Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Counteracting Chemotherapy-induced Adverse Effects: An Exploratory Review

Abstract

Cannabinoids (the active constituents of Cannabis sativa) and their derivatives have got intense attention during recent years because of their extensive pharmacological properties. Cannabinoids first developed as successful agents for alleviating chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. Recent investigations revealed that cannabinoids have a wide range of therapeutic effects such as appetite stimulation, inhibition of nausea and emesis, suppression of chemotherapy or radiotherapy-associated bone loss, chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, pain relief, mood amelioration, and last but not the least relief from insomnia. In this exploratory review, we scrutinize the potential of cannabinoids to counteract chemotherapy-induced side effects. Moreover, some novel and yet important pharmacological aspects of cannabinoids such as antitumoral effects will be discussed.

Recruitment, Follow-Up and Characteristics of HIV Infected Adults who Use Illicit Drugs in Southern Africa

“…The study-eligible participants with CD4 cell count >350 cells/μL at recruitment, had significantly lower BMI despite higher calorie intake throughout the study, and better plasma levels of some micronutrients than drug non-users, most likely due to the higher food intake. Lower BMI in marijuana users is consistent with previous findings [39], and may be related to the consistently higher HIV viral load compared to marijuana non-users. Higher HIV viral load was particularly pronounced in those with overly low levels of plasma zinc and selenium.…”

Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review

“…Anecdotal survey evidence abounds for the soporific effect of cannabis, with sufferers of a range of conditions including pain, anxiety and PTSD reporting that it assists in the management of insomnia [51,[63][64][65][66][67][68]. While this may commonly take the form of whole plant cannabis being administered via vaporised inhalation, isolated CBD may also be of benefit.…”

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome masquerading as an eating disorder

“…Other areas for focus of future research include the possibility of the effects of P450 enzyme polymorphisms which may affect levels of pro‐emetic or emetogenic metabolites in the over 400 different chemicals—60 of them possessing cannabinoid structures—contained in the cannabis plant. This may include questions about any relationship between pro‐ or anti‐emetic effects of cannabis in the gut and central nervous system …”

“…This may include questions about any relationship between pro-or anti-emetic effects of cannabis in the gut and central nervous system. 19,20 Conclusions Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with intractable vomiting and/or compulsive hot water bathing or showering. This case also illustrates the importance of utilizing collateral history and drug screens on suspected candidates, as well as discussing with patients what relieves the symptoms of their vomiting, i.e., hot baths or showers.…”