Motor neuron disease symptoms may be relieved by cannabis sativa plant

An oral spray containing two compounds derived from the cannabis sativa plant reduces spasticity in patients experiencing motor neuron disease symptoms.

Researchers from Italy, have found that chemical compounds derived from the cannabis sativa plant given as an add-on treatment could potentially help to ease motor neuron disease symptoms such as tight or stiff muscles.

Reducing motor neuron disease symptoms

The findings show for the first time that adults with motor neuron disease experienced less spasticity and pain at a 6-week follow-up compared with those given placebos. Patients involved in the study took first-line anti-spasticity drugs and were then treated with an oral spray (nabiximols) containing equal parts delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol THC and cannabidiol (THC-CBD) derived from the cannabis sativa plant.

While there are several drugs to relieve spasticity, evidence for their effectiveness is limited and they do not sufficiently improve symptoms in all patients. Moreover, they have the possibility of causing undesirable side effects, such as increasing muscle weakness and fatigue.

Dr.  who led the research explained: “There is no cure for motor neuron disease, so improved symptom control and quality of life are important for patients.”

“Our proof-of-concept trial showed a beneficial effect of THC-CBD spray in people on treatment-resistant spasticity and pain. Despite these encouraging findings, we must first confirm that THC-CBD spray is effective and safe in larger, longer term phase 3 trials.”

The cannabis sativa plant

Common motor neuron disease symptoms are usually spasticity. The disease itself occurs to a variable degree in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common and severe form of motor neuron disease and is a crucial characteristic of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), which progresses more slowly.

Previous research has found possible therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids (components of the cannabis sativa plant) to include muscle relaxation, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with other neurological conditions.

Moreover, cannabinoids have been licensed in several countries for symptomatic treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis and are increasingly recognised as a valuable alternative option to manage pain.

Utilising extracts from the cannabis sativa plant to reduce motor neuron disease symptoms

The results of the research found that spasticity was significantly improved in the THC-CBD spray group compared with the placebo group.

Overall, THC-CBD spray was well tolerated, and adverse events were mild to moderate and typical of cannabinoids i.e. asthenia (loss of energy and fatigue), somnolence (sleepiness), vertigo, and nausea.

However, researchers have noted that it is vital to ensure that before gaining the approval of utilising aspects of the cannabis sativa plant for symptomatic treatment of spasticity in patients showing motor neuron disease symptoms or suffering from the condition, further studies are needed.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com  

Neuroscientist Discovers Hidden Region in the Human Brain

World-renowned cartographer of the brain, has discovered a hidden region of the human brain. The region is found near the brain-spinal cord junction and  the Professor  has named it the Endorestiform Nucleus.

Professor  suspected the existence of the Endorestiform Nucleus 30 years ago but has only now been able to see it due to better staining and imaging techniques. Commenting on this discovery, Professor says it can be likened to finding a new star.

“The region is intriguing because it seems to be absent in the rhesus monkey and other animals that we have studied,” said the Professor  adding, “there have to be some things that are unique about the human brain besides its larger size, and the Endorestiform Nucleus may be one of them.”

The Endorestiform Nucleus is located within the inferior cerebellar peduncle, an area that integrates sensory and motor information to refine our posture, balance and fine motor movements.

“I can only guess as to its function, but given the part of the brain where it has been found, it might be involved in fine motor control,” says the Professor.

The discovery of the region may help researchers explore cures for diseases including Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease.

Neuroscientists researching neurological or psychiatric diseases use Professor’s maps to guide their work. Professor’s brain atlases are heralded as the most accurate for the identification of brain structures and are also used in neurosurgery.

An increasingly detailed understanding of the architecture and connectivity of the nervous system has been central to most major discoveries in neuroscience in the past 100 years.

“Professor’s atlases showing detailed morphology and connections of the human brain and spinal cord, provide a critical framework for researchers to test hypotheses from synaptic function to treatments for diseases of the brain,” said a Prof.

The Prof. is the author of the most cited publication in neuroscience and another 52 books of highly detailed maps of the brain. The maps chart the course for neurosurgery and neuroscience research, enabling exploration, discovery and the development of treatments for diseases and disorders of the brain.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com