Cannabinoids in Medicine: Cancer, Immunity, and Microbial Diseases

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the medical applications of Cannabis plants. They owe their unique properties to a group of secondary metabolites known as phytocannabinoids, which are specific for this genus. Phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoids generally, can interact with cannabinoid receptors being part of the endocannabinoid system present in animals. Over the years a growing body of scientific evidence has been gathered, suggesting that these compounds have therapeutic potential. In this article, we review the classification of cannabinoids, the molecular mechanisms of their interaction with animal cells as well as their potential application in the treatment of human diseases. Specifically, we focus on the research concerning the anticancer potential of cannabinoids in preclinical studies, their possible use in cancer treatment and palliative medicine, as well as their influence on the immune system. We also discuss their potential as therapeutic agents in infectious, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. We postulate that the currently ongoing and future clinical trials should be accompanied by research focused on the cellular and molecular response to cannabinoids and Cannabis extracts, which will ultimately allow us to fully understand the mechanism, potency, and safety profile of cannabinoids as single agents and as complementary drugs.

Cannabis and Autoimmunity: Possible Mechanisms of Action

“…The endocannabinoid system, particularly CB2 receptor activation, is a possible target for the treatment of diseases characterised by immune cell activation, such as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, 18,[102][103][104] on the basis of the mechanisms described above and shown in Figure 1. The data concerning the efficacy and side effects of the different MC preparations are still limited, and many physicians prefer to avoid suggesting their use; 18,105 however, there has been abundant pre-clinical research in this area, as can be seen from the following examples.…”

Cannabinoid Drugs-Related Neuroprotection as a Potential Therapeutic Tool Against Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment

“…Regarding the ECS as a therapeutic target against cancer activity, it has been observed its implication in the inhibition of cell proliferation and/or angiogenesis in different tumour types ( Śledziński et al, 2020 ). Attending to cancer cell type and substance, the anti-tumorigenic effects of cannabinoids have been shown to be mediated via CB 1 , CB 2 and TRPV1 receptors.…”

IV. Ikergazte. Nazioarteko ikerketa euskaraz. Kongresuko artikulu bilduma. Zientziak eta Natura Zientzia

“…3000. urtean, Shennong enperadoreak lehen txinatar farmakopean Cannabis Sativa L. landarearen erabilera deskribatu zuen, nekeari, erreumatismoari eta malariari aurre egiteko tratamendu bezala (Bonini et al, 2018). Arrez geroztik, kannabisaren ahalmen terapeutikoa historian zehar hedatu izan da; aintzinako greziar eta erromatar inperioaren gizarteetatik igarota, gaur egungo Covid-19-ari aurre egiteko tratamendu bezala proposatua izan arte (Wang et al, 2020;Śledziński et. al, 2021).…”

“…Esaterako, zenbait gaixotasunen min kronikoa eta esklerosi anizkoitza tratatzeko eraginkorra dela ikusi da, eta jangura estimulatzaile bezala erabiltzen da anorexia, HIESa edo minbizia duten gaixoetan (Whiting, 2015;Bonini et. al, 2018;Śledziński et. al, 2021).…”

“…al, 2021). Antsietatea, depresioa, Touretten Sindromea eta loezina tratatzeko erabiltzen da, eta hainbat ikerketa egin dira honen inguruan, baina ikerketa hauei sendotasun falta izatea leporatzen zaie gaur egun (Whiting, 2015;Śledziński et. al, 2021).…”