A new review published in the journal Inflammation Research highlights the potential of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents for sepsis, a condition responsible for one in five deaths worldwide and the third leading cause of hospital fatalities.
Conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, the analysis focused on preclinical studies exploring the role of the endocannabinoid system in sepsis and septic shock.
The review found that most studies used mice and rats, with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia being the primary model for simulating sepsis. Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) emerged as the most frequently studied receptor, while synthetic cannabinoids were the most common compounds tested.
Results suggest cannabinoids may improve survival rates, reduce inflammation, and limit organ injury in sepsis models.
“Cannabinoids are promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of sepsis, as they improved survival, and reduced inflammation and organ injury”, states the study.
However, researchers note that some adverse effects were reported, with the underlying molecular mechanisms still unknown. They say that “further research is needed to evaluate their benefits and future use in clinical research.”
More information on this study can be found here.
More articles from The Marijuana Herald can be found below.
