Role of Cannabinoids in Various Diseases: A Review

Abstract

Background: The plant, Cannabis sativa, is heavily explored and researched with many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The medicinal and therapeutic role of Cannabis sativa has been summarized in the paper, citing its mechanism of action and influence on the human body. Diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders pose negative and long-term drastic effects on the body like neurodegeneration and other chronic system failures. Several existing studies have proved its effectiveness against such diseases.

Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of the role of cannabinoids in various diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders.

Methods: Various e-resources like Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched and read to make an informative, comprehensive manuscript. Here we tried to summarize the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa and its bioactive compound cannabinoids with respect to various diseases.

Results: This review highlights the various constituents which are present in Cannabis sativa, the endocannabinoid system, and the role of cannabinoids in various diseases.

Conclusion: Recent research on Cannabis has suggested its role in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, sleep disorders, pediatric diseases, and their analgesic nature. Therefore, the authors majorly focus on the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa in various diseases. The focus is also on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in fighting or preventing bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections.

Keywords: Cannabis sativa; cannabinoids; endocannabinoid system; infectious diseases; neurodegenerative diseases; therapeutic applications.