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Bortolato M, Braccagni G, Pederson CA, Floris G, Fite PJ. "Weeding out" violence? Translational perspectives on the neuropsychobiological links between cannabis and aggression. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2024; 78:101948. [PMID: 38828012 PMCID: PMC11141739 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2024.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis have led to a dramatic increase in consumption rates in many Western countries, particularly among young people. This trend has shed light on a significant link between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, a condition involving disproportionate aggressive and violent reactions to minor provocations. The discourse on the connection between cannabis use and aggression is frequently enmeshed in political and legal discussions, leading to a polarized understanding of the causative relationship between cannabis use and aggression. However, integrative analyses from both human and animal research indicate a complex, bidirectional interplay between cannabis misuse and pathological aggression. On the one hand, emerging research reveals a shared genetic and environmental predisposition for both cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a common underlying biological mechanism. On the other hand, there is evidence that cannabis consumption can lead to violent behaviors while also being used as a self-medication strategy to mitigate the negative emotions associated with pathological reactive aggression. This suggests that the coexistence of pathological aggression and CUD may result from overlapping vulnerabilities, potentially creating a self-perpetuating cycle where each condition exacerbates the other, escalating into externalizing and violent behaviors. This article aims to synthesize existing research on the intricate connections between these issues and propose a theoretical model to explain the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Casey A. Pederson
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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2
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Gouvêa-Silva JG, Costa-Oliveira CD, Ramos YJ, Mantovanelli DF, Cardoso MS, Viana-Oliveira LD, Costa JL, Moreira DDL, Maciel-Magalhães M. Is There Enough Knowledge to Standardize a Cannabis sativa L. Medicinal Oil Preparation with a High Content of Cannabinoids? Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022. [PMID: 35763833 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. medicinal oils are good therapeutic options due to their wide spectrum of pharmacological applications and the easy adjustment of individual doses. The lack of standardization of methodology in the preparation of medicinal oil using the Cannabis crude extract results in elevated variability of cannabinoid concentration in the final product. The elevated variability impairs the understanding of beneficial and adverse effects related to dose-response pharmacological activities. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a review on the current methods of Cannabis oil preparation present in the literature, to demonstrate the most appropriate methodologies to ensure a product with high content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Results: The decarboxylation stage is essential for the conversion of acid cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids, which are substances with the highest bioavailability. Lower temperatures for longer periods of time instead of high temperatures in less time are highly recommended to ensure that all the acidic cannabinoids have passed through decarboxylation. For the guarantee of a high terpene content, the separate addition of essential oil to the fixed oil prepared from the crude extract should be considered. Ultrasound-assisted extraction is one of the best performing methodologies because it is cheaper than other techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, besides that, ultrasound extraction is effective in short extraction times and uses small amounts of solvent when compared with other techniques. Conclusion: Although the literature about the methods of preparation of Cannabis medicinal oil is scarce, it is possible to standardize an optimized, low-cost, and effective Cannabis extractive methodology from the results found in the literature; however, this will depend on new research for methodological validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Gabriel Gouvêa-Silva
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,APEPI-Associação de Apoio à Pesquisa e à Pacientes de Cannabis Medicinal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudete da Costa-Oliveira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,APEPI-Associação de Apoio à Pesquisa e à Pacientes de Cannabis Medicinal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ygor Jessé Ramos
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Davyson de Lima Moreira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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3
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Kim J, Choi H, Kang EK, Ji GY, Kim Y, Choi IS. In Vitro Studies on Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol in Neural Cells: Neurons, Glia, and Neural Stem Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196077. [PMID: 34641624 PMCID: PMC8512311 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(‒)-Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major phytocannabinoids extracted from the Cannabis genus. Its non-psychoactiveness and therapeutic potential, partly along with some anecdotal—if not scientific or clinical—evidence on the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, have led researchers to investigate the biochemical actions of CBD on neural cells. This review summarizes the previously reported mechanistic studies of the CBD actions on primary neural cells at the in vitro cell-culture level. The neural cells are classified into neurons, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neural stem cells, and the CBD effects on each cell type are described. After brief introduction on CBD and in vitro studies of CBD actions on neural cells, the neuroprotective capability of CBD on primary neurons with the suggested operating actions is discussed, followed by the reported CBD actions on glia and the CBD-induced regeneration from neural stem cells. A summary section gives a general overview of the biochemical actions of CBD on neural cells, with a future perspective. This review will provide a basic and fundamental, but crucial, insight on the mechanistic understanding of CBD actions on neural cells in the brain, at the molecular level, and the therapeutic potential of CBD in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, although to date, there seem to have been relatively limited research activities and reports on the cell culture-level, in vitro studies of CBD effects on primary neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungnam Kim
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
| | - Hyunwoo Choi
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
| | - Eunhye K. Kang
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
| | - Gil Yong Ji
- Cannabis Medical, Inc., Sandong-ro 433-31, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si 31418, Korea; (G.Y.J.); (Y.K.)
| | - Youjeong Kim
- Cannabis Medical, Inc., Sandong-ro 433-31, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si 31418, Korea; (G.Y.J.); (Y.K.)
| | - Insung S. Choi
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
- Correspondence:
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4
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Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:583211. [PMID: 34512404 PMCID: PMC8426550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
"Medicinal cannabis" is defined as the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of an illness. Investigations of cannabis compounds in psychiatric and neurological illnesses primarily focus on the major cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which are hypothesised to benefit multiple illnesses manifesting cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration and neuro-inflammation, as well as chronic pain, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. The cannabis plant contains >500 compounds, including terpenes responsible for the flavour and fragrance profiles of plants. Recently, research has begun providing evidence on the potential use of certain plant-derived terpenes in modern medicine, demonstrating anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of these compounds. This review examined the effects of two key terpenes, pinene and linalool, on parameters relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders, highlighting gaps in the literature and recommendations for future research into terpene therapeutics. Overall, evidence is mostly limited to preclinical studies and well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Nevertheless, existing data suggests that pinene and linalool are relevant candidates for further investigation as novel medicines for illnesses, including stroke, ischemia, inflammatory and neuropathic pain (including migraine), cognitive impairment (relevant to Alzheimer's disease and ageing), insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Linalool and pinene influence multiple neurotransmitter, inflammatory and neurotrophic signals as well as behaviour, demonstrating psycho-activity (albeit non-intoxicating). Optimising the phytochemical profile of cannabis chemovars to yield therapeutic levels of beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids, such as linalool, pinene and CBD, could present a unique opportunity to discover novel medicines to treat psychiatric and neurological illnesses; however, further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Weston-Green
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Clunas
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos Jimenez Naranjo
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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5
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Up to 30% of children with epilepsy will be refractory to standard anticonvulsant therapy, and those with epileptic encephalopathy can be particularly challenging to treat. The endocannabinoid system can modulate the physiologic processes underlying epileptogenesis. The anticonvulsant properties of several cannabinoids, namely Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD), have been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Cannabis-based therapies have been used for millennia to treat a variety of diseases including epilepsy. Several studies have shown that CBD, both in isolation as a pharmaceutical-grade preparation or as part of a CBD-enriched cannabis herbal extract, is beneficial in decreasing seizure frequency in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Overall, cannabis herbal extracts appear to provide greater efficacy in decreasing seizure frequency, but the studies assessing cannabis herbal extract are either retrospective or small-scale observational studies. The two large randomized controlled studies assessing the efficacy of pharmaceutical-grade CBD in children with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes showed similar efficacy to other anticonvulsants. Lack of data regarding appropriate dosing and pediatric pharmacokinetics continues to make authorization of cannabis-based therapies to children with treatment-resistant epilepsy challenging.
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6
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Delgado-Povedano MM, Sánchez-Carnerero Callado C, Priego-Capote F, Ferreiro-Vera C. Untargeted characterization of extracts from Cannabis sativa L. cultivars by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in high resolution mode. Talanta 2019; 208:120384. [PMID: 31816756 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Elucidation of Cannabis composition is required to evaluate the potential of this plant for pharmacological uses, but also for implementation in breeding programs with agronomical purposes. The aim of the present study was to develop a method for untargeted analysis of polar and non-polar Cannabis extracts. For this purpose, extracts from 17 cultivars of Cannabis sativa L. were analyzed by gas chromatography-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS) and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF MS/MS) in high resolution mode. One hundred sixty-nine compounds were identified in the extracts by searching MS and MS/MS information. Among identified families, there were mainly cannabinoids, terpenoids, lipids and flavonoids, but also some interesting compounds such as amino and organic acids, among others. Relative contents of terpenoids and cannabinoids in the same cultivars grown in greenhouse and field were compared. Compositional differences in the profile of terpenoids and cannabinoids between both types of grown conditions were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Delgado-Povedano
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Nanochemistry University Institute (IUNAN), Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CeiA3 Agroalimentary Excellence Campus, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | | | - F Priego-Capote
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Nanochemistry University Institute (IUNAN), Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CeiA3 Agroalimentary Excellence Campus, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - C Ferreiro-Vera
- Phytoplant Research S.L., The Science and Technology Park of Córdoba, Rabanales 21, Córdoba, Spain.
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7
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Huntsman RJ, Tang-Wai R, Alcorn J, Vuong S, Acton B, Corley S, Laprairie R, Lyon AW, Meier S, Mousseau DD, Newmeyer D, Prosser-Loose E, Seifert B, Tellez-Zenteno J, Huh L, Leung E, Major P. Dosage Related Efficacy and Tolerability of Cannabidiol in Children With Treatment-Resistant Epileptic Encephalopathy: Preliminary Results of the CARE-E Study. Front Neurol 2019; 10:716. [PMID: 31333569 PMCID: PMC6616248 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: There is uncertainty regarding the appropriate dose of Cannabidiol (CBD) for childhood epilepsy. We present the preliminary data of seven participants from the Cannabidiol in Children with Refractory Epileptic Encephalopathy (CARE-E) study. Methods: The study is an open-label, prospective, dose-escalation trial. Participants received escalating doses of a Cannabis Herbal Extract (CHE) preparation of 1:20 Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): CBD up to 10-12 mg CBD/kg/day. Seizure frequency was monitored in daily logs, participants underwent regular electroencephalograms, and parents filled out modified Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) and Side Effect rating scale questionnaires. Steady-state trough levels (Css, Min) of selected cannabinoids were quantified. Results: All seven participants tolerated the CHE up to 10-12 mg CBD/kg/day and had improvements in seizure frequency and QOLCE scores. CSS, Min plasma levels for CBD, THC, and cannabichromene (CBC) showed dose-independent pharmacokinetics in all but one participant. CSS, Min CBD levels associated with a >50% reduction in seizures and seizure freedom were lower than those reported previously with purified CBD. In most patients, CSS, Min levels of THC remained lower than what would be expected to cause intoxication. Conclusion: The preliminary data suggest an initial CBD target dose of 5-6 mg/kg/day when a 1:20 THC:CBD CHE is used. Possible non-linear pharmacokinetics of CBD and CBC needs investigation. The reduction in seizure frequency seen suggests improved seizure control when a whole plant CHE is used. Plasma THC levels suggest a low risk of THC intoxication when a 1:20 THC:CBD CHE is used in doses up to 12 mg/kg CBD/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Huntsman
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Richard Tang-Wai
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Jane Alcorn
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Stephanie Vuong
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Bryan Acton
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Saskatchewan Health Authority and Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Scott Corley
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Clinical Trial Support Unit, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Robert Laprairie
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Andrew W Lyon
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Royal University Hospital, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Simona Meier
- Clinical Trial Support Unit, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Darrell D Mousseau
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Cell Signalling Laboratory, Departments of Psychiatry and Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Doris Newmeyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Erin Prosser-Loose
- Department of Pediatrics, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Blair Seifert
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Royal University Hospital, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jose Tellez-Zenteno
- Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Linda Huh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Edward Leung
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Philippe Major
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Département de Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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8
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Kamal BS, Kamal F, Lantela DE. Cannabis and the Anxiety of Fragmentation-A Systems Approach for Finding an Anxiolytic Cannabis Chemotype. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:730. [PMID: 30405331 PMCID: PMC6204402 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is a medicinal herb with a diverse range of chemotypes that can exert both anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects on humans. Medical cannabis patients receiving organically grown cannabis from a single source were surveyed about the effectiveness of cannabis for treating anxiety. Patients rated cannabis as highly effective overall for treating anxiety with an average score of 8.03 on a Likert scale of 0 to 10 (0 = not effective, 10 = extremely effective). Patients also identified which strains they found the most or least effective for relieving their symptoms of anxiety. To find correlations between anxiolytic activity and chemotype, the top four strains voted most and least effective were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS to quantify cannabinoids and GC-MS to quantify terpenes. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and trans-nerolidol have statistically significant correlations with increased anxiolytic activity. Guiaol, eucalyptol, γ-terpinene, α-phellandrene, 3-carene, and sabinene hydrate all have significant correlations with decreased anxiolytic activity. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the entourage effects that contribute to the anxiolytic properties of cannabis varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brishna S Kamal
- Whistler Therapeutics, Whistler, BC, Canada.,Whistler Medical Marijuana, Whistler, BC, Canada
| | | | - Daniel E Lantela
- Whistler Therapeutics, Whistler, BC, Canada.,Whistler Medical Marijuana, Whistler, BC, Canada
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9
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Zlebnik NE, Cheer JF. Beyond the CB1 Receptor: Is Cannabidiol the Answer for Disorders of Motivation? Annu Rev Neurosci 2016; 39:1-17. [PMID: 27023732 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-070815-014038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Cannabis sativa plant has been used to treat various physiological and psychiatric conditions for millennia. Current research is focused on isolating potentially therapeutic chemical constituents from the plant for use in the treatment of many central nervous system disorders. Of particular interest is the primary nonpsychoactive constituent cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not act through the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor but has many other receptor targets that may play a role in psychiatric disorders. Here we review preclinical and clinical data outlining the therapeutic efficacy of CBD for the treatment of motivational disorders such as drug addiction, anxiety, and depression. Across studies, findings suggest promising treatment effects and potentially overlapping mechanisms of action for CBD in these disorders and indicate the need for further systematic investigation of the viability of CBD as a psychiatric pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Zlebnik
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201;
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201;
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10
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Paolino MC, Ferretti A, Papetti L, Villa MP, Parisi P. Cannabidiol as potential treatment in refractory pediatric epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2015; 16:17-21. [PMID: 26567560 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1121098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In recent years there has been great scientific and public interest focused on the therapeutic potential of compounds derived from cannabis for the treatment of refractory epilepsy in children. From in vitro and in vivo studies on animal models, cannabidiol (CBD) appears to be a promising anticonvulsant drug with a favorable side-effect profile. In humans, CBD efficacy and safety is not supported by well-designed trials and its use has been described by anecdotal reports. It will be necessary to investigate CBD safety, pharmacokinetics and interaction with other anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) alongside performing double-blinded placebo-controlled trials in order to obtain conclusive data on its efficacy and safety in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Paolino
- a Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Disorders, NESMOS Department, Chair of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology , Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- a Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Disorders, NESMOS Department, Chair of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology , Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Laura Papetti
- b Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Division , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Pia Villa
- a Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Disorders, NESMOS Department, Chair of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology , Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- a Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Disorders, NESMOS Department, Chair of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology , Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital , Rome , Italy
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11
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Aizpurua-Olaizola O, Omar J, Navarro P, Olivares M, Etxebarria N, Usobiaga A. Identification and quantification of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. plants by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:7549-60. [PMID: 25338935 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8177-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
High performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) has been successfully applied to cannabis plant extracts in order to identify cannabinoid compounds after their quantitative isolation by means of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). MS conditions were optimized by means of a central composite design (CCD) approach, and the analysis method was fully validated. Six major cannabinoids [tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN)] were quantified (RSD < 10%), and seven more cannabinoids were identified and verified by means of a liquid chromatograph coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-ToF) detector. Finally, based on the distribution of the analyzed cannabinoids in 30 Cannabis sativa L. plant varieties and the principal component analysis (PCA) of the resulting data, a clear difference was observed between outdoor and indoor grown plants, which was attributed to a higher concentration of THC, CBN, and CBD in outdoor grown plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oier Aizpurua-Olaizola
- Analytical Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Basque Country, Spain,
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12
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Zhang Y, Xie H, Lei G, Li F, Pan J, Liu C, Liu Z, Liu L, Cao X. Regulatory effects of anandamide on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration increase in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:878-87. [PMID: 25206906 PMCID: PMC4146256 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.131607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 on presynaptic neurons is postulated to suppress neurotransmission by decreasing Ca2+ influx through high voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. However, recent studies suggest that cannabinoids which activate cannabinoid receptor type 1 can increase neurotransmitter release by enhancing Ca2+ influx in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the modulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by the cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonist anandamide, and its underlying mechanisms. Using whole cell voltage-clamp and calcium imaging in cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons, we found that anandamide directly caused Ca2+ influx in a dose-dependent manner, which then triggered an increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The cyclic adenosine and guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase systems, but not the protein kinase C system, were involved in the increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration by anandamide. This result showed that anandamide increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and inhibited high voltage-gated Ca2+ channels through different signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong Xie
- Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Gang Lei
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jianping Pan
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Changjin Liu
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Wuhan Institute of Engineering, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lieju Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Wuhan Institute of Engineering, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xuehong Cao
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China ; Department of Bioengineering, Wuhan Institute of Engineering, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Hill TDM, Cascio MG, Romano B, Duncan M, Pertwee RG, Williams CM, Whalley BJ, Hill AJ. Cannabidivarin-rich cannabis extracts are anticonvulsant in mouse and rat via a CB1 receptor-independent mechanism. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:679-92. [PMID: 23902406 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurological disease and is characterized by recurrent seizures. Here, we investigate (i) the anticonvulsant profiles of cannabis-derived botanical drug substances (BDSs) rich in cannabidivarin (CBDV) and containing cannabidiol (CBD) in acute in vivo seizure models and (ii) the binding of CBDV BDSs and their components at cannabinoid CB1 receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The anticonvulsant profiles of two CBDV BDSs (50-422 mg·kg(-1) ) were evaluated in three animal models of acute seizure. Purified CBDV and CBD were also evaluated in an isobolographic study to evaluate potential pharmacological interactions. CBDV BDS effects on motor function were also investigated using static beam and grip strength assays. Binding of CBDV BDSs to cannabinoid CB1 receptors was evaluated using displacement binding assays. KEY RESULTS CBDV BDSs exerted significant anticonvulsant effects in the pentylenetetrazole (≥100 mg·kg(-1) ) and audiogenic seizure models (≥87 mg·kg(-1) ), and suppressed pilocarpine-induced convulsions (≥100 mg·kg(-1) ). The isobolographic study revealed that the anticonvulsant effects of purified CBDV and CBD were linearly additive when co-administered. Some motor effects of CBDV BDSs were observed on static beam performance; no effects on grip strength were found. The Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin content of CBDV BDS accounted for its greater affinity for CB1 cannabinoid receptors than purified CBDV. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CBDV BDSs exerted significant anticonvulsant effects in three models of seizure that were not mediated by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and were of comparable efficacy with purified CBDV. These findings strongly support the further clinical development of CBDV BDSs for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D M Hill
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Mahgoub M, Keun-Hang SY, Sydorenko V, Ashoor A, Kabbani N, Al Kury L, Sadek B, Howarth CF, Isaev D, Galadari S, Oz M. Effects of cannabidiol on the function of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 720:310-9. [PMID: 24140434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient of cannabis plant, on the function of the cloned α7 subunit of the human nicotinic acetylcholine (α7 nACh) receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes were tested using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. CBD reversibly inhibited ACh (100 μM)-induced currents with an IC50 value of 11.3 µM. Other phytocannabinoids such as cannabinol and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol did not affect ACh-induced currents. CBD inhibition was not altered by pertussis toxin treatment. In addition, CBD did not change GTP-γ-S binding to the membranes of oocytes injected with α7 nACh receptor cRNA. The effect of CBD was not dependent on the membrane potential. CBD (10 µM) did not affect the activity of endogenous Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels, since the extent of inhibition by CBD was unaltered by intracellular injection of the Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA and perfusion with Ca(2+)-free bathing solution containing 2mM Ba(2+). Inhibition by CBD was not reversed by increasing ACh concentrations. Furthermore, specific binding of [(125)I] α-bungarotoxin was not inhibited by CBD (10 µM) in oocytes membranes. Using whole cell patch clamp technique in CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons of rat hippocampal slices, currents induced by choline, a selective-agonist of α7-receptor induced currents were also recoded. Bath application of CBD (10 µM) for 10 min caused a significant inhibition of choline induced currents. Finally, in hippocampal slices, [(3)H] norepinephrine release evoked by nicotine (30 µM) was also inhibited by 10 µM CBD. Our results indicate that CBD inhibits the function of the α7-nACh receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mahgoub
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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15
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Carbuto M, Sewell RA, Williams A, Forselius-Bielen K, Braley G, Elander J, Pittman B, Schnakenberg A, Bhakta S, Perry E, Ranganathan M, D'Souza DC. The safety of studies with intravenous Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans, with case histories. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:885-96. [PMID: 21845389 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the few cannabinoid receptor ligands that can be used to probe the cannabinoid system in humans. Despite increasing interest in the cannabinoid receptor system, use of intravenous THC as a research tool has been limited by concerns about its abuse liability and psychoactive effects. OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the safety of all intravenous THC studies conducted at this center for the past 13 years. METHODS Included were 11 studies with 266 subjects (14 schizophrenia patients and 252 healthy subjects, of whom 76 were frequent cannabis users), 351 active THC infusions, and 226 placebo infusions. Subjects were monitored for subjective and physical adverse events and followed up to 12 months beyond study participation. RESULTS There was one serious and 70 minor adverse events in 9.7% of subjects and 7.4% of infusions, with 8.5% occurring after the end of the test day. Nausea and dizziness were the most frequent side effects. Adverse events were more likely to be associated with faster infusion rates (2-5 min) and higher doses (>2.1 mg/70 kg). Of 149 subjects on whom long-term follow-up data were gathered, 94% reported either no change or a reduction in their desire to use cannabis in the post-study period, 18% stated that their cannabis use decreased, and 3% stated that it increased in the post-study period. CONCLUSIONS With careful subject selection and screening, risk to subjects is relatively low. Safeguards are generally sufficient and effective, reducing both the duration and severity of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Carbuto
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 116A, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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16
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Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1344-64. [PMID: 21749363 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 827] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been the primary focus of cannabis research since 1964, when Raphael Mechoulam isolated and synthesized it. More recently, the synergistic contributions of cannabidiol to cannabis pharmacology and analgesia have been scientifically demonstrated. Other phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerol and cannabichromene, exert additional effects of therapeutic interest. Innovative conventional plant breeding has yielded cannabis chemotypes expressing high titres of each component for future study. This review will explore another echelon of phytotherapeutic agents, the cannabis terpenoids: limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerolidol and phytol. Terpenoids share a precursor with phytocannabinoids, and are all flavour and fragrance components common to human diets that have been designated Generally Recognized as Safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies. Terpenoids are quite potent, and affect animal and even human behaviour when inhaled from ambient air at serum levels in the single digits ng·mL(-1) . They display unique therapeutic effects that may contribute meaningfully to the entourage effects of cannabis-based medicinal extracts. Particular focus will be placed on phytocannabinoid-terpenoid interactions that could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Scientific evidence is presented for non-cannabinoid plant components as putative antidotes to intoxicating effects of THC that could increase its therapeutic index. Methods for investigating entourage effects in future experiments will be proposed. Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid synergy, if proven, increases the likelihood that an extensive pipeline of new therapeutic products is possible from this venerable plant. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.
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Fischedick JT, Hazekamp A, Erkelens T, Choi YH, Verpoorte R. Metabolic fingerprinting of Cannabis sativa L., cannabinoids and terpenoids for chemotaxonomic and drug standardization purposes. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2010; 71:2058-73. [PMID: 21040939 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is an important medicinal plant. In order to develop cannabis plant material as a medicinal product quality control and clear chemotaxonomic discrimination between varieties is a necessity. Therefore in this study 11 cannabis varieties were grown under the same environmental conditions. Chemical analysis of cannabis plant material used a gas chromatography flame ionization detection method that was validated for quantitative analysis of cannabis monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and cannabinoids. Quantitative data was analyzed using principal component analysis to determine which compounds are most important in discriminating cannabis varieties. In total 36 compounds were identified and quantified in the 11 varieties. Using principal component analysis each cannabis variety could be chemically discriminated. This methodology is useful for both chemotaxonomic discrimination of cannabis varieties and quality control of plant material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Thomas Fischedick
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Section Metabolomics, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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18
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Yang KHS, Isaev D, Morales M, Petroianu G, Galadari S, Oz M. The effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on 5-HT3 receptors depends on the current density. Neuroscience 2010; 171:40-9. [PMID: 20800662 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effects of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, on the function of 5-HT type 3 (5-HT(3)) receptors were investigated using a two-electrode voltage clamp technique in Xenopus oocytes, and a whole-cell patch clamp technique in rat nodose ganglion neurons. In oocytes injected with 3 ng cRNA of 5-HT(3A) receptor, THC reversibly inhibited currents evoked with 5-HT (1 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50)=1.2 μM). The extent of THC inhibition was inversely correlated with the amount of cRNA injected and the mean 5-HT(3A) receptor current densities. Pretreatment with actinomycin D, which inhibits transcription, decreased the mean 5-HT(3) receptor current density and increased the extent of THC inhibition on 5-HT(3) receptor-mediated currents. The IC(50) values for THC increased from 285 nM to 1.2 μM in oocytes injected with 1 and 3 ng of 5-HT(3A) cRNA, respectively. In radioligand binding studies on membrane preparations of oocytes expressing 5-HT(3A) receptors, THC did not alter the specific binding of a 5-HT(3A) receptor antagonist, [(3)H]GR65630. In the presence of 1 μM THC, the maximum 5-HT-induced response was also inhibited without a significant change in 5-HT potency, indicating that THC acts as a noncompetitive antagonist on 5-HT(3) receptors. In adult rat nodose ganglion neurons, application of 1 μM THC caused a significant inhibition of 5-HT(3) receptors, extent of which correlated with the density of 5-HT-induced currents, indicating that the observed THC effects occur in mammalian neurons. The inhibition of 5-HT(3) receptors by THC may contribute to its pharmacological actions in nociception and emesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H S Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
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19
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Yang KH, Galadari S, Isaev D, Petroianu G, Shippenberg TS, Oz M. The nonpsychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol inhibits 5-hydroxytryptamine3A receptor-mediated currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 333:547-54. [PMID: 20160007 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.162594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of the plant-derived nonpsychotropic cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), on the function of hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3A receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes was investigated using two-electrode voltage-clamp techniques. CBD reversibly inhibited 5-HT (1 microM)-evoked currents in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.6 microM). CBD (1 microM) did not alter specific binding of the 5-HT3A antagonist [3H]3-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1-(1-methylindol-3-yl)propan-1-one (GR65630), in oocytes expressing 5-HT3A receptors. In the presence of 1 microM CBD, the maximal 5-HT-induced currents were also inhibited. The EC50 values were 1.2 and 1.4 microM, in the absence and presence of CBD, indicating that CBD acts as a noncompetitive antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors. Neither intracellular BAPTA injection nor pertussis toxin pretreatment (5 microg/ml) altered the CBD-evoked inhibition of 5-HT-induced currents. CBD inhibition was inversely correlated with 5-HT3A expression levels and mean 5-HT3 receptor current density. Pretreatment with actinomycin D, which inhibits protein transcription, decreased the mean 5-HT3 receptor current density and increased the magnitude of CBD inhibition. These data demonstrate that CBD is an allosteric inhibitor of 5-HT3 receptors expressed in X. laevis oocytes. They further suggest that allosteric inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors by CBD may contribute to its physiological roles in the modulation of nociception and emesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun-Hang Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
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20
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Fischedick J, Van Der Kooy F, Verpoorte R. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Binding Activity and Quantitative Analysis of Cannabis sativa L. Smoke and Vapor. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2010; 58:201-7. [DOI: 10.1248/cpb.58.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Fischedick
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Section of Metabolomics, Institute of Biology, Leiden University
| | - Frank Van Der Kooy
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Section of Metabolomics, Institute of Biology, Leiden University
| | - Robert Verpoorte
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Section of Metabolomics, Institute of Biology, Leiden University
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Morrison PD, Zois V, McKeown DA, Lee TD, Holt DW, Powell JF, Kapur S, Murray RM. The acute effects of synthetic intravenous Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on psychosis, mood and cognitive functioning. Psychol Med 2009; 39:1607-1616. [PMID: 19335936 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709005522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent work suggests that heavy use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia-like psychosis. However, there is a dearth of experimental studies of the effects of the constituents of cannabis, such as Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In a study of intravenous (i.v.) synthetic THC in healthy humans, we aimed to study the relationship of the psychotic symptoms induced by THC to the consequent anxiety and neuropsychological impairment. METHOD Twenty-two healthy adult males aged 28+/-6 years (mean+/-s.d.) participated in experimental sessions in which i.v. THC (2.5 mg) was administered under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions. Self-rated and investigator-rated measurements of mood and psychosis [the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology Mood Adjective Checklist (UMACL), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE)] were made at baseline and at 30, 80 and 120 min post-injection. Participants also completed a series of neuropsychological tests [the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT), Digit Span, Verbal Fluency and the Baddeley Reasoning Task] within 45 min of injection. RESULTS THC-induced positive psychotic symptoms, and participant- and investigator-rated measurements of these were highly correlated. Participants showed an increase in anxiety ratings but there was no relationship between either self- or investigator-rated positive psychotic symptoms and anxiety. THC also impaired neuropsychological performance but once again there was no relationship between THC-induced positive psychotic symptoms and deficits in working memory/executive function. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that THC can induce a transient, acute psychotic reaction in psychiatrically well individuals. The extent of the psychotic reaction was not related to the degree of anxiety or cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Morrison
- Institute of Psychiatry, The Biomedical Research Centre, King's College London, UK.
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22
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Abstract
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system have attracted considerable interest for therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of one of the main nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD), remains elusive despite potentially beneficial properties as an anti-convulsant and neuroprotectant. Here, we characterize the mechanisms by which CBD regulates Ca(2+) homeostasis and mediates neuroprotection in neuronal preparations. Imaging studies in hippocampal cultures using fura-2 AM suggested that CBD-mediated Ca(2+) regulation is bidirectional, depending on the excitability of cells. Under physiological K(+)/Ca(2+) levels, CBD caused a subtle rise in [Ca(2+)](i), whereas CBD reduced [Ca(2+)](i) and prevented Ca(2+) oscillations under high-excitability conditions (high K(+) or exposure to the K(+) channel antagonist 4AP). Regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) was not primarily mediated by interactions with ryanodine or IP(3) receptors of the endoplasmic reticulum. Instead, dual-calcium imaging experiments with a cytosolic (fura-2 AM) and a mitochondrial (Rhod-FF, AM) fluorophore implied that mitochondria act as sinks and sources for CBD's [Ca(2+)](i) regulation. Application of carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and the mitochondrial Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange inhibitor, CGP 37157, but not the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor cyclosporin A, prevented subsequent CBD-induced Ca(2+) responses. In established human neuroblastoma cell lines (SH-SY5Y) treated with mitochondrial toxins, CBD (0.1 and 1 microm) was neuroprotective against the uncoupler FCCP (53% protection), and modestly protective against hydrogen peroxide- (16%) and oligomycin- (15%) mediated cell death, a pattern also confirmed in cultured hippocampal neurons. Thus, under pathological conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca(2+) dysregulation, CBD may prove beneficial in preventing apoptotic signaling via a restoration of Ca(2+) homeostasis.
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23
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Ryan D, Drysdale AJ, Pertwee RG, Platt B. Interactions of cannabidiol with endocannabinoid signalling in hippocampal tissue. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 25:2093-102. [PMID: 17419758 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05448.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) possesses no psychotropic activity amid potentially beneficial therapeutic applications. We here characterized interactions between CBD (1 microM) and the endocannabinoid system in cultured rat hippocampal cells. The CBD-induced Ca2+ rise observed in neurons and glia was markedly reduced in the presence of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in neurons, with no alteration seen in glia. Neuronal CBD responses were even more reduced in the presence of the more abundant endocannabinoid 2-arachidonyl glycerol, this action was maintained in the presence of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM281 (100 nM). Neuronal CBD responses were also reduced by pre-exposure to glutamate, expected to increase endocannabinoid levels by increasing in [Ca2+]i. Application of AM281 at 1 microM elevated CBD-induced Ca2+ responses in both cell types, further confirming our finding that endocannabinoid-mediated signalling is negatively coupled to the action of CBD. However, upregulation of endogenous levels of endocannabinoids via inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis (with URB597 and MAFP) could not be achieved under resting conditions. Because delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol did not mimic the endocannabinoid actions, and pertussis toxin treatment had no effect on CBD responses, we propose that the effects of AM281 were mediated via a constitutively active signalling pathway independent of CB1 signalling. Instead, signalling via G(q/11) and phospholipase C appears to be negatively coupled to CBD-induced Ca2+ responses, as the inhibitor U73122 enhanced CBD responses. Our data highlight the interaction between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid signalling, and provide evidence for the presence of an additional pharmacological target, sensitive to endocannabinoids and to AM281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Ryan
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD Scotland, UK
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