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Oriola AO, Kar P, Oyedeji AO. Cannabis sativa as an Herbal Ingredient: Problems and Prospects. Molecules 2024; 29:3605. [PMID: 39125010 PMCID: PMC11314114 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa, otherwise known as hemp, is discussed to highlight the various problems and prospects associated with its use as an herbal ingredient. The chemical composition of hemp, with classification based on cannabinoid contents, its biological activities, current global scenarios and legality issues, economic importance, and future prospects, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji O. Oriola
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela Drive, P/Bag X1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa;
| | - Pallab Kar
- African Medicinal Flora and Fauna Research Niche, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | - Adebola O. Oyedeji
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela Drive, P/Bag X1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa;
- African Medicinal Flora and Fauna Research Niche, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
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Khoj L, Zagà V, Amram DL, Hosein K, Pistone G, Bisconti M, Serafini A, Cammarata LM, Cattaruzza MS, Mura M. Effects of cannabis smoking on the respiratory system: A state-of-the-art review. Respir Med 2024; 221:107494. [PMID: 38056532 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The diminished perception of the health risks associated with the consumption of cannabis (marijuana) lead to a progressive increase in its inhalational use in many countries. Cannabis can be smoked through the use of joints, spliffs and blunts, and it can be vaporised with the use of hookah or e-cigarettes. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis smoke but contains numerous other substances. While the recreational use of cannabis smoking has been legalised in several countries, its health consequences have been underestimated and undervalued. The purpose of this review is to critically review the impact of cannabis smoke on the respiratory system. Cannabis smoke irritates the bronchial tree and is strongly associated with symptoms of chronic bronchitis, with histological signs of airway inflammation and remodelling. Altered fungicidal and antibacterial activity of alveolar macrophages, with greater susceptibility to respiratory infections, is also reported. The association with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised subjects is particularly concerning. Although cannabis has been shown to produce a rapid bronchodilator effect, its chronic use is associated with poor control of asthma by numerous studies. Cannabis smoking also represents a risk factor for the development of bullous lung disease, spontaneous pneumothorax and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. On the other hand, no association with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found. Finally, a growing number of studies report an independent association of cannabis smoking with the development of lung cancer. In conclusion, unequivocal evidence established that cannabis smoking is harmful to the respiratory system. Cannabis smoking has a wide range of negative effects on respiratory symptoms in both healthy subjects and patients with chronic lung disease. Given that the most common and cheapest way of assumption of cannabis is by smoking, healthcare providers should be prepared to provide counselling on cannabis smoking cessation and inform the public and decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lugain Khoj
- Division of Respirology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Daniel L Amram
- Ambulatorio per la Cessazione del Fumo di Tabacco, ASL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Karishma Hosein
- Division of Respirology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Giovanni Pistone
- Centro per il Trattamento del Tabagismo, Local Health Unit, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Bisconti
- U.O.C. Pneumologia - Ospedale "Vito Fazzi", Lecce, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Sofia Cattaruzza
- Italian Society of Tobaccology, Bologna, Italy; Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Mura
- Division of Respirology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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