Therapeutic properties of cannabinoid drugs and marijuana in several disorders: A narrative review
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
Abstract
Background. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and other effects have been attributed to cannabis, and so it has been widely used to treat several diseases.
Objective. To assess the use and therapeutic effects of cannabinoid drugs and the cannabis plant in several diseases.
Method. We carried out a narrative review of the literature that has reported the use of the cannabis plant (marijuana) and cannabinoid drugs (nabilone, cannabinol and dronabinol, among others). We conducted a search in Medline, Cochrane, SciELO and other web sites. Clinical, controlled, double-blind and randomized studies were included. The route of administration and the cannabinoid drugs used were assessed too.
Results. Thirty-four studies were included. Nabilone was the cannabinoid drug more commonly used (12 studies), followed by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (11 studies). It was also found that the marijuana plant and cannabinoid drugs were used to treat many symptoms or diseases. Two studies were reported for Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome.
Discussion and conclusion. Many scientific studies on the marijuana plant and cannabinoid drugs conclude that these are not as effective as conventional medications and thus their benefits should be taken with caution.
References
Potter DJ, Clark P, Brown MB. Potency of delta 9-THC and other cannabinoids in cannabis in England in 2005: implications for psychoactivity and pharmacology. J Forensic Sci 2008;53:90-94.
van Laar M, Cruts G, van ooyen-Houben M, et al. Trimbos Instituut. Report to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: the Netherlands Drug Situation 2014.
http://www.trimbos.nl/~/media/files/gratis%20downloads/af1367%20the%20netherlands%20drug%20situation%202014%20a4-web.ashx(último ingreso 10 de Julio de 2015).
Hohmann AG, Suplita RL. Endocannabinoid Mechanisms of Pain Modulation. The AAPS J 2006;8:693-708.
Rea K, Roche M, Finn DP. Supraspinal modulation of pain by cannabinoids: the role of GABA and glutamate. Br J Pharmacol 2007;152:633–648.
Jhaveri MD, Elmes SJR, Richardson D, Barrett DA, Kendall DA, Mason R, Chapman V. Evidence for a novel functional role of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the thalamus of neuropathic rats. Eur J Neurosci 2008;27:1722–1730.
Lamontagne D, Lépicier P, Lagneux C, Bouchard JF. The endogenous cardiac cannabinoid system: a new protective mechanism against myocardial ischemia. Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss 2006;99:242-246.
Leweke FM, Koethe D, Gerth CW, Nolden BM, Schreiber D, Hänsel A, Neatby MA, Juelicher A, Hellmich M, Klosterkötter J. Cannabidiol as an antipsychotic. A double‐blind, controlled clinical trial on cannabidiol vs. amisulpride in acute schizophrenia. IACM 3rd Conference on Cannabinoids in Medicine, 9‐10 September 2005, Leiden, International Association for Cannabis as Medicine.
Crippa JA, Derenusson GN, Ferrari TB, Wichert‐Ana L, Duran FL, Martin‐Santos R, Simões MV, Bhattacharyya S, Fusar‐Poli P, Atakan Z, Santos Filho A, Freitas‐Ferrari MC, McGuire PK, Zuardi AW, Busatto GF, Hallak JE. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. J Psychopharmacol 2011;25(1):121‐30.
Mortati K, Dworetzky B, Devinsky O. Marijuana: an effective antiepileptic treatment in partial epilepsy? A case report and review of the literature. Rev Neurol Dis 2007;4(2):103‐6.
Barceloux DG. Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) and Synthetic Cannabinoids. En Barceloux DG (ed.) Medical Toxicology of Drug Abuse: Synthesized Chemicals and Psychoactive Plants, First Edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2012.
Di Marzo V, Piscitelli F, Mechoulam R. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in metabolic disorders with focus on diabetes. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2011;203:75-104.
Horváth B, Mukhopadhyay P, Haskó G, Pacher P. The Endocannabinoid System and Plant-Derived Cannabinoids in Diabetes and Diabetic Complications. Am J Pathol 2012;180:432-442.
Malek TR. The Biology of Interleukin-2. Annu Rev Immunol 2008;26:453–79.
Bihl F, Germain C, Luci C, Braud VM. Mechanisms of NK cell activation: CD4+ T cells enter the scene. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011;68:3457–3467.
Hermanson DJ, Marnett LJ. Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2011;30:599-612.
Sarfaraz S, Adhami VM, Syed DN, Afaq F, Mukhtar H. Cannabinoids for Cancer Treatment: Progress and Promise. Cancer Res 2008;68:339-342.
McAllister SD, Rigel TC, Horowitz MP, Garcia A, Desprez PY. Cannabidiol as a novel inhibitor of Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6:2921–2927.
McKallip RJ, Jia W, Schlomer J, Warren JW, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Cannabidiol-Induced Apoptosis in Human Leukemia Cells: A Novel Role of Cannabidiol in the Regulation of p22phox and Nox4 Expression. Mol Pharmacol 2006;70:897–908.
Fernández Ruiz JJ, Berrendero F, Hernández ML, Ramos JA. The endogenous cannabinoid system and brain development. Trends Neurosci 2000;23:14-20.
Maldonado R, Valverde O, Berrendero F. Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in drug addiction. Trends in Neurosciences 2006;29:225-232.
Frytak S, Moertel CG, O'Fallon JR, Rubin J, Creagan ET, O'Connnell MJ. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol as an antiemetic for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. A comparison with prochlorperazine and a placebo. Annals of Internal Medicine 1979;91:825-830.
Kluin-Nelemans JC, Nelemans FA, Meuwissen OJATh, Maes RAA. D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as an antiemetic in patients treated with cancer chemotherapy; a double-blind cross-over trial against placebo. Veterinary and Human Toxicology 1979;21:338-340.
Neidhart JA, Gagen MM, Wilson HE, Young DC. Comparative trial of the antiemetic effects of THC and haloperidol. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research 1981;21:38-42S.
Sallan SE, Cronin C, Zelen M, Zinberg NE. Antiemetics in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. A randomized comparison of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and prochlorperazine. New England Journal of Medicine 1980;302:135-138.
Meiri E, Jhangiani H, Vredenburgh JJ, Barbato LM, Carter FJ, Yang HM, Baranowski V. Efficacy of dronabinol alone and in combination with ondansetron versus ondansetron alone for delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Curr Med Res Opin 2007;23(3):533-43.
Crawford SM, Buckman R. Nabilone and metoclopramide in the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to cisplatinum: a double blind study. Medical Oncology and Tumor Pharmacotherapy 1986;3:39-42.
Cunningham D, Bradley CJ, Forrest GJ, Hutcheon AW, Adams L, Sneddon M, et al. A randomized trial of oral nabilone and prochlorperazine compared to intravenous metoclopramide and dexamethasone in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy regimens containing cisplatin or cisplatin analogues. European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology 1988;24:685-689.
George M, Pejovic MH, Thuaire M, Kramar A, Wolff JP. Randomized comparative trial of a new anti-emetic: nabilone, in cancer patients treated with cisplatin. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy 1983;37:24-27.
Jones SE, Durant JR, Greco FA, Robertone A. A multi-institutional phase III study of nabilone vs placebo in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Cancer Treatment Reviews 1982;9:45-48.
Priestman SG, Priestman TJ, Canney PA. A double-blind randomized cross-over comparison of nabilone and metoclopramide in the control of radiation-induced nausea. Clinical Radiology 1987;38:543-544.
Steele N, Gralla RJ, Braun Jr DW, Young CW. Double-blind comparison of the antiemetic effects of nabilone and prochlorperazine on chemotherapy-induced emesis. Cancer Treatment Report 1980;64:219-224.
Wada JK, Bogdon DL, Gunnell JC, Hum GJ, Gota CH, Rieth TE. Double-blind, randomized, crossover trial of nabilone vs. placebo in cancer chemotherapy. Cancer Treatment Reviews 1982;9(Suppl B):39-44.
Hutcheon AW, Palmer JB, Soukop M, Cunningham D, McArdle C, Welsh J, et al. A randomized multicentre single blind comparison of a cannabinoid anti-emetic (levonantradol) with chlorpromazine in patients receiving their first cytotoxic chemotherapy. European Journal for Cancer and Clinical Oncology 1983;19:1087-1090.
Lucraft HH, Palmer MK. Randomized clinical trial of levonantradol and chlorpromazine in the prevention of radiotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical Radiology 1982;33:621-622.
Abrams DI, Hilton JF, Leiser RJ, Shade SB, Elbeik TA, Aweeka FT, Benowitz NL, Bredt BM, Kosel B, Aberg JA, Deeks SG, Mitchell TF, Mulligan K, Bacchetti P, McCune JM, Schambelan M. Short-term effects of cannabinoids in patients with HIV-1 infection: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Ann Intern Med 2003;139(4):258-66.
Strasser F, Luftner D, Possinger K, Ernst G, Ruhstaller T, Meissner W, Ko YD, Schnelle M, Reif M, Cerny T. Comparison of orally administered cannabis extract and delta-9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in treating patients with cancer‐related anorexia‐cachexia syndrome: a multicenter, phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial from the Cannabis‐in‐Cachexia‐Study‐Group. J Clin Oncol 2006;24(21):3394‐400.
Volicer L, Stelly M, Morris J, McLaughlin J, Volicer BJ. Effects of dronabinol on anorexia and disturbed behavior in patients with Alzheimer's disease. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 1997;12:913‐919.
Maurer M, Henn V, Dittrich A, Hofmann A. Delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol shows antispastic and analgesic effects in a single case double‐blind trial. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 1990;240:1‐4.
Pooyania S, Ethans K, Szturm T, Casey A, Perry D. A randomized, double‐blinded, crossover pilot study assessing the effect of nabilone on spasticity in persons with spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010;91(5):703‐7.
Svendsen KB, Jensen TS, Bach FW. Does the cannabinoid dronabinol reduce central pain in multiple sclerosis? Randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover trial. BMJ 2004;329(7460):253.
Wissel J, Haydn T, Müller J, Brenneis C, Berger T, Poewe W, Schelosky LD. Low dose treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid Nabilone significantly reduces spasticity‐related pain: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial. J Neurol 2006;253(10):1337‐41.
Frank B, Serpell MG, Hughes J, Matthews JN, KapurD. Comparison of analgesic effects and patient tolerability of nabilone and dihydrocodeine for chronic neuropathic pain: randomized, crossover, double blind study. BMJ 2008;336(7637):199‐201.
Conference on Cannabis, Melbourne, September 2‐4, 1987. Cited from: Consroe P, Sandyk R. Potential role of cannabinoids for therapy of neurological disorders. In Murphy L, Bartke A, eds. Marijuana/Cannabinoids. Neurobiology and Neurophysiology. Boca Raton, CRC Press, 1992, p. 459‐524.
Bestard JA, Toth CC. An Open‐Label Comparison of Nabilone and Gabapentin as Adjuvant Therapy or Monotherapy in the Management of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy. Pain Pract 2011;11(4):353‐68.
Noyes R, Brunk ST, Avery DH, Canter A. The analgesic properties of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and codeine. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1975;18:84‐89.
Ware MA, Fitzcharles MA, Joseph L, Shir Y. The effects of nabilone on sleep in fibromyalgia: results of a randomized controlled trial. Anesth Analg 2010;110(2):604‐10.
Pinsger M, Schimetta W, Volc D, Hiermann E,Riederer F, Polz W. Benefits of an add‐on treatment with the synthetic cannabinomimetic nabilone on patients with chronic pain ‐a randomized controlled trial. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2006;118(11‐12):327‐35.
Ostenfeld T, Price J, Albanese M, Bullman J, Guillard F, Meyer I, Leeson R, Costantin C, Ziviani L, Nocini PF, Milleri S. A randomized, controlled study to investigate the analgesic efficacy of single doses of the cannabinoid receptor‐2 agonist GW842166, ibuprofen or placebo in patients with acute pain following third molar tooth extraction. Clin J Pain 2011;27(8):668‐76.
Weber M, Goldman B, Truniger S. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized, double‐blind crossover trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2010;81(10):1135‐40.
Freeman RM, Adekanmi O, Waterfield MR, Waterfield AE, Wright D, Zajicek J. The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomized placebo‐controlled trial (CAMS‐LUTS). Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct 2006;17(6):636‐41.
Brady CM, DasGupta R, Dalton C, Wiseman OJ, Berkley KJ, Fowler CJ. An open‐label pilot study cannabis‐based extracts for bladder dysfunction in advanced multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis 2004;10(4):425‐33.
Esfandyari T, Camilleri M, Busciglio I, Burton D, Baxter K, Zinsmeister AR. Effects of a cannabinoid receptor agonist on colonic motor and sensory functions in humans: a randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2007;293(1):G137‐45.
Müller‐Vahl KR, Schneider U, Koblenz A, Jobges M, Kolbe H, Daldrup T, Emrich HM. Treatment of Tourette's syndrome with Delta 9‐ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): a randomized crossover trial. Pharmacopsychiatry 2002;35(2):57‐61.
Müller‐Vahl KR, Schneider U, Prevedel H, Theloe K, Kolbe H, Daldrup T, Emrich HM. Delta 9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is effective in the treatment of tics in Tourette syndrome: a 6‐week randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2003;64(4):459‐65.
Leweke FM, Koethe D, Gerth CW, Nolden BM, Schreiber D, Hänsel A, Neatby MA, Juelicher A, Hellmich M, Klosterkötter J. Cannabidiol as an antipsychotic. A double-blind, controlled clinical trial on cannabidiol vs. amisulpride in acute schizophrenia. IACM 3rd Conference on Cannabinoids in Medicine, 9-10 September 2005, Leiden, International Association for Cannabis as Medicine.
Carroll CB, Bain PG, Teare L, Liu X, Joint C, Wroath C, Parkin SG, Fox P, Wright D, Hobart J, Zajicek JP. Cannabis for dyskinesia in Parkinson disease: a randomized double‐blind crossover study. Neurology 2004;63(7):1245‐50.
Maas AI, Murray G, Henney H 3rd, Kassem N, Legrand V, Mangelus M, Muizelaar JP, Stocchetti N, Knoller N; Pharmos TBI investigators. Efficacy and safety of dexanabinol in severe traumatic brain injury: results of a phase III randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial. Lancet Neurol 2006;5(1):38‐45.
Villagonzalo KA, Dodd S, Ng F, Mihaly S, Langbein A, Berk M. The relationship between substance use and posttraumatic stress disorder in a methadone maintenance treatment program. Compr Psychiatry 2011;52(5):562‐6.
Comisión Nacional contra las Adicciones (CONADIC). EL USO MÉDICO DEL CANNABIS ¿TIENE SUSTENTO CIENTÍFICO?. Primera edición: julio 2014. www.salud.gob.mx www.cenadic.salud.gob.mx http://www.conadic.salud.gob.mx/publicaciones/2015/uso_medico_cannabis.pdf (último ingreso 11 de abril de 2016).
Vachon L, Mikus P, Morrissey W, FitzGerald M, Gaensler E. Bronchial effect of marihuana smoke in asthma. In: Braude MC, Szara S, eds. The pharmacology of marihuana. Raven Press: New York. 1976;777‐784.
Gong HJr, Tashkin DP, Calvarese B. Comparison of bronchial effects of nabilone and terbutaline in healthy and asthmatic subjects. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 1983;23(4):127‐133.
Di Forti M, Marconi A, Carra E, et al. Proportion of patients in south London with first-episode psychosis attributable to use of high potency cannabis: a case-control study. Lancet Psychiatry. Published online February 18, 2015 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00117-5 http://www.thelancet.com/pb/assets/raw/Lancet/pdfs/14TLP0454_Di%20Forti.pdf (último ingreso 10 de julio de 2015).
Del Bosque J, Fernández C, Sánchez-Huesca R, Díaz DB, Gutiérrez-López AD, Fuentes-Mairena A, Espínola M, González-García N, Loredo-Abdalá A, Medina-Mora ME, Nanni-Alvarado R, Natera G, Real T, Sansores R, Prospéro-García O, Zinser J, Suárez C, Beltrán A. El problema del Consumo de Cannabis: el papel del Sector Salud. Salud Mental 2013;36(2)(marzo-abril):149-158.
Devinsky O, Marsh E, Friedman D, Thiele E, Laux L, Sullivan J, Miller i, Flamini R, Wilfong A, Filloux F, Wong M, Tilton N, Bruno P, Bluvstein J, Hedlund J, Kamens R, Maclean J, Nangia S, Singhal NS, Wilson CA, Patel A, Cilio MR. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an opel-label interventional trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016 Mar;15(3):235-7
Knupp KG, Chapman KE. Parental reporting of response to oral cannabis extracts for treatment or refractory epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. 2015 Apr;45:49-52
Hussain SA, Zhou R, Jacobson C, Weng J, Cheng E, Lay J, Hung P, Lerner JT, Sankar R. Perceived efficacy of cannabidiol-enriched cannabis extracts for treatment of pediatric epilepsy: A potential role for infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epilepsy Bahav. 2015 Jun;47:138-41
