J Cannabis Ther 2001(1):071-83

Eicosanoids

Cannabis and Eicosanoids: A Review of Molecular Pharmacology

Author
J.M. McPartland

Abstract
Many constituents of cannabis exhibit beneficial anti-inflammatory properties, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in hemp seed oil. The effects of these cannabis constituents on eicosanoid metabolism is reviewed. THC and GLA modulate the arachidonic acid cascade, inhibiting the production of series 2 prostaglandins and series 4 leukotrienes. Cannabinoid receptor- as well as non-receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways appear to be involved. It is proposed that THC acts as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor.

Keywords
Cannabis, cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, marijuana, anandamide, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, phospholipase, cyclooxygenase, lipooxygenase

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