Rimonabant: a New Class of Drug to Fight Obesityobesity

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Rimonabant: a New Class of Drug to Fight Obesityobesity Molecules of the Millennium Rimonabant: A new class of drug to fight obesityobesity Obesity and tobacco abuse, widely recognised as serious induced by cannabinoid receptor agonists.[5] It powerfully health hazards, are increasing in prevalence. Obesity is reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure. It associated with numerous metabolic complications such as modulates the rewarding properties of food by inhibiting the dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.[1] action of endogenous cannabinoids at specific mesolimbic Smoking is a high risk factor for hypertension, lung carcinoma areas. It alters the variety of signals of peripheral origin (leptin, and various other health related problems.[2] The agents that ghrelin and adiponectin) which modulate the neurochemical have been used for the treatment of obesity include activation of hypothalamic neurons and the state of relative dexfenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine and orlistat. energy balance. Rimonabant also inhibits the enzymes involved Currently, the options for smoking cessation are nicotine in lipogenesis.[6] Many rodent model studies have demonstrated patches, gum, lozenges and bupropion. As many of these drugs a memory enhancing effect due to rimonabant use.[7] Certainly, have serious adverse effects or are unsuitable for maintenance more information will become available as the drug completes therapy, the search for a novel drug continues. phase III trials. Rimonabant appears to be a promising drug in an entirely Preclinical trials new class called selective cannabinoid (CB1) receptor antagonists. Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial A number of preclinical trials have been conducted on the effects of rimonabant in tackling obesity, smoking cessation effects of rimonabant in rodent models. The trials and metabolic syndrome. The drug may be approved for demonstrated that rimonabant treatment was associated with treatment of obesity and smoking cessation. Ongoing studies a reduction in intake of highly palatable as well as normal may provide information on its other clinical uses. foods in rats. Wiley et al [8] demonstrated that CB1 antagonist rimonabant dependently decreased food consumption at doses Chemistry which did not affect motor activity in mice. These trials Rimonabant (SR141716) is a neurokinin-3 antagonist and suggested that rimonabant may affect the actions of selective cannabinoid (CB1) receptor antagonist currently being endogenous cannabinoids in regulating appetite, or it may researched and developed under the proprietary name, directly affect feeding behaviour. In another study, rodents were Acomplia, by Sanofi-Aventis. The chemical name is N-piperino­ put on a high fat diet to develop obesity, increase energy intake 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methylpyrazole-3­ and insulin resistance. During a five- week treatment period, carboxamide.[3] rimonabant resulted in 48% reduction of food and 20% reduction in body weight. In addition, it helped in correcting Mechanism of action insulin resistance.[9] Rimonabant is the first in a new class of agents that act by Clinical trials selectively blocking the cannabinoid-1 receptors with resultant central and metabolic peripheral effects, thereby decreasing Some phase I/II clinical trials have been completed with food intake. Evidence currently exists for two types of rimonabant. However, limited information is available cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are regarding these trails. A randomised, double blind, placebo­ present both in the CNS as well as in certain peripheral tissues. controlled crossover study assessed the effect of rimonabant The areas in which CB1 receptors are most dense are thought on hunger, satiety, food consumption and body weight in obese to deal with cognition, motor function and movement.[4] humans and showed a reduction in their food intake and body Rimonabant is reported to possess a 1000-fold higher affinity weight.[10] for the CB1 receptor than CB2 receptor. It shows high affinity The results of phase III studies called RIO (Rimonabant in for the centrally located cannabinoid receptor, while displaying obesity)Europe, RIO-North America and RIO-Lipids, comparing low affinity for the peripherally located receptor. Additionally, rimonabant 5, 20 mg and placebo, have indicated significantly it has little or no affinity for non-cannabinoid receptors. more weight loss with rimonabant. (The studies were prospective, randomised, international, multicentre, double Pharmacokinetic parameters blind, placebo-controlled trials.) The RIO-Lipids and RIO- Rimonabant has demonstrated a long duration of action (8 Europe studies showed that the average loss of weight at 12 hours) and good oral bioavailability.[15] Currently, limited months was 6.9 and 8.6 kg, respectively, with rimonabant 20 information has been published regarding rimonabant’s mg/day; 3.1 and 4.8 kg, respectively, with rimonabant 5 mg/ pharmacokinetic parameters. day.[11,12] The RIO-North America trial was a two-year study Functional in vitro and in vivo studies showed that that enrolled 3040 obese people throughout USA and Canada. rimonabant is able to antagonise the pharmacologic effects The investigators found that those who received the highest 220 Indian J Pharmacol | June 2006 | Vol 38 | Issue 3 | 220-21 Molecules of the Millennium dose of rimonabant (20 mg) lost >5% of their body weight, trials of this exciting drug are required to establish its long­ while one-third of them lost >10% of their body weight.[13] term therapeutic implications. The results also showed an increase in HDL-C levels with a decrease in atherogenic LDL-C levels. The incidence of J. Singh, S. Budhiraja metabolic syndrome decreased by nearly one-third and insulin Department of Pharmacology, sensitivity was reported as greatly improved. Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rimonabant’s role in smoking cessation will be evaluated Rohtak - 124001, Haryana. India in STRATUS-US, STRATUS-EU, STRATUS-WW (prospective, E-mail: [email protected] randomised, multicentre, double blind, placebo-controlled) trials.[14] Preliminary results of these trials showed that treatment with rimonabant greatly increases the likelihood of References quitting smoking. 1. Bray GA, Bounchard C, James WPT, editors. Handbook of Obesity. New York: Marcel Dekker; 1998. Adverse effects 2. Annual smoking attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and economic The results of early human trials with rimonabant treatment costs. United States 1995-1999. 3. Iversen L. Cannabis and the brain. Brain 2003;126:1252-70. showed an excellent tolerance among patients, except for some 4. Howlett AC, Barth F, Bonner TI. International union of pharmacology. XXVII. mild gastrointestinal adverse effects at the highest dose Classification of cannabinoid receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2002;54:161-202. administered. Safety data from the preliminary results of the 5. Compton DR, Aceto MD, Lowe J, Martin BR. In vivo characterization of a spe­ RIO-Lipids, RIO-Europe, RIO-North America and STRATUS-US cific cannabinoid receptor antagonist (SR141716): inhibition of delta-9­ trials revealed that rimonabant is well tolerated among tetrahydro-cannabinol induced responses and apparent agonist activity. J patients. The most frequently reported adverse effects are Pharmacol Exp Ther 1996;277:586-94. 6. Cota D, Marsicano G, Tschop M. The endogenous cannabinoid system af­ nausea, dizziness and upper respiratory infections. Diarrhoea fects energy balance via central orexigenic drive and peripheral lipogenesis. J was seen most commonly in the RIO-Europe trial (2.3%, 5.8% Clin Inves 2003;112:423-31. and 7% for placebo, rimonabant 5 mg/day and 20 mg/day, 7. Coizet V, Cassel JC, Kelche C. Effects of the selective CB1 cannabinoid respectively). receptor antagonist, SR141716, on cognitive performance in intact, brain-dam­ aged and scopolamine-treated rats. Behav Pharmacol 1998;9:25. Advantages 8. Wiley JL, Burston JJ, Leggett DC. CB1 cannabinoid receptor-mediated modu­ lation of food intake in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2005;145:293-300. � Rimonabant is reported to increase HDL-C and decrease 9. Trillou CR, Arnone M, Delgorge C. Anti-obesity effect of SR141716, a CB1 atherogenic LDL-C levels. The unique property of this drug receptor antagonist, in diet-induced obese mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr may, in turn, improve cardiovascular risk factors and Comjp Physiol 2003;284:345-53. metabolic syndrome. 10. Heshmati HM, Caplain H, Bellisle F. SR141716, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, reduces hunger, caloric intake, and body weight in over­ � In addition to weight loss, rimonabant is reported to weight or obese men. Obes Res 2001;9:70. produce improvement in HbA1C levels and may be helpful 11. Van Gaal L. RIO-Europe: A randomized, double-blind study of weight reduc­ in diabetes. ing effect and safety of rimonabant in obese patients with or without comorbidity. � It also prevents weight gain in persons who are quitting Program and abstracts from the European Society of Cardiology Congress smoking. 2004, Aug 28-Sep1; Munich, Germany; 2004. 12. Press release. [accessed 2004 Nov 9]. Available from: http://en.sanofi­ Conclusion aventis.com/press/p_press_2004.asp 13. Results from the RIO-North America trial show that first year improvements in Rimonabant, the selective blocker of CB1 receptors, may cardiovascular risk factors are maintained in the second year of treatment. normalise the activity of the endocannabinoid system, resulting American Society of Cardiology
Recommended publications
  • S41467-020-19780-Z.Pdf
    ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19780-z OPEN Endocannabinoid signaling regulates the reinforcing and psychostimulant effects of ketamine in mice Wei Xu1,3, Hongchun Li1,3, Liang Wang1, Jiamei Zhang1, Chunqi Liu1, Xuemei Wan1, Xiaochong Liu1, Yiming Hu1, ✉ Qiyao Fang1, Yuanyuan Xiao1, Qian Bu1, Hongbo Wang2, Jingwei Tian2, Yinglan Zhao1 & Xiaobo Cen 1 The abuse potential of ketamine limits its clinical application, but the precise mechanism remains largely unclear. Here we discovered that ketamine significantly remodels the 1234567890():,; endocannabinoid-related lipidome and activates 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) signaling in the dorsal striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen, CPu) of mice. Elevated 2-AG in the CPu is essential for the psychostimulant and reinforcing effects of ketamine, whereas blockade of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, a predominant 2-AG receptor, attenuates ketamine-induced remodeling of neuronal dendrite structure and neurobehaviors. Ketamine represses the transcription of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) gene by promoting the expression of PRDM5, a negative transcription factor of the MAGL gene, leading to increased 2-AG pro- duction. Genetic overexpression of MAGL or silencing of PRDM5 expression in the CPu robustly reduces 2-AG production and ketamine effects. Collectively, endocannabinoid signaling plays a critical role in mediating the psychostimulant and reinforcing properties of ketamine. 1 National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, People’s Republic of China. 2 Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, 264005 Yantai, People’s Republic of China.
    [Show full text]
  • British Journal of Nutrition (2009), 101, 457–464 Doi:10.1017/S0007114508024008 Q the Authors 2008
    Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core British Journal of Nutrition (2009), 101, 457–464 doi:10.1017/S0007114508024008 q The Authors 2008 Administration of a dietary supplement (N-oleyl-phosphatidylethanolamine . IP address: and epigallocatechin-3-gallate formula) enhances compliance with diet in healthy overweight subjects: a randomized controlled trial 170.106.35.93 Mariangela Rondanelli1,2*, Annalisa Opizzi1,2, Sebastiano Bruno Solerte3, Rosita Trotti4, Catherine Klersy5 6 , on and Roberta Cazzola 29 Sep 2021 at 01:44:33 1Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy 2Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, ASP, II.AA.RR, University of Pavia, ‘Istituto Santa Margherita’, Pavia, Italy 3Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Gerontologic Clinic, University of Pavia, ‘Istituto Santa Margherita’, Pavia, Italy 4Laboratory of Biochemical Chemistry, Neurological Institute ‘C. Mondino’, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at 5Service of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS ‘Policlinico San Matteo’, Pavia, Italy 6Department of Preclinical Sciences ‘LITA Vialba’, Faculty of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (Received 21 February 2008 – Revised 29 April 2008 – Accepted 20 May 2008 – First published online 1 July 2008) Many studies have found that N-oleyl-ethanolamine (NOE), a metabolite of N-oleyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NOPE), and epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG) inhibit food intake. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 2 months of administration of an oily NOPE– EGCG complex (85 mg NOPE and 50 mg EGCG per capsule) and its effect on compliance with diet in healthy, overweight people.
    [Show full text]
  • Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation
    molecules Review Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation Cristian Scheau 1 , Ioana Anca Badarau 1, Livia-Gratiela Mihai 1, Andreea-Elena Scheau 2, Daniel Octavian Costache 3, Carolina Constantin 4,5, Daniela Calina 6 , Constantin Caruntu 1,7,*, Raluca Simona Costache 8,* and Ana Caruntu 9,10 1 Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] (C.S.); [email protected] (I.A.B.); [email protected] (L.-G.M.) 2 Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] 3 Department of Dermatology, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] 4 Immunology Department, ”Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] 5 Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania 6 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; [email protected] 7 Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania 8 Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Clinic, Carol Davila University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania 9 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] 10 Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania * Correspondence: [email protected] (C.C.); [email protected] (R.S.C.); Tel.: +40-745-086-978 (C.C.) Academic Editor: Eric J. Downer Received: 30 December 2019; Accepted: 2 February 2020; Published: 4 February 2020 Abstract: Cannabinoids are increasingly-used substances in the treatment of chronic pain, some neuropsychiatric disorders and more recently, skin disorders with an inflammatory component.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioactivation Pathways of the Cb1r Antagonist Rimonabant
    DMD Fast Forward. Published on July 6, 2011 as DOI: 10.1124/dmd.111.039412 DMDThis Fast article Forward. has not been Published copyedited and on formatted. July 6, The2011 final as version doi:10.1124/dmd.111.039412 may differ from this version. DMD #39412 Bioactivation Pathways of the CB1r Antagonist Rimonabant Downloaded from Moa Andresen Bergström, Emre M. Isin, Neal Castagnoli Jr., and Claire E. Milne dmd.aspetjournals.org CVGI iMED DMPK, AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Sweden (M.A.B., E.M.I., C.E.M.); Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, and Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061 (N.C.) at ASPET Journals on October 1, 2021 1 Copyright 2011 by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. DMD Fast Forward. Published on July 6, 2011 as DOI: 10.1124/dmd.111.039412 This article has not been copyedited and formatted. The final version may differ from this version. DMD #39412 Running Title: Bioactivation Pathways of the CB1r Antagonist Rimonabant Corresponding Author: Dr. Moa Andresen Bergström, CVGI iMED DMPK, AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden. Tel.: +46317762551, Fax.: +46317763760, E-mail: [email protected]. Number of Text Pages: 18 Downloaded from Number of Tables: 2 Number of Figures: 6 dmd.aspetjournals.org Number of Schemes: 3 Number of References: 40 Number of Words in Abstract: 227 at ASPET Journals on October 1, 2021 Number of Words in Introduction: 604 Number of Words in Discussion: 1500 List of Nonstandard Abbreviations: ADRs, adverse drug reactions; BFC, 7-benzyloxy-4- trifluoromethylcoumarin; CYP, cytochrome P450; HFC, 7-hydroxy-4- (trifluoromethyl)coumarin; HLMs, human liver microsomes; IADRs, idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions; KCN, potassium cyanide; LC, liquid chromatography; LSC, liquid scintillation counting; MS, mass spectrometry; RAD, radiochemical detection; RLMs, rat liver microsomes; TDI, time-dependent inhibition 2 DMD Fast Forward.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxicology Solutions
    Toxicology Solutions Contents Biochip Array Technology Overview 04 Benefits 05 Testing Process 06 The Evidence Series 08 Evidence+ 10 Evidence 12 Evidence Investigator 14 Evidence MultiSTAT 16 Matrices 18 Test Menu 20 Customisable Test Menu 24 Catalogue Numbers 26 ELISA 28 Cross Reactivity 30 Technical Support 37 Ordering Information 38 Introduction Randox Toxicology aim to minimise laboratory workflow constraints whilst maximising the scope of quality drug detection. We are the primary manufacturer of Biochip Array Technology, ELISAs, and automated systems for forensic, clinical and workplace toxicology. Biochip Array Technology Moving away from traditional single analyte assays, Biochip Array Technology (BAT) boasts cutting-edge multiplex testing capabilities providing rapid and accurate drug detection from a single sample. Based on ELISA principles, the Biochip is a solid state device with discrete test regions onto which antibodies, specific to different drug compounds, are immobilised and stabilised. Competitive chemiluminescent immunoassays are then employed, offering a highly sensitive screen. Designed to work across a wide variety of matrices, this revolutionary multi- analyte testing platform allows toxicologists to achieve a complete immunoassay profile from the initial screening phase. Offering the most advanced screening technology on the market, Randox Toxicology has transformed the landscape of drugs of abuse (DoA) testing. Our unrivalled toxicology test menu is capable of detecting over 500 drugs and drug metabolites. 4 Benefits Simultaneous detection Multiplex testing facilitates simultaneous screening of various drugs and drug metabolites from a single sample. Accurate testing Biochip Array Technology has a proven high standard of accurate test results with CVs typically <10%. Small sample volume As little as 6μl of sample produces a complete immunoassay profile, leaving more for confirmatory testing.
    [Show full text]
  • Potential Cannabis Antagonists for Marijuana Intoxication
    Central Journal of Pharmacology & Clinical Toxicology Bringing Excellence in Open Access Review Article *Corresponding author Matthew Kagan, M.D., Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8730 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA, Tel: 310- Potential Cannabis Antagonists 423-3465; Fax: 310.423.8397; Email: Matthew.Kagan@ cshs.org Submitted: 11 October 2018 for Marijuana Intoxication Accepted: 23 October 2018 William W. Ishak, Jonathan Dang, Steven Clevenger, Shaina Published: 25 October 2018 Ganjian, Samantha Cohen, and Matthew Kagan* ISSN: 2333-7079 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA Copyright © 2018 Kagan et al. Abstract OPEN ACCESS Keywords Cannabis use is on the rise leading to the need to address the medical, psychosocial, • Cannabis and economic effects of cannabis intoxication. While effective agents have not yet been • Cannabinoids implemented for the treatment of acute marijuana intoxication, a number of compounds • Antagonist continue to hold promise for treatment of cannabinoid intoxication. Potential therapeutic • Marijuana agents are reviewed with advantages and side effects. Three agents appear to merit • Intoxication further inquiry; most notably Cannabidiol with some evidence of antipsychotic activity • THC and in addition Virodhamine and Tetrahydrocannabivarin with a similar mixed receptor profile. Given the results of this research, continued development of agents acting on cannabinoid receptors with and without peripheral selectivity may lead to an effective treatment for acute cannabinoid intoxication. Much work still remains to develop strategies that will interrupt and reverse the effects of acute marijuana intoxication. ABBREVIATIONS Therapeutic uses of cannabis include chronic pain, loss of appetite, spasticity, and chemotherapy-associated nausea and CBD: Cannabidiol; CBG: Cannabigerol; THCV: vomiting [8]. Recreational cannabis use is on the rise with more Tetrahydrocannabivarin; THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol states approving its use and it is viewed as no different from INTRODUCTION recreational use of alcohol or tobacco [9].
    [Show full text]
  • NIDA - Director's Report - May 2004
    NIDA - Director's Report - May 2004 Home > Publications > Director's Reports Director's Report to the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse - May, 2004 Index Report Index Research Findings Report for February, 2004 Basic Research Report for Behavioral Research September, 2003 Treatment Research and Development Report for May, Research on AIDS and Other Medical Consequences of Drug 2003 Abuse - AIDS Research Report for February, Research on AIDS and Other Medical Consequences of Drug 2003 Abuse - Non-AIDS Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse Report for Epidemiology and Etiology Research September, 2002 Prevention Research Report for May, 2002 Services Research Report for February, Intramural Research 2002 Program Activities Report for September, 2001 Extramural Policy and Review Activities Report for May, 2001 Congressional Affairs Report for February, 2001 International Activities Report for September, 2000 Meetings and Conferences Report for May, 2000 Media and Education Activities Report for February, 2000 Planned Meetings Report for September, 1999 Publications Report for May, 1999 Staff Highlights Report for February, 1999 Grantee Honors Report for September, 1998 Report for May, 1998 Report for February, 1998 Report for September, 1997 Report for May, 1997 Report for February, 1997 https://archives.drugabuse.gov/DirReports/DirRep504/Default.html[11/17/16, 10:22:07 PM] NIDA - Director's Report - May 2004 Report from September, 1996 Report from May, 1996 Report from February, 1996 Report from September, 1995 Report from May, 1995 Report from February, 1995 NACDA Legislation Archive Home | Accessibility | Privacy | FOIA (NIH) | Current NIDA Home Page The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , a component of the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Marinol Cannabidiol C21H30O2 Trade Name
    Cannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds secreted by Cannabis flowers that provide relief from a wide array of symptoms including, pain, nausea, and inflammation. They operate by imitating the body’s natural endocannabinoids, which activate to maintain internal stability and overall health. When consumed, cannabinoids bind to receptor sites throughout the brain (CB1 receptors) and body (CB2 receptors). Different cannabinoids have different effects based on their binding affinity for each receptor. By targeting specific cannabinoids at these receptors, different types of relief can be achieved. Presently, there are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis—each exhibiting varied effects. THC Tetrahydrocannabinol C21H30O2 Trade name: Marinol Legal Status: US – Schedule I, Schedule II (as Cesamet), Schedule III (as Marinol) OH CA – Schedule II UK – Class B AU – S8 (controlled) H Psychoactive Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is typically the most abundant cannabinoid present in cannabis products on the market today. THC has very high psychoactive characteristics and is associated with the ‘high’ and euphoria experienced when using cannabis products. When smoked or ingested, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and affects memory, O coordination, concentration, pleasure, and time perception. H Medicinal Benefits Analgesic • Anti-nauseant • Appetite Stimulant Reduces Glaucoma Symptoms Sleep Aid • Reduces Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms CBD Cannabidiol C21H30O2 Trade name: Epidiolex OH Legal Status: US – Schedule I CA – Schedule II UK – POM (Perscription only) H AU – S4 (Perscription only) non-psychoactive Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major phytocannabinoid and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Due to its lack of psychoactivity and HO non-interference with motor and psychological functions, it is a leading candidate for a wide variety of medical applications.
    [Show full text]
  • Recent Developments in Cannabis Chemistry
    Recent Developments in Cannabis Chemistry BY ALEXANDER T. SHULGIN, Ph.D. The marijuana plant Cannabis sativa contains a bewildering Introduction array of organic chemicals. As is true with other botanic species, there are representatives of almost all chemical classes present, including mono- and sesquiterpenes, carbohy- drates, aromatics, and a variety of nitrogenous compounds. Interest in the study of this plant has centered primarily on the resinous fraction, as it is this material that is invested with the pharmacological activity that is peculiar to the plant. This resin is secreted by the female plant as a protective agent during seed ripening, although it can be found as a microscopic exudate through the aerial portions of plants of either sex. The pure resin, hashish or charas, is the most potent fraction of the plant, and has served as the source material for most of the chemical studies. The family of chemicals that has been isolated from this source has been referred to as the cannabinoid group. It is unique amongst psychotropic materials from plants in that there are no alkaloids present. The fraction is totally nitro- gen-free. Rather, the set of compounds can be considered as analogs of the parent compound cannabinol (I), a fusion product of terpene and a substituted resorcinol. Beyond the scope of this present review are such questions as the distribution of these compounds within the plant, the bo- tanic variability resulting from geographic distribution, the diversity of pharmacological action assignable to the several Reprinted from Journal of Psychedelic Drugs, vol. II, no. 1, 197 1. 397 398 Marijuana: Medical Papers distinct compounds present, and the various preparations and customs of administration.
    [Show full text]
  • Antiobesity and Anti-Inflammation Effects of Hakka Stir-Fried Tea Of
    food & nutrition research ORIGINAL ARTICLE Antiobesity and anti-inflammation effects of Hakka stir-fried tea of different storage years on high-fat diet-induced obese mice model via activating the AMPK/ACC/CPT1 pathway Qiuhua Li1, Xingfei Lai1, Lingli Sun1, Junxi Cao1, Caijin Ling1, Wenji Zhang1, Limin Xiang1, Ruohong Chen1, Dongli Li2* and Shili Sun1* 1Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, China; 2School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China Popular scientific summary • We confirmed that HT treatment significantly reduced body weight and fat accumulation in major organs in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. • The effects of HT appear to be mediated by the activation of AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 pathway and further inhibiting lipogenesis. • Our findings suggest that HT may be used as a potential dietary strategy for preventing obesity and related metabolic disorder diseases. Abstract Background: As a typical representative of metabolic syndrome, obesity is also one of the extremely danger- ous factors of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the prevention and treatment of obesity has gradually become a global campaign. There have been many reports that green tea is effective in preventing obesity, but as a kind of green tea with regional characteristics, there have been no reports that Hakka stir-fried tea (HT) of different storage years has a weight loss effect. Aims: The aim was to investigate the effect of HT in diet-induced obese mice. Methods: The mice were divided into five groups as follows: the control group received normal diet; the obese model group received high-fat diet; and HT2003, HT2008, and HT2015 groups, after the induction of obesity via a high-fat diet, received HT of different storage years treatment for 6 weeks, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • The Endocannabinoid System and Psychiatric Disorders
    Experimental Neurology 224 (2010) 3–14 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Experimental Neurology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/yexnr Review The endocannabinoid system and psychiatric disorders Daniela Parolaro a,b,⁎, Natalia Realini a, Daniela Vigano a,b, Cinzia Guidali a, Tiziana Rubino a a DBSF and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Via A. da Giussano 10, 21052 Busto Arsizio (Varese), Italy b Zardi-Gori Foundation, via P.Cossa 1, Milan, Italy article info abstract Available online 29 March 2010 The present review summarizes the latest information on the role and the pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system in mood disorders and its potential implication in psychotic disorders such as Keywords: schizophrenia. Endocannabinoid system Reduced functionality might be considered a predisposing factor for major depression, so boosting Depression endocannabinoid tone might be a useful alternative therapeutic approach for depressive disorders. The Anxiety picture regarding endocannabinoids and anxiety is more complicated since either too much or too little Schizophrenia anandamide can lead to anxiety states. However, a small rise in its level in specific brain areas might be beneficial for the response to a stressful situation and therefore to tone down anxiety. This effect might be achieved with low doses of cannabinoid indirect agonists, such as blockers of the degradative pathway (i.e. FAAH) or re-uptake inhibitors. Moreover several lines of experimental and clinical evidence point to a dysregulation of the endocanna- binoid system in schizophrenia. The high anandamide levels found in schizophrenic patients, negatively correlated with psychotic symptoms, point to a protective role, whereas the role of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is still unclear.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRODUCTION One of the Tasks of a Pharmacologist Is the Classification of Drugs
    NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGIC STUDIES OF MARIJUANA: SOME SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL THC DERIVATIVES IN ANIMALS AND MAN* Edward F. Domino Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48104 and Lafayette Clinic, Detroit, Mich. 48207 INTRODUCTION One of the tasks of a pharmacologist is the classification of drugs. Marijuana and its derivatives pose some problems. Legally marijuana has been classified as a narcotic, yet pharmacologically it is quite different. Mankind has known about the Cannabis plant from which marijuana and other products are obtained for more than 4,708 years. A considerable body of data is available to describe its gross effects. Over the centuries it has been called a depressant, euphoriant, ine- briant, intoxicant, hallucinogen, psychotomimetic, sedative-hypnotic-anesthetic, and stimulant. Perhaps more than any other drug it is a social irritant that elicits rather remarkable behavior reactions in both users and nonusers. Moreau’ in 1845, employed it to produce a model psychosis, thus initiating the fashion to study hallucinogens as a means of gaining insights into mental illness. Lewin2 classified Cannabis as one of the “phantastica: hallucinating substances.” One text on hallucinogens3 does not even refer to Cannabis, but another does? There are some aspects of the subjective effects of both LSD-25 and Cannabis that are similar, yet the latter produces sedative effects, no significant sympatho- mimetic actions, and no cross-tolerance to LSD-25. Hollister5 reviewed the re- cent findings on the effects in man of marijuana and its putative active ingredient Ag-THC, stressing that current investigators have, for the most part, confirmed the Cannabis-induced clinical syndromes long known to occur.
    [Show full text]