CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders) - Volume 16, Issue 5, 2017

Background & Objective: Medical cannabis is increasingly used as a treatment or adjunct treatment with different levels of efficacy in several neurological disorders or related symptoms (such as multiple sclerosis, autism, Parkinson and Alzheimer disease, Tourette128;™s syndrome, Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, headache), as well as in other medical 'conditions (e.g. nausea and vomiting, glaucom Read More

Background & Objective: Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is frequently identified in blood samples from apprehended drivers suspected for driving under the influence of drugs. Changing social norms towards cannabis and higher acceptability towards the drug emphasize the need for in-depth understanding of the acute neurocognitive and psychomotor effects cau Read More

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the major secondary metabolites of Cannabis devoid of the delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol psychoactive effects. It is a resorcinol-based compound with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective effects in numerous pathological conditions. CBD neuroprotection is due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and the modulation of a large num Read More

Background & Objective: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug. The two most important natural cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The THC content of cannabis has been increasing during the last years and recently appeared in the market as a series of synthetic cannabinoids with potent agonist activity. Recreational users frequently combine cannabis with oth Read More

Background: Synthetic Cannabinoids (SC) are the widest and most diffused class of Novel Psychoactive Substances. The short- and long- term health risks associated with the consumption of SC are often unknown to both users and health professionals. This review aims to provide a synthesis of the most recent and relevant insights on the pharmacology, clinical and psychopathological aspects of SC. Method: A struct Read More

Background: Since ancient times, the use of cannabis as a medicine is well documented due to its potential therapeutic activity while subsequently its use as drug of abuse spread increasingly. Objective: The present review sought to give an insight in the history of medical and recreational use of cannabis in India. Conclusion: Indian use of cannabis dates back to Vedic time, mostly for the ritualistic and religious purposes, as doc Read More

Background: Substance use, including cannabis, has been documented amongst women both in the pre-conception period and during pregnancy, particularly during the 1st trimester, which is clearly the most critical period in the organogenesis. The recent emergence on the drug market of synthetic cannabimimetics/SC (‘spice’) may represent a new challenge for clinicians. Objective: A literature overview on the teratogenici Read More

Background: Concurrent use of cannabis and alcohol is frequent. According different studies, the prevalence is among 20-34% depending on different samples studied. Objective: In contrast with the wide evidence available about neuropsychiatric effects associated to the use of cannabis or alcohol separately, there are few studies of the neuropsychiatric effects of their combination. Our aim was to review the literature re Read More

Background: Cannabis is the illicit drug with both the largest current levels of consumption and the highest reported lifetime prevalence levels in the world. Across different countries, the prevalence of cannabis use varies according to the individual income, with the highest use being reported in North America, Australia and Europe. Despite its ‘soft drug’ reputation, cannabis misuse may be associated with several acute and ch Read More

Background: Metabotropic glutamate could contribute to the development of neuropathic pain-related behaviors. Previously, we have confirmed that the glutamic acid and dizocilpine maleate in the hippocampal CA3 region are involved in the modulation of noxious stimulation. However, whether the metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) can modulate the pain-evoked electrical activities of pain-excited neurons an Read More

Objectives: This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Jatrorrhizine in rat cortical neurons. Method: The effects of Jatrorrhizine on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell lesion, levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated in rat cortical neurons. Levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by fluoresc Read More

Background: Inflammatory responses are important mechanisms that are involved in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury. Whether toll-like receptor 9(TLR9), which belongs to the innate immune system, takes part in the inflammatory responses following cerebral I/R remains unclear. Method: This study examined the effect of different dosages of the TLR9 antagonist inhibitory oligodeoxynucleotide (iCpG-ODN) on cereb Read More