In ALS, when the motor neurons can no longer send impulses to the muscles, the muscles begin to waste away (atrophy), causing increased muscle weakness.
Published in Chapter:
Cannabinoid Neurobiology and Medical Cannabis Intervention for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Action
Mohammad Uzair (International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan),
Hammad Qaiser (International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan),
Muhammad Arshad (International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan), Aneesa Zafar (CADSON College of Pharmacy, Kharian, Pakistan), and
Shahid Bashir (King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia)
Copyright: © 2023
|Pages: 23
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-5652-1.ch006
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative condition that leads to muscle wasting, weakness, and stiffness, is characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower extremity muscle cells. The development of therapies that do more than just slow disease progression is essential. Cannabinoids with a broad-spectrum neuroprotection profile appear to have the potential to manage ALS. Cannabinoids can reduce excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation via activating CB1 and CB2 receptors. To increase treatment efficacy and reduce side effects, cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, can effectively alleviate ALS-related symptoms, including spasticity and neuropathic pruritus. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the effectiveness and the molecular pathways that cannabis activates to exert its potential pharmacotherapeutic effects for alleviating ALS-related symptoms.