Pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, and legal status of Cannabis sativa L. An overview

Pradeep Kumar, Dipendra Kumar Mahato, Madhu Kamle, Rituraj Borah, Bharti Sharma, Shikha Pandhi, Vijay Tripathi, Hardeo Singh Yadav, Sheetal Devi, Umesh Patil, Jianbo Xiao, Awdhesh Kumar Mishra

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Marijuana, or Cannabis sativa L., is a common psychoactive plant used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. In many countries, cannabis-based medicines have been legalized under certain conditions because of their immense prospects in medicinal applications. With a comprehensive insight into the prospects and challenges associated with the pharmacological use and global trade of C. sativa, this mini-review focuses on the medicinal importance of the plant and its legal status worldwide; the pharmacological compounds and its therapeutic potential along with the underlying public health concerns and future perspective are herein discussed. The existence of major compounds including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabichromene contributes to the medicinal effects of the cannabis plant. These compounds are also involved in the treatment of various types of cancer, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease displaying several mechanisms of action. Cannabis sativa is a plant with significant pharmacological potential. However, several aspects of the plant need an in-depth understanding of the drug mechanism and its interaction with other drugs. Only after addressing these health concerns, legalization of cannabis could be utilized to its full potential as a future medicine.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6010-6029
Number of pages20
JournalPhytotherapy Research
Volume35
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • C. sativa
  • anticancer
  • cannabinoids
  • ethnopharmacological properties
  • legalization
  • psychoactive drug
  • public health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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