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Duncan RS, Riordan SM, Gernon MC, Koulen P. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids as therapeutics for nervous system disorders: preclinical models and clinical studies. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:788-799. [PMID: 37843213 PMCID: PMC10664133 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are lipophilic substances derived from Cannabis sativa that can exert a variety of effects in the human body. They have been studied in cellular and animal models as well as in human clinical trials for their therapeutic benefits in several human diseases. Some of these include central nervous system (CNS) diseases and dysfunctions such as forms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, pain and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the endogenously produced cannabinoid lipids, endocannabinoids, are critical for normal CNS function, and if controlled or modified, may represent an additional therapeutic avenue for CNS diseases. This review discusses in vitro cellular, ex vivo tissue and in vivo animal model studies on cannabinoids and their utility as therapeutics in multiple CNS pathologies. In addition, the review provides an overview on the use of cannabinoids in human clinical trials for a variety of CNS diseases. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids hold promise for use as disease modifiers and therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Scott Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Sean M. Riordan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Matthew C. Gernon
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Peter Koulen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO, USA
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Sánchez de Medina A, Serrano-Rodríguez JM, Díez de Castro E, García-Valverde MT, Saitua A, Becero M, Muñoz A, Ferreiro-Vera C, Sánchez de Medina V. Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of cannabidiol in horses after intravenous and oral administration with oil and micellar formulations. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:1094-1103. [PMID: 36624043 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD) with different formulations have not been investigated in horses and may represent a starting point for clinical studies. OBJECTIVES To describe pharmacokinetics after intravenous and oral administrations with oil and micellar formulations and simulate different treatments. STUDY DESIGN Single intravenous experiment and two-way randomised oral experiments, Latin-square design. METHODS Eight healthy horses received intravenous CBD at 1.00 mg/kg dose, oral CBD in sesame oil and in micellar formulation, both at 10.00 mg/kg. Concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS and fitted by nonlinear mixed effect modelling. Parameters obtained were used to simulate single and multiple treatments at steady state. RESULTS Intravenous and oral concentrations were simultaneously fitted using a three-compartment model. Final estimates indicate that CBD has a volume of distribution of 36 L/kg associated with a systemic clearance of 1.46 L/h/kg and half-lives ranged between 24 and 34 h. Oral bioavailability was close to 14% for both oral administrations. Simulated dose regimen of CBD every 12 and 24 h predicted similar percentages to reach effective plasma concentration with both oral formulation at 10.00 mg/kg. MAIN LIMITATIONS A small horse population was used (8 horses per trial). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Oral bioavailability was low at the doses studied but fell within the range described for horse and other species. CBD had a high steady-state volume of distribution, a high clearance and long half-lives. No adverse reactions were detected at any dose or route. The micellar formulation showed a faster absorption and higher concentration peak, while the oil formulation presented lower levels, but more maintained over time. Simulations predicted that both could be useful in multiple oral dose treatments. These results indicated that CBD could be of interest, but further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical use in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sánchez de Medina
- Veterinary Clinical Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Elisa Díez de Castro
- Veterinary Clinical Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Aritz Saitua
- Veterinary Clinical Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mireia Becero
- Veterinary Clinical Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Equine Sport Medicine Center CEMEDE, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Abdelgaied MY, Abd El-Aziz MK, Amin NS, El Tayebi HM. What's your cup of tea? The role of herbal compounds in the management of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 76:104799. [PMID: 37300922 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by a complex etiology. Efforts towards the management of MS have long been directed towards symptomatic relief, as well as the use of immune-modulatory, disease modifying therapies; however, inconsistent treatment responses still prevail, increasing the risk for disease progression. While a great deal of research attempted to unravel the complexity of treatment responses in light of epigenetic variability, parallel efforts in the direction of alternative medicine may be as paramount. Herbal compounds have long been regarded as safe and versatile options for aiding in various disorders, including neurodegenerative conditions like MS. Numerous studies have taken interest in a myriad of herbal plants for their potential benefit in alleviating some of the most common MS symptoms such as spasticity and fatigue, delaying the progression of the disease, as well as influencing the overall quality of life for MS patients. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent clinical studies examining the effects of various herbal plants on different aspects of MS, in an attempt to shed light on an important tool for aiding in the management of this complex and multifactorial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Y Abdelgaied
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Head of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Head of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Nada Sherif Amin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Head of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hend M El Tayebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Head of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt.
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Sirbu CA, Georgescu R, Pleşa FC, Paunescu A, Marilena Ţânţu M, Nicolae AC, Caloianu I, Mitrica M. Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis: From Experimental Models to Clinical Practice-A Review. Am J Ther 2023; 30:e220-e231. [PMID: 37278703 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As far as 80% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience disabling symptoms in the course of the disease, such as spasticity and neuropathic pain. As first-line symptomatic therapy is associated with important adverse reactions, cannabinoids have become increasingly popular among patients with MS. This review intends to provide an overview of the evidence of the role of cannabinoids in treating symptoms related to MS and to encourage further research on this matter. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY To date, the evidence supporting the role of cannabis and its derivatives in alleviating the MS-related symptoms comes only from studies on experimental models of demyelination. To the best of our knowledge, relatively few clinical trials inquired about the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on patients with MS, with variable results. DATA SOURCES We conducted a literature search through PubMed and Google Scholar from the beginning until 2022. We included articles in English describing the latest findings regarding the endocannabinoid system, the pharmacology of cannabinoids, and their therapeutic purpose in MS. RESULTS Evidence from preclinical studies showed that cannabinoids can limit the demyelination process, promote remyelination, and have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing immune cell infiltration of the central nervous system in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, it has been established that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice treated with cannabinoids experienced a significant reduction of symptoms and slowing of the disease progression. Given the complexity of human immune and nervous systems, cannabinoids did not have the anticipated effects on human subjects. However, data obtained from clinical trials showed some beneficial results of cannabinoids as a single or as add-on therapy in reducing the spasticity and pain related to MS. CONCLUSION Considering their various mechanisms of action and good tolerability, cannabinoids remain an interesting therapy for spasticity and chronic pain related to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen-Adella Sirbu
- Department of Neurology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Georgescu
- Department of Neurology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Cristina Pleşa
- Department of Neurology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Paunescu
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Pitesti, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, Piteşti, Romania
| | - Monica Marilena Ţânţu
- Department of Health Care and Physical Therapy, University of Pitesti, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, Piteşti, Romania
| | - Alina Crenguţa Nicolae
- Biochemistry Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; and
| | - Ionut Caloianu
- Department of Neurology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marian Mitrica
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, Romania
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A Systemic Review of Medical Cannabinoids Dosing in Human. Clin Ther 2022; 44:e39-e58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Birke R, Meister S, Winkelmann A, Hinz B, Walther UI. Correlation of Nabiximols Dose to Steady-State Concentrations of Cannabinoids in Urine Samples from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133717. [PMID: 35807001 PMCID: PMC9267351 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic drug monitoring of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is based on a complex procedure and is therefore not possible in most laboratories, especially in emergency cases. This work addresses the question of whether therapeutic drug monitoring of nabiximols can be performed using an immunological urine-based test system for cannabinoid abuse. Seventeen patients with multiple sclerosis were included in this study. Administered doses of nabiximols were correlated with immunologically determined urine concentrations of cannabinoids using the DRITM Cannabinoid (THC) Assay. Significant correlations with the administered nabiximols doses were found for creatinine-normalized urine concentrations of cannabinoids without (r = 0.675; p = 0.0015) and after (r = 0.650; p = 0.0044) hydrolysis, as well as for gas-chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-measured concentrations of the THC metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC (THC-COOH) in urine samples (r = 0.571; p = 0.0084) by Pearson’s correlation. In addition, doses were significantly correlated with plasma THC-COOH concentrations (r = 0.667; p = 0.0017) measured by GC/MS. Simple immunological cannabinoid measurements in urine samples could provide an estimate of nabiximols dosage, although the correlations obtained here were weak because of the small number of patients observed. Longitudinal monitoring of individual patients is expected to exhibit good results of therapeutic drug monitoring of nabiximols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Birke
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.B.); (B.H.)
| | - Stefanie Meister
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (S.M.); (A.W.)
| | - Alexander Winkelmann
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (S.M.); (A.W.)
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.B.); (B.H.)
| | - Udo I. Walther
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.B.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-494-5786
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Mohamed S, Lopane G, Sabattini L, Scandellari C, Zardi D, Donadio V, Rizzo G, Perrone A, Lugaresi A, Contin M. Cannabis-Based Products in a Neurological Setting: A Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Survey. Front Neurol 2022; 13:784748. [PMID: 35418935 PMCID: PMC8997238 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.784748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Limited data are available in clinical settings on the pharmacokinetics of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). We investigated the use of cannabis-based products in neurological practice, monitoring patients' steady-state cannabinoids (CBs) plasma concentrations matched with different preparations. Methods This was a prospective, single-center, observational study. Patients underwent venous blood withdrawal before the CBs' morning dose and then 2.5 h post-dosing. Spasticity or pain were patient self-assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) before the morning CB's administration and 2.5 h post-dosing. Results Thirty-three patients were enrolled. Main indications for CBs were spasticity and chronic pain. Sixteen patients were treated with oromucosal spray formulation Sativex® and 17 with oil-based solutions. Both CBs trough plasma concentrations were ≤ limit of detection (0.1 ng/ml) in 45% of patients. Intrasubject CB's plasma levels significantly increased over baseline values in patients treated with Bediol® oil (p < 0.05) and Sativex® (p < 0.01). Post-dosing CB's bioavailability did not significantly differ between oral oil and oromucosal spray. NRS scores decreased (p < 0.01), matching the increase (p < 0.01) in CB's plasma concentrations. Conclusion This is the first study investigating CB's plasma concentrations of oral and oromucosal preparations in real-world neurological practice. Findings of similar bioavailability for both CBD and THC after galenic oil compared with oromucosal spray dosing may be clinically relevant and deserve additional research in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Mohamed
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lopane
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Diletta Zardi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Donadio
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rizzo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Contin
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Malinowska B, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Kicman A, Schlicker E. Opportunities, Challenges and Pitfalls of Using Cannabidiol as an Adjuvant Drug in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1986. [PMID: 33671463 PMCID: PMC7922403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may lead to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which, in turn, may be associated with multiple organ dysfunction. In this review, we present advantages and disadvantages of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid from the cannabis plant, as a potential agent for the treatment of COVID-19. CBD has been shown to downregulate proteins responsible for viral entry and to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against diseases of the respiratory system as well as its cardioprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-convulsant properties, that is, effects that may be beneficial for COVID-19. Only the latter two properties have been demonstrated in clinical studies, which also revealed anxiolytic and antinociceptive effects of CBD (given alone or together with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which may be important for an adjuvant treatment to improve the quality of life in patients with COVID-19 and to limit post-traumatic stress symptoms. However, one should be aware of side effects of CBD (which are rarely serious), drug interactions (also extending to drugs acting against COVID-19) and the proper route of its administration (vaping may be dangerous). Clearly, further clinical studies are necessary to prove the suitability of CBD for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kicman
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Eberhard Schlicker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Lim SY, Sharan S, Woo S. Model‐Based Analysis of Cannabidiol Dose‐Exposure Relationship and Bioavailability. Pharmacotherapy 2020; 40:291-300. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.2377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sin Yin Lim
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Administrative Sciences University of Oklahoma Health‐ Sciences Center College of Pharmacy Oklahoma City Oklahoma
| | - Satish Sharan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy Oklahoma City Oklahoma
| | - Sukyung Woo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy Oklahoma City Oklahoma
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