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New Insights into Cannabis’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties—A Comprehensive Study by Jena Institute of Pharmacy
Scientists at the Jena Institute of Pharmacy have conducted rigorous research on the anti-inflammatory capabilities of cannabinoids, with a particular focus on cannabidiol (CBD). The study reveals that CBD activates specific enzymes that contribute to the alleviation of inflammation, suggesting potential for novel treatments in the realm of inflammatory disorders.
An international team of researchers has elaborated on how cannabinoids influence inflammatory processes.
In a recent policy move, the German federal administration has opted to decriminalize the possession and acquisition of small amounts of cannabis. Pending approval from the German parliament, the “Cannabis Act” is slated for implementation in the subsequent year. This move is met with varied public opinion—some view it as overdue, while others continue to express concerns about the health risks tied to cannabis use.
The researchers from Jena, in collaboration with their international colleagues, have contributed a fresh perspective on cannabis—a plant traditionally recognized for its medicinal properties—in a study published in the scientific journal Cell Chemical Biology.
The study, led by the Institute of Pharmacy, delves into how specific components of the cannabis plant mitigate inflammation. Previous research had already established cannabis’s roles as an analgesic and an antispasmodic, in addition to its anti-inflammatory attributes.
“The underlying mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory benefits remained largely enigmatic until this investigation,” notes Dr. Paul Mike Jordan, who supervised the study alongside Professor Oliver Werz.
Dr. Paul Mike Jordan and Lukas K. Peltner are engaged in exploring the effects of cannabinoids on human immune cells. Photo Credit: Anna König
The team assessed the impact of various cannabinoids, including the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD, on human immune cells. “Our findings revealed that all eight cannabinoids evaluated exhibit anti-inflammatory properties,” states Lukas Peltner, a doctoral candidate and the primary author of the research. “These compounds hinder the generation of pro-inflammatory signals in cells and simultaneously boost the production of inflammation-resolving agents.”
Role of CBD in Modulating Immune Responses
CBD stood out for its exceptional efficacy, prompting a more detailed examination of its functional mechanisms. The scientists determined that CBD activates the 15-lipoxygenase-1 enzyme, which in turn initiates the synthesis of molecules that temper inflammation.
“CBD essentially triggers a cellular transformation, redirecting the course of the inflammation from an augmentative to a reductive state,” elucidates Dr. Jordan. The study’s findings were subsequently corroborated through animal testing on mice.
These groundbreaking revelations hold the potential for future medical approaches to inflammatory diseases, with a focus on CBD, which emerged as the most potent cannabinoid in this research. While current FDA-approved medications contain both CBD and THC, “the latter is linked to a range of undesirable side effects,” Dr. Jordan points out. Treatments solely based on CBD could mitigate such issues.
The study was performed under the auspices of the Collaborative Research Centers “PolyTarget” and “ChemBioSys” at the University of Jena, Germany, and received funding from the German Research Foundation.
Reference: “Cannabidiol acts as molecular switch in innate immune cells to promote the biosynthesis of inflammation-resolving lipid mediators” by Lukas K. Peltner, Lars Gluthmann, Friedemann Börner, Simona Pace, Robert K. Hoffstetter, Christian Kretzer, Rosella Bilancia, Federica Pollastro, Andreas Koeberle, Giovanni Appendino, Antonietta Rossi, Marcia E. Newcomer, Nathaniel C. Gilbert, Oliver Werz, and Paul M. Jordan, published on 29 August 2023 in Cell Chemical Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.08.001
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabinoids
What is the primary focus of the study conducted by the Jena Institute of Pharmacy?
The study primarily investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, with a particular emphasis on cannabidiol (CBD).
Who led the study on cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory effects?
The study was led by Dr. Paul Mike Jordan and Professor Oliver Werz from the Jena Institute of Pharmacy.
Where was the study published?
The research findings were published in the scientific journal Cell Chemical Biology.
What policy changes are mentioned in the context of the research?
The German federal government’s recent decision to decriminalize the possession and acquisition of small quantities of cannabis is mentioned as a related policy development.
What are the potential medical implications of this study?
The research suggests that CBD could be instrumental in developing new therapeutic strategies for treating inflammatory diseases. It identifies the enzyme 15-lipoxygenase-1 as a key factor in mitigating inflammation.
What compounds were studied in addition to CBD?
In addition to CBD, the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and six other cannabinoids were also examined for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Were animal trials conducted to support the study’s findings?
Yes, the results obtained from cell cultures were corroborated through animal experiments conducted on mice.
What is the potential problem with existing FDA-approved cannabinoid medications mentioned in the study?
The existing FDA-approved medications contain both CBD and THC, with the latter being associated with a range of undesirable side effects.
Who funded the research study?
The study was funded by the German Research Foundation and was carried out within the Collaborative Research Centers “PolyTarget” and “ChemBioSys” at the University of Jena, Germany.
What is the title and DOI of the published paper?
The title of the paper is “Cannabidiol acts as molecular switch in innate immune cells to promote the biosynthesis of inflammation-resolving lipid mediators” and its DOI is 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.08.001.
More about Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabinoids
- Jena Institute of Pharmacy
- Cell Chemical Biology Journal
- German Research Foundation
- FDA Approved Cannabinoid Medications
- German Federal Cannabis Policy
- Inflammatory Diseases
- 15-Lipoxygenase-1 Enzyme
