Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Counteracting Chemotherapy-Induced Adverse Effects: An Exploratory Review Publisher Pubmed



Ostadhadi S¹ ; Rahmatollahi M¹ ; Dehpour AR^{1, 2} ; Rahimian R¹
Source: Phytotherapy Research Published:2015

Abstract

Cannabinoids (the active constituents of Cannabis sativa) and their derivatives have got intense attention during recent years because of their extensive pharmacological properties. Cannabinoids first developed as successful agents for alleviating chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. Recent investigations revealed that cannabinoids have a wide range of therapeutic effects such as appetite stimulation, inhibition of nausea and emesis, suppression of chemotherapy or radiotherapy-associated bone loss, chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, pain relief, mood amelioration, and last but not the least relief from insomnia. In this exploratory review, we scrutinize the potential of cannabinoids to counteract chemotherapy-induced side effects. Moreover, some novel and yet important pharmacological aspects of cannabinoids such as antitumoral effects will be discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.