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Journal of Biomolecular Structure &... Dec 2023Flavivirus infections are common in several parts of the world. Two major types of flaviviruses are dengue and zika viruses. Both these two viral infections have caused...
Flavivirus infections are common in several parts of the world. Two major types of flaviviruses are dengue and zika viruses. Both these two viral infections have caused many fatalities around the world. There is an absence of a vaccine and an effective medication against these viruses. In this study, we analyzed the ability of dronabinol to act as a potential cure against these viral infections. We performed the docking of dronabinol with several viral proteins followed by molecular dynamics simulation, MM/PBSA and PCA analysis. We checked the ability of the polyphenol dronabinol to interfere with the binding of viral helicases to their cellular targets. We performed 2 D-QSAR studies, drug likeliness, ADMET and target prediction studies. From our study, we observed that dronabinol had the best docking ability against the helicase proteins of dengue and zika. Molecular dynamics simulation and MM/PBSA investigation confirmed the stability of the binding while PCA investigation showed a lowering of molecular motions in response to dronabinol docking to the helicases. Dronabinol interfered in the binding of the helicases to RNA. 2 D QSAR studies revealed a low IC value for dronabinol. Dronabinol showed favorable drug-likeness, ADMET properties and target prediction results. Thus we propose dronabinol be further investigated as a cure against dengue and zika virus infections.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Topics: Humans; Dronabinol; Flavivirus; Zika Virus; Flavivirus Infections; Zika Virus Infection; Dengue
PubMed: 36576139
DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2160817 -
British Journal of Pharmacology Aug 2022The use of the intoxicating cannabinoid delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ -THC) has grown rapidly over the last several years. There have been dozens of Δ -THC studies... (Review)
Review
The use of the intoxicating cannabinoid delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ -THC) has grown rapidly over the last several years. There have been dozens of Δ -THC studies dating back over many decades, yet no review articles have comprehensively covered these findings. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological studies of Δ -THC, including receptor binding, cell signalling, in vivo cannabimimetic activity, clinical activity and pharmacokinetics. We give special focus to studies that directly compared Δ -THC to its more commonly studied isomer, Δ -THC. Overall, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Δ -THC and Δ -THC are very similar. Δ -THC is a partial agonist of the cannabinoid CB receptor and has cannabimimetic activity in both animals and humans. The reduced potency of Δ -THC in clinical studies compared with Δ -THC can be explained by weaker cannabinoid CB receptor affinity, although there are other plausible mechanisms that may contribute. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge of Δ -THC pharmacology where further studies are needed, particularly in humans.
Topics: Animals; Cannabinoids; Dronabinol; Humans; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Receptors, Cannabinoid
PubMed: 35523678
DOI: 10.1111/bph.15865 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Mar 2020With the growing global acceptance of cannabis and its widespread use by eyewitnesses and suspects in legal cases, understanding the popular drug's ramifications for... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
With the growing global acceptance of cannabis and its widespread use by eyewitnesses and suspects in legal cases, understanding the popular drug's ramifications for memory is a pressing need. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we examined the acute and delayed effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxication on susceptibility to false memory in 64 healthy volunteers. Memory was tested immediately (encoding and retrieval under drug influence) and 1 wk later (retrieval sober). We used three different methods (associative word lists and two misinformation tasks using virtual reality). Across all methods, we found evidence for enhanced false-memory effects in intoxicated participants. Specifically, intoxicated participants showed higher false recognition in the associative word-list task both at immediate and delayed test than controls. This yes bias became increasingly strong with decreasing levels of association between studied and test items. In a misinformation task, intoxicated participants were more susceptible to false-memory creation using a virtual-reality eyewitness scenario and virtual-reality perpetrator scenario. False-memory effects were mostly restricted to the acute-intoxication phase. Cannabis seems to increase false-memory proneness, with decreasing strength of association between an event and a test item, as assessed by different false-memory paradigms. Our findings have implications for how and when the police should interview suspects and eyewitnesses.
Topics: Communication; Dronabinol; Female; Humans; Male; Memory; Repression, Psychology; Young Adult
PubMed: 32041881
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920162117 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Jun 2019
Review
Topics: Dronabinol; Female; Humans; Infertility; Male; Marijuana Smoking; Ovulation; Sperm Count
PubMed: 31182459
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.181577 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2020Changes in cannabis legalization regimes in several countries have influenced the diversification of cannabis use. There is an ever-increasing number of cannabis forms...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Changes in cannabis legalization regimes in several countries have influenced the diversification of cannabis use. There is an ever-increasing number of cannabis forms available, which are gaining popularity for both recreational and therapeutic use. From a therapeutic perspective, oral cannabis containing Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is a promising route of administration but there is still little information about its pharmacokinetics (PK) effects in humans. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a general overview of the available PK data on cannabis and THC after oral administration.
METHODS
A search of the published literature was conducted using the PubMed database to collect available articles describing the PK data of THC after oral administration in humans.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 363 results, 26 of which met our inclusion criteria. The PK of oral THC has been studied using capsules (including oil content), tablets, baked goods (brownies and cookies), and oil and tea (decoctions). Capsules and tablets, which mainly correspond to pharmaceutical forms, were found to be the oral formulations most commonly studied. Overall, the results reflect the high variability in the THC absorption of oral formulations, with delayed peak plasma concentrations compared to other routes of administration.
CONCLUSIONS
Oral THC has a highly variable PK profile that differs between formulations, with seemingly higher variability in baked goods and oil forms. Overall, there is limited information available in this field. Therefore, further investigations are required to unravel the unpredictability of oral THC administration to increase the effectiveness and safety of oral formulations in medicinal use.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Dronabinol; Drug Compounding; Humans; Nitrogen Mustard Compounds
PubMed: 32585912
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56060309 -
Medizinische Monatsschrift Fur... Nov 2002
Topics: Antiemetics; Dronabinol; Drug Interactions; Humans; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Receptors, Drug; Vomiting
PubMed: 12474343
DOI: No ID Found -
The Lancet. Psychiatry Aug 2017Cannabis use and related problems are on the rise globally alongside an increase in the potency of cannabis sold on both black and legal markets. Additionally, there has... (Review)
Review
Cannabis use and related problems are on the rise globally alongside an increase in the potency of cannabis sold on both black and legal markets. Additionally, there has been a shift towards abandoning prohibition for a less punitive and more permissive legal stance on cannabis, such as decriminalisation and legalisation. It is therefore crucial that we explore new and innovative ways to reduce harm. Research has found cannabis with high concentrations of its main active ingredient, δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), to be more harmful (in terms of causing the main risks associated with cannabis use, such as addiction, psychosis, and cognitive impairment) than cannabis with lower concentrations of THC. By contrast, cannabidiol, which is a non-intoxicating and potentially therapeutic component of cannabis, has been found to reduce the negative effects of cannabis use. Here, we briefly review findings from studies investigating various types of cannabis and discuss how future research can help to better understand and reduce the risks of cannabis use.
Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dronabinol; Humans; Marijuana Smoking; Medical Marijuana
PubMed: 28259650
DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30075-5 -
British Journal of Addiction Aug 1986
Review
Topics: Dronabinol; Humans; Paranoid Disorders; Psychoses, Substance-Induced
PubMed: 3019373
DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1986.tb00358.x -
British Journal of Hospital Medicine Aug 1984
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Antiemetics; Cisplatin; Dronabinol; Humans; Metoclopramide; Vomiting
PubMed: 6100237
DOI: No ID Found -
The New Zealand Medical Journal Oct 2020Cannabis is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive principal constituent of the cannabis plant... (Review)
Review
Cannabis is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive principal constituent of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). It is taken either orally or by inhalation, resulting in sedation, euphoria, relaxation and loss of social inhibition. Adverse effects from higher doses can include fear, distrust and a profound state of unease, hallucinations, ataxia, stupor and seizures. Long-term use can result in respiratory and cardiovascular toxicity and has been associated with a range of psychiatric conditions. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can occur with chronic use. Driving under the influence of THC is associated with approximately double the risk of motor vehicle crashes. The intensity and duration of symptoms is proportional to the concentration of THC in the blood. Following acute use, THC only remains in the blood for several hours before it is converted into a carboxylic derivative of THC and this partitions into the fat, from where it leaches out and can be detected in urine for weeks after use. Treatment of acute intoxication mainly consists of appropriate symptom-directed supportive care. Children are more susceptible to cannabis toxicity, particularly seizures and coma, and therefore may require additional supportive care for these potential symptoms. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a brief overview of the acute and chronic effects of cannabis, its pharmacokinetics, toxicity and the medical management of intoxication.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Humans; Male; Marijuana Use; New Zealand; Young Adult
PubMed: 33032307
DOI: No ID Found