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Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids as therapeutics for nervous system disorders: preclinical models and clinical studies

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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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A Delightful Trip Along the Pathway of Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Chemistry and Pharmacology

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After a traumatic childhood in Europe during the Second World War, I found that scientific research in Israel was a pleasure beyond my expectations. Over the last 65 year, I have worked on the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products

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Potential and Limits of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy

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This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two-weeks of nightly sublingual cannabinoid extract (ZTL-101) in treating chronic insomnia (symptoms ≥three months).

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Anandamide alters the membrane properties, halts the cell division and prevents drug efflux in multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus

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Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem throughout the world. Overcoming methicillin and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/MDRSA) infections has become a challenge and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. We have previously demonstrated that the endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) can sensitize MRSA to antibiotics. Here we have studied the mechanism of action using a MDRSA clinical isolate that are sensitized by AEA to methicillin and norfloxacin. We found that AEA treatment halts the growth of both antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant S. aureus

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Neurobiology of cannabinoid receptor signaling

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Authors: Beat Lutz, PhD Published in DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020 Abstract The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a highly versatile signaling system within the nervous system. Despite its widespread localization,…

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Changes in endocannabinoid and palmitoylethanolamide levels in eye tissues of patients with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration

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Author: I. Matias, J.W. Wang, A. Schiano Moriello, A. Nieves, D.F. Woodward,V. Di Marzo Published in Science Direct December 2006 Abstract Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoids (anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine—AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)),…

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Finding of endocannabinoids in human eye tissues: Implications for glaucoma

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Author: June Chen, Isabel Matias, Tim Dinh, Ta Lu, Sonia Venezia, Amelia Nieves, David F. Woodward, Vincenzo Di Marzo Published in Science Direct May 2005 Abstract Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are involved…

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