phytocannabinoids – Society of Cannabis Clinicians https://www.cannabisclinicians.org Educating Healthcare Professionals about the Medical Use of Cannabis Sat, 16 Sep 2023 18:18:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.3 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-scc-flavicon-32x32.png phytocannabinoids – Society of Cannabis Clinicians https://www.cannabisclinicians.org 32 32 Cannabidiol alters mitochondrial bioenergetics via VDAC1 and triggers cell death in hormone-refractory prostate cancer https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/09/16/cannabidiol-alters-mitochondrial-bioenergetics-via-vdac1-and-triggers-cell-death-in-hormone-refractory-prostate-cancer-3/ Sat, 16 Sep 2023 18:18:48 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=29221 In spite of the huge advancements in both diagnosis and interventions, hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) remains a major hurdle in prostate cancer (PCa). Metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in PCa oncogenesis and resistance. However, the dynamics between metabolism and oncogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that two multi-target natural products, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), suppress HRPC development in the TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model by reprogramming metabolic and oncogenic signaling. Mechanistically, CBD increases glycolytic capacity and inhibits oxidative phosphorylation in enzalutamide-resistant HRPC cells. This action of CBD originates from its effect on metabolic plasticity via modulation of VDAC1 and hexokinase II (HKII) coupling on the outer mitochondrial membrane, which leads to strong shifts of mitochondrial functions and oncogenic signaling pathways. The effect of CBG on enzalutamide-resistant HRPC cells was less pronounced than CBD and only partially attributable to its action on mitochondria. However, when optimally combined, these two cannabinoids exhibited strong anti-tumor effects in TRAMP mice, even when these had become refractory to enzalutamide, thus pointing to their therapeutical potential against PCa.

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]]> The Skin and Natural Cannabinoids–Topical and Transdermal Applications https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/07/29/the-skin-and-natural-cannabinoids-topical-and-transdermal-applications/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:34:43 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=28981 The chemical constituents of the Cannabis plant known as cannabinoids have been extensively researched for their potential therapeutic benefits. The use of cannabinoids applied to the skin as a potential method for both skin-related benefits and systemic administration has attracted increasing interest in recent years. This review aims to present an overview of the most recent scientific research on cannabinoids used topically, including their potential advantages for treating a number of skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Additionally, with a focus on the pharmacokinetics and security of this route of administration, we investigate the potential of the transdermal delivery of cannabinoids as a method of systemic administration. The review also discusses the restrictions and difficulties related to the application of cannabinoids on the skin, emphasizing the potential of topical cannabinoids as a promising route for both localized and systemic administration. More studies are required to fully comprehend the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in various settings.

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]]> Cannabidiol as a potential novel treatment for endometriosis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiangiogenic effects in an experimental rat model https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/03/24/cannabidiol-as-a-potential-novel-treatment-for-endometriosis-by-its-anti-inflammatory-antioxidative-and-antiangiogenic-effects-in-an-experimental-rat-model/ Sat, 25 Mar 2023 01:23:31 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=28137 Endometrial implants were surgically induced in 36 female Wistar albino rats. After confirmation of endometriotic foci, the rats were randomized into four groups. In the leuprolide acetate group, rats were given a single 1 mg/kg s.c. leuprolide acetate injection. The other groups were 5 mg/kg CBD (CBD5), saline solution and 20 mg/kg CBD (CBD20); daily i.p. injections were administered for 7 days. After 21 days, the rats were euthanised, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) measurements in blood and peritoneal fluid samples, and immunohistochemical staining for TNF-α, IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of endometriotic tissues were evaluated.

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]]> Rare Phytocannabinoids Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Human Keratinocytes via the Endocannabinoid System and MAPK Signaling Pathway https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/03/11/rare-phytocannabinoids-exert-anti-inflammatory-effects-on-human-keratinocytes-via-the-endocannabinoid-system-and-mapk-signaling-pathway/ Sat, 11 Mar 2023 13:43:22 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=27998 Increasing evidence supports the therapeutic potential of rare cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids (pCBs) in skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, and acne. However, the molecular mechanisms of the biological action of these pCBs remain poorly investigated. In this study, an experimental model of inflamed human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) was set up by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the rare pCBs cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). To this aim, pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-12, IL-31, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-β) and anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels were measured through ELISA quantification. In addition, IL-12 and IL-31 levels were measured after treatment of HaCaT cells with THCV and CBGA in the presence of selected modulators of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling.

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]]> Cannabidiol as a potential novel treatment for endometriosis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-angiogenic effects in an experimental rat model https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/03/04/cannabidiol-as-a-potential-novel-treatment-for-endometriosis-by-its-anti-inflammatory-antioxidative-and-anti-angiogenic-effects-in-an-experimental-rat-model/ Sat, 04 Mar 2023 14:02:47 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=27948 Can cannabidiol (CBD) be used in the treatment of endometriosis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-angiogenic effects? Endometrial implants were surgically induced in 36 female Wistar-Albino rats. After confirmation of endometriotic foci, the rats were randomized into four groups. In leuprolide acetate (LA) group, rats were given a single 1mg/kg subcutaneous LA injection. Other groups were 5 mg/kg CBD (CBD5), saline solution (SS), and 20 mg/kg CBD (CBD20) and daily intra-peritoneal injections were applied for seven days. After 21 days, the rats were sacrificed, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) measurements in blood and peritoneal fluid samples, and immunohistochemical staining for TNF-α, IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of endometriotic tissues were evaluated.

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]]> Cannabidiol alters mitochondrial bioenergetics via VDAC1 and triggers cell death in hormone-refractory prostate cancer https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/02/03/cannabidiol-alters-mitochondrial-bioenergetics-via-vdac1-and-triggers-cell-death-in-hormone-refractory-prostate-cancer/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:48:23 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=27639 In spite of the huge advancements in both diagnosis and interventions, hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) remains a major hurdle in prostate cancer (PCa). Metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in PCa oncogenesis and resistance. However, the dynamics between metabolism and oncogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that two multi-target natural products, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), suppress HRPC development in the TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model by reprogramming metabolic and oncogenic signaling.

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]]> Therapeutic Effects of Cannabinoids and Their Applications in COVID-19 Treatment https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2022/12/22/therapeutic-effects-of-cannabinoids-and-their-applications-in-covid-19-treatment/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:59:40 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=27347 Cannabidiol is showing promising results for the treatment of COVID-19, due to its capa- bility of acting on the unleashed cytokine storm, on the proteins necessary for both virus entry and replication and on the neurological consequences of patients who have been infected by the virus. Here, we summarize the latest knowledge regarding the advantages of using cannabinoids in the treatment of COVID-19.

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]]> Role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and therapeutic implications https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2022/11/05/role-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-in-the-pathophysiology-of-endometriosis-and-therapeutic-implications/ Sat, 05 Nov 2022 23:54:22 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=27119 Endometriosis patients experience debilitating chronic pain, and the first-line treatment is ineffective at managing symptoms. Although surgical removal of the lesions provides temporary relief, more than 50% of the patients experience disease recurrence. Despite being a leading cause of hysterectomy, endometriosis lacks satisfactory treatments and a cure. Another challenge is the poor understanding of disease pathophysiology which adds to the delays in diagnosis and overall compromised quality of life. Endometriosis patients are in dire need of an effective therapeutic strategy that is both economical and effective in managing symptoms, while fertility is unaffected. Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-proliferative properties that may prove beneficial for endometriosis management, given that inflammation, vascularization, and pain are hallmark features of endometriosis.

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]]> Cannabis for Medical Use: Versatile Plant Rather Than a Single Drug https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2022/05/02/cannabis-for-medical-use-versatile-plant-rather-than-a-single-drug/ Mon, 02 May 2022 22:13:22 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=26425 Here, we discuss how phytocannabinoid profiles differ between plants depending on the chemovar types, review the major factors that affect secondary metabolite accumulation in the plant including the genotype, growth conditions, processing, storage and the delivery route; and highlight how these factors make Cannabis treatment highly complex.

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]]> Cannabis Biomolecule Effects on Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells: Cytotoxic, Anti-Proliferative, and Anti-Migratory Activities https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2022/03/29/cannabis-biomolecule-effects-on-cancer-cells-and-cancer-stem-cells-cytotoxic-anti-proliferative-and-anti-migratory-activities/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:47:50 +0000 https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/?p=26315 Cancer is a complex family of diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. Gliomas are primary brain tumors that account for ~80% of all malignant brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, invasive, and lethal subtype of glioma. Therapy resistance and intra-GBM tumoral heterogeneity are promoted by subpopulations of glioma stem cells (GSCs). Cannabis sativa produces hundreds of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phytocannabinoids. Around 160 phytocannabinoids have been identified in C. sativa. Cannabis is commonly used to treat various medical conditions, and it is used in the palliative care of cancer patients. The anti-cancer properties of cannabis compounds include cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory activities on cancer cells and cancer stem cells. The endocannabinoids system is widely distributed in the body, and its dysregulation is associated with different diseases, including various types of cancer. Anti-cancer activities of phytocannabinoids are mediated in glioma cells, at least partially, by the endocannabinoid receptors, triggering various cellular signaling pathways, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. Specific combinations of multiple phytocannabinoids act synergistically against cancer cells and may trigger different anti-cancer signaling pathways. Yet, due to scarcity of clinical trials, there remains no solid basis for the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds.

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