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URL: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/10555031/Synthetic-cannabis-created-for-osteoarthritis.html
Synthetic cannabis created for osteoarthritis
Artificial cannabis could be used to alleviate the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis, scientists claim.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed a synthetic compound which inhibits a pain-sensing pathway in the spinal cord known as the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2).
Although cannabis can effectively relieve pain, its use in medicine is limited because of its other psychological effects.
The new compound, called JWH133, is completely synthetic but is designed to selectively target CB2 in a similar way to the drug.
Levels of the CB2 receptor in the spinal cord have been shown to be closely linked to the severity of pain among osteoarthritis sufferers,
Writing in the Public Library of Science ONE journal, researchers said their compound could potentially reduce both pain and joint inflammation.
Prof Victoria Chapman, who led the study, said: "”This finding is significant, as spinal and brain pain signalling pathways are known to make a major contribution to pain associated with osteoarthritis.
“These new data support the further evaluation of the selective cannabinoid-based interventions for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain.”
Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, said: “Millions of people are living with the severe, debilitating pain caused by osteoarthritis, and better pain relief is urgently needed.
“This research does not support the use of recreational cannabis use. What it does suggest is that there is potential to develop a synthetic drug that mimics the behaviour of cannabinoid receptors without causing serious side effects.”
Osteoarthritis, which sets in when the cartilage at the ends of bones deteriorates, affects eight million people the UK.
There is no effective drug treatment to slow the progression of the condition, but interventions include pain relief, exercise, physiotherapy, weight loss and joint replacement.
Note: My personal opinion remains, that SMOKING this stuff makes you dumber, and dumber, and....
Robert
URL: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/10555031/Synthetic-cannabis-created-for-osteoarthritis.html
Synthetic cannabis created for osteoarthritis
Artificial cannabis could be used to alleviate the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis, scientists claim.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed a synthetic compound which inhibits a pain-sensing pathway in the spinal cord known as the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2).
Although cannabis can effectively relieve pain, its use in medicine is limited because of its other psychological effects.
The new compound, called JWH133, is completely synthetic but is designed to selectively target CB2 in a similar way to the drug.
Levels of the CB2 receptor in the spinal cord have been shown to be closely linked to the severity of pain among osteoarthritis sufferers,
Writing in the Public Library of Science ONE journal, researchers said their compound could potentially reduce both pain and joint inflammation.
Prof Victoria Chapman, who led the study, said: "”This finding is significant, as spinal and brain pain signalling pathways are known to make a major contribution to pain associated with osteoarthritis.
“These new data support the further evaluation of the selective cannabinoid-based interventions for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain.”
Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, said: “Millions of people are living with the severe, debilitating pain caused by osteoarthritis, and better pain relief is urgently needed.
“This research does not support the use of recreational cannabis use. What it does suggest is that there is potential to develop a synthetic drug that mimics the behaviour of cannabinoid receptors without causing serious side effects.”
Osteoarthritis, which sets in when the cartilage at the ends of bones deteriorates, affects eight million people the UK.
There is no effective drug treatment to slow the progression of the condition, but interventions include pain relief, exercise, physiotherapy, weight loss and joint replacement.
Note: My personal opinion remains, that SMOKING this stuff makes you dumber, and dumber, and....
Robert