Cannabinoids are a class of natural compounds that are found in the cannabis plant and the endocannabinoid system. Over the past few decades, and specially in recent years, interest in cannabinoid science has steadily increased. In particular, it is now becoming abundantly clear that interactions of cannabinoids with various receptors and ion channels, as well as, direct modulation of bio-membrane could impart various physiological effects, which include sensing pain and mood changes, among many others.
The opioid crisis that is rampaging various parts of the world, along with a bevy of difficult to treat conditions have inspired extensive research into phytocannabinoid (cannabinoids that originate from cannabis) pharmacology. These efforts in recent years have suggested that the main non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, known as cannabidiol (CBD), may possess therapeutic potential against a wide range of disorders, from seizures to muscular spasticity or arrhythmias. Additionally, this compound along with its precursor molecule cannabigerol (CBG), may help in pain-related conditions, which can assist in ending the opioid crisis.
The efforts that have gone into understanding cannabinoids have culminated in important findings, from the identification of the endocannabinoid (CB) receptors (using delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) to novel ways of modulating the properties of various ion channels and other receptor targets. It is now known that these molecules interact with channels that conduct sodium, potassium, and calcium, as well as other receptors such as G-protein coupled receptors. These interactions have been suggested to potentially help treat epilepsy, myotonia, long QT, and pain.
This Research Topic seeks to publish original research and review articles that focus on the various aspects of cannabinoid (endo- and phyto-) interactions and manifestations on channels and receptors, as well as the effects on the membrane itself.
Topic Editor Peter Ruben laboratory receives financial support from Akseera Pharma Corp. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Cannabinoids are a class of natural compounds that are found in the cannabis plant and the endocannabinoid system. Over the past few decades, and specially in recent years, interest in cannabinoid science has steadily increased. In particular, it is now becoming abundantly clear that interactions of cannabinoids with various receptors and ion channels, as well as, direct modulation of bio-membrane could impart various physiological effects, which include sensing pain and mood changes, among many others.
The opioid crisis that is rampaging various parts of the world, along with a bevy of difficult to treat conditions have inspired extensive research into phytocannabinoid (cannabinoids that originate from cannabis) pharmacology. These efforts in recent years have suggested that the main non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, known as cannabidiol (CBD), may possess therapeutic potential against a wide range of disorders, from seizures to muscular spasticity or arrhythmias. Additionally, this compound along with its precursor molecule cannabigerol (CBG), may help in pain-related conditions, which can assist in ending the opioid crisis.
The efforts that have gone into understanding cannabinoids have culminated in important findings, from the identification of the endocannabinoid (CB) receptors (using delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) to novel ways of modulating the properties of various ion channels and other receptor targets. It is now known that these molecules interact with channels that conduct sodium, potassium, and calcium, as well as other receptors such as G-protein coupled receptors. These interactions have been suggested to potentially help treat epilepsy, myotonia, long QT, and pain.
This Research Topic seeks to publish original research and review articles that focus on the various aspects of cannabinoid (endo- and phyto-) interactions and manifestations on channels and receptors, as well as the effects on the membrane itself.
Topic Editor Peter Ruben laboratory receives financial support from Akseera Pharma Corp. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
