Cannabis may become 'the aspirin of the 21st century'

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Cannabis may become 'the aspirin of the 21st century'

By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor

19 April 2003

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health/story.jsp?story=398495

 

Cannabis, the third most popular recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco,

could win a new role as the aspirin of the 21st century, with growing evidence

that its compounds may protect the brain against the damaging effects of ageing.

 

Although the drug distorts perception and affects short-term memory, it may

also help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's,

Huntingdon's and motor neurone diseases. Scientists at the Institute of

Neurology in Queens Square, London, say the " huge potential " of cannabis

compounds is emerging, as understanding of its biological and pharmacological

properties improves.

 

Professor Alan Thompson and his colleagues wrote in Lancet Neurology: " Basic

research is discovering interesting members of this family of compounds that

have previously unknown qualities, the most notable of which is the capacity

for neuroprotection. "

 

The results of two trials in patients with multiple sclerosis are expected this

summer and the first cannabis-based medicines are being considered for

licensing. None of them will have the psychoactive properties of the raw drug

when smoked or ingested.

 

Professor Thompson's team says: " Even if the results of these studies are not

as positive as many expect them to be, that we are only just beginning to

appreciate the huge therapeutic potential of this family of compounds is clear. "

 

Cannabis was thought to affect the cells like alcohol by seeping through the

cell membrane. But in 1990 the first cannabinoid receptor was found, which

revolutionised the study of cannabinoid biology. The discovery revealed an

endogenous system of cannabinoid receptors, similar to the opioid system, to

which the drug bound when it was ingested. Just as endorphins are the body's

natural equivalent of heroin, a fatty acid called anandamide (Sanskrit

for " inner bliss " ) is the natural equivalent of cannabis.

 

The natural system of cannabinoid receptors plays a role in maintaining the

balance of chemicals in the brain which regulate the rate at which neurons

fire. By altering this system, scientists believe it may be possible to slow or

prevent the process of brain decay. David Baker, lead author of the Lancet

review and senior lecturer at the Institute of Neurology, said: " Alzheimer's

disease is the result of very slow degeneration caused by the death of nerve

cells. We probably don't see symptoms until 30 to 40 per cent of the nerve

cells have died. Something regulates this decay and if we could slow it by even

a small fraction we might delay by a decade the point where someone loses their

memory. "

 

But cannabis is a double-edged sword, with potentially damaging side

effects. " It may be possible to develop drugs that allow selective targeting of

different areas of the brain and spinal cord and there may be a way of limiting

the negative effects, " Dr Baker said.

 

A study by Dr Baker and colleagues, in which the natural system of cannabinoid

receptors was removed in mice, showed that the rate of nerve loss was

increased, indicating its role in preserving brain function. The study, which

has been accepted for publication in a medical journal, " really clinches the

argument " , Dr Baker said.

 

He added: " Cannabis has gone from the drawing board into trials in record time,

largely because of patient pressure. Hopefully it will work and be acceptably

safe. "