The medicinal properties of cannabis and cannabinoid-derivative are entirely investigated and known. In addition, the identification of psychotropic plant cannabinoids has led to more studies regarding the cannabinoid system and its therapeutic features in the treatment and management of clinical symptoms of neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinsons disease (PD), and Alzheimers disease (AD). In fact, cannabinoid agonists are able to control and regulate inflammatory responses. In contrast to the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and its unwanted adverse effects, the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and its ligands hold promise for new and effective therapeutic approaches. So far, some successes have been achieved in this field. This review will discuss an outline of the endocannabinoid system's involvement in neuroinflammatory disorders. Moreover, the pharmacological efficacy of different natural and synthetic preparations of phytocannabinoids acting on cannabinoid receptors, particularly in MS, PD, and AD, will be updated. Also, the reasons for targeting CB2 for neurodegeneration will be explained.

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused COVID-19 has developed into an unexampled worldwide pandemic. The most important cause of death in patients with COVID-19 is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Opium is widely used for its analgesic features in control of acute and chronic pain related to different diseases. Opium consumption is increased over the last three decades and leads to adverse effects on the respiratory system; opium also affects the lungs' functions and respiration. The contemplative issue is the higher mortality rate due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in opium addicts’ patients. Studies have shown that despite the decrease in proinflammatory cytokines production in opium addicts, there are at least 4 reasons for this increase in mortality rate: downregulation of IFNs expression, development of pulmonary edema, increase thrombotic factors, increase the expression of Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, identifying the causes of mortality and approved therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 patients who use opium for any reason is an important unmet need to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection-related mortality. This review study demonstrated the effects of opium on immune responses and the reasons for the higher mortality rate in opium addicts’ patients with COVID-19.

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Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The pharmacological therapy of RA is often symptomatic to mitigate pain and inability with analgesics and drugs with defined side effects and risks. Complementary medicines might decrease the signs of RA and reduce the need for these medicines. In the present study, we investigated the anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Urtica dioica and Evening Primrose Ogil (EPO), in patients with RA. Methods: This randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial involved 90 RA patients, and randomly assigned them into EPO, Urtica dioica, and placebo groups. The potential effect of these herbal medicines on Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC), IL-17, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (Anti-CCP), C Reactive Protein (CRP), and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) before and after clinical trial were evaluated. The trial registration number is IRCT20201001048897N1.Results: After a three month follow up, the mean values of DAS28, IL-17, TAC, RF, and CRP in EPO and Urtica dioica groups were significantly different from the placebo group. However, the VAS, Anti-CCP, and ESR at baseline and at the end of the study were not significantly different between the three groups. After the intervention, the within-group DAS28 in the EPO and Urtica dioica groups, and placebo group reduced significantly compared to the baseline.Conclusion: Medicinal plants EPO and Urtica dioica were appeared to decrease inflammatory factors, and can improve the symptoms of RA. Thus, EPO and Urtica dioica have great potential as a complementary therapy in RA patients.