{"id":"3b14d5e7-fbf6-4336-9b69-572f1c86f442","slug":"review-of-the-neurological-benefits-of-phytocannabinoids","title":"Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids","authors":["Joseph Maroon","Jeff Bost"],"abstract":"Background: Numerous physical, psychological, and emotional benefits have been attributed to marijuana since its first reported use in 2,600 BC in a Chinese pharmacopoeia. The phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) are the most studied extracts from cannabis sativa subspecies hemp and marijuana. CBD and Δ9-THC interact uniquely with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Through direct and indirect actions, intrinsic endocannabinoids and plant-based phytocannabinoids modulate and influence a variety of physiological systems influenced by the ECS. Methods: In 1980, Cunha et al. reported anticonvulsant benefits in 7/8 subjects with medically uncontrolled epilepsy using marijuana extracts in a phase I clinical trial. Since then neurological applications have been the major focus of renewed research using medical marijuana and phytocannabinoid extracts. Results: Recent neurological uses include adjunctive treatment for malignant brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and the childhood seizure disorders Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. In addition, psychiatric and mood disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, addiction, postconcussion syndrome, and posttraumatic stress disorders are being studied using phytocannabinoids. Conclusions: In this review we will provide animal and human research data on the current clinical neurological uses for CBD individually and in combination with Δ9-THC. We will emphasize the neuroprotective, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits of phytocannabinoids and their applications in various clinical syndromes.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/3b14d5e7-fbf6-4336-9b69-572f1c86f442/featured/hero-1782420805209.png","publishDate":"2018-04-26T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/sni.sni_45_18","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Review Article"],"fullTextUrl":"http://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/8851/SNI-9-91.pdf"}