The German federal government recently made a controversial decision to decriminalize the possession and purchase of small quantities of cannabis. If the German legislature approves the draft law, the “Cannabis Law” will be implemented next year. While many consider this action long-awaited, others strongly warn of the health hazards associated with marijuana consumption.
Researchers from Jena and their colleagues are now examining cannabis, a traditional medicinal herb, from a different perspective, thanks to a study published in the journal Cell. Cell Chemical Biology.
A team from the Institute of Pharmacy investigated how certain components of the cannabis plant fight inflammation. It was already known from previous studies that marijuana is not only an analgesic and antispasmodic agent, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Working with Professor Oliver Wertz, Dr. “However, the reason for the anti-inflammatory effect was largely unclear until now,” says Paul Mike Jordan.
Dr. Paul Mike Jordan (left) explores the effects of cannabinoids on humans with Lucas K. Peltner (right). Image credit: Anna Koenig
Researchers examined how various cannabinoids affect human immune cells, including the psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which are currently available in over-the-counter products. “We found that all eight cannabinoids we examined had anti-inflammatory effects,” says Lucas Peltner, first author of the study and PhD student. “All of the compounds we tested were found to increase the production of substances that counteract inflammation, while inhibiting the production of proinflammatory messengers in cells.”
CBD causes a change in immune cells
CBD in particular has proven to be very effective, and the team investigated its mechanism of action in more detail. The researchers were able to determine that CBD activates the 15-lipoxygenase-1 enzyme, which triggers the production of anti-inflammatory substances that subsequently lead to reduced inflammation.
Dr. “CBD thus causes a transition in the affected cells, which, so to speak, redirects the inflammatory process from the supportive side to the inhibitory side,” explains Jordan. The researchers were able to confirm these results obtained in cell cultures in animal experiments on mice.
The researchers concluded that the knowledge gained over the long term could lead to new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The focus should be on CBD, the most effective cannabinoid in the study. Dr. Jordan notes that previously approved cannabinoid drugs include CBD as well as the psychoactive THC, which can be associated with a variety of side effects. Only CBD therapeutics will reduce this problem. Source
Source: Port Altele
