Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) and D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) are phytocannabinoids
produced by the plant Cannabis sativa which have both shown promising therapeutic value
as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents in a variety of neurological disorders.
However, the molecular mechanisms involved in their protective function are thought to be
distinctly different probably due to their divergent receptor pharmacology. D9-THC is a
potent agonist at the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 through which it is thought to modulate
synaptic plasticity and inflammatory responses respectively. CBD on the other hand
exhibits negligible affinity for both receptors prompting research into cannabinoid receptor
independent mechanisms of action such as modulation of endogenous cannabinoid tone and
calcium signalling. This review aims to give an introduction into the pharmacological and
biological effects of D9-THC and CBD with particular reference to neurological disease.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 0 |
| Journal | Cell Science |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 May 2010 |