Recently, two studies have been conducted on the therapeutic potential of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid with a similar effect to THC.
Nabilone and Alzheimer’s disease
In a double-blind clinical study with 38 Alzheimer’s patients, nabilone has been shown to reduce agitation. This is due to its anti-inflammatory activity on brain tissue.
In this study, researchers at the University of Toronto administered a placebo or nabilone to patients for six weeks; after a week’s pause, treatment was changed in both groups and the study continued for another six weeks.
The severity of agitation is related to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokinin. The authors concluded that “in the nabilone phase, lower baseline TNF-α was associated with decreases in agitation severity, and decreases in TNF-α were associated with decreases in agitation severity.”
In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, nabilone reduces agitation.
Nabilone and chronic diarrhea
The second study, conducted at the University of Modena in Italy, retrospectively analyzed the success and safety of nabilone administration for chronic diarrhea in six patients. The treatment was conducted between 2008 and 2016.
Orally administered nabilone after three months of treatment led to an improvement in the health of almost all patients. They had visibly reduced symptoms of diarrhea and improved weight gain. Most of the benefits persisted for the next three months.
In patients with chronic diarrhea, cannabinoid therapy offers a chance for a substantial improvement in the quality of life.
Improved quality of life
One patient discontinued treatment after a month due to exhaustion and confusion. The authors conclude that “cannabinoids acting on CB1 receptors in chronic gastrointestinal disorders, especially in refractory chronic diarrhea, are offering a chance for a substantial improvement in the quality of life of selected patients, with a reasonable safety profile.”
Source: Magazín Konopí
