Research article summary (published 30 May 2006):

Cannabinoids biology: the search for new therapeutic targets.

Full Abstract

Cannabinoids, in the form of marijuana plant extracts, have been used for thousands of years for a wide variety of medical conditions, ranging from general malaise and mood disorders to more specific ailments, such as pain, nausea, and muscle spasms. The discovery of tetrahydrocannabinol, the active principal in marijuana, and the identification and cloning of two cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) has subsequently led to biomedical appreciation for a family of endocannabinoid lipid transmitters. The biosynthesis and catabolism of the endocannabinoids and growing knowledge of their broad physiological roles are providing insight into potentially novel therapeutic targets. Compounds directed at one or more of these targets may allow for cannabinoid-based therapeutics with limited side effects and abuse liability.

Author information

Author/s: Felder, Christian C (CC); Dickason-Chesterfield, Amy K (AK); Moore, Steven A (SA);

Affiliation: Eli Lilly and Co., Neuroscience Division, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Molecular interventions (Mol Interv), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jun; vol 6 (issue 3) : pp 149-61

Dates: Created 2006/06/30; Completed 2007/06/22;

PMID: 16809476, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Animals Arachidonic Acids - metabolism; pharmacology Biological Transport Cannabinoids - chemistry; metabolism; pharmacology; therapeutic use

Endocannabinoids - metabolism; therapeutic use Humans Polyunsaturated Alkamides - metabolism; pharmacology Receptors, Cannabinoid - metabolism

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Arachidonic Acids (0) ; Cannabinoids (0) ; Endocannabinoids (0) ; Polyunsaturated Alkamides (0) ; Receptors, Cannabinoid (0) ; anandamide (94421-68-8)

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