenue for advancing treatment strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is imperative to fully elucidate their effects and potential applications, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this field and its potential to reshape neurodegenerative disease treatment paradigms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoid and Its Receptor)

Other

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11 pages, 1173 KiB  
Case Report
Impact of Cannabidiol and Exercise on Clinical Outcomes and Gut Microbiota for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors: A Case Report
by MariaLuisa Vigano, Sarah Kubal, Yao Lu, Sarah Habib, Suzanne Samarani, Georgina Cama, Charles Viau, Houman Farzin, Nebras Koudieh, Jianguo Xia, Ali Ahmad, Antonio Vigano and Cecilia T. Costiniuk
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(7), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070834 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a clinical challenge for up to 80% of breast cancer survivors. In an open-label study, participants underwent three interventions: standard care (duloxetine) for 1 month (Phase 1), oral cannabidiol (CBD) for 2 months (Phase 2), and CBD plus [...] Read more.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a clinical challenge for up to 80% of breast cancer survivors. In an open-label study, participants underwent three interventions: standard care (duloxetine) for 1 month (Phase 1), oral cannabidiol (CBD) for 2 months (Phase 2), and CBD plus multi-modal exercise (MME) for another 2 months (Phase 3). Clinical outcomes and gut microbiota composition were assessed at baseline and after each phase. We present the case of a 52-year-old female with a history of triple-negative breast cancer in remission for over five years presenting with CIPN. She showed decreased monocyte counts, c-reactive protein, and systemic inflammatory index after each phase. Duloxetine provided moderate benefits and intolerable side effects (hyperhidrosis). She experienced the best improvement and least side effects with the combined (CBD plus MME) phase. Noteworthy were clinically meaningful improvements in CIPN symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and perceived physical function, as well as improvements in pain, mobility, hand/finger dexterity, and upper and lower body strength. CBD and MME altered gut microbiota, showing enrichment of genera that produce short-chain fatty acids. CBD and MME may improve CIPN symptoms, QoL, and physical function through anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in cancer survivors suffering from long-standing CIPN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoid and Its Receptor)
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