Title:Phytocannabinoids and Cannabimimetic Drugs: Recent Patents in Central Nervous System Disorders
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Author(s): Roberta Ranieri, Daniela Marasco, Maurizio Bifulco and Anna M. Malfitano
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoid receptor agonists, cannabinoid receptor
antagonists, central nervous system, neurological disorders, patents.
Abstract: Background: Starting from the chemical structure of phytocannabinoids, isolated from
Cannabis sativa plant, research groups designed numerous cannabimimetic drugs. These compounds
according to their activities can be partial, full agonists and antagonists of cannabinoid receptors. Anecdotal
reports and scientific studies described beneficial properties of cannabinoids and their derivatives
in several pathological conditions like neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, and in many
other diseases ranging from cancer, atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, inflammatory related disorders, and autoimmune
diseases.
Methods: In this study, starting from the endocannabinoid mechanism of action in neuronal signaling, we highlight and
discuss potential application and recent patents of cannabimimetic drugs in neurological disorders.
Results: The cannabinoid CB1 receptor was considered particularly interesting for therapeutic approaches in neurological
diseases, because primarily expressed by neurons of the central nervous system. In many experimental models, these
drugs act via this receptor, however, CB1 receptor independent mechanisms have been also described. Furthermore, endogenous
ligands of cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoids, are potent modulators of the synaptic function in the
brain. In neurological diseases, numerous studies reported modulation of the levels of endocannabinoids according to the
phase of the disease and its progression.
Conclusions: Finally, although the study of the mechanisms of action of these compounds is still unsolved, many reports
and patents strongly suggest therapeutic potential of these compounds in neurological diseases.