Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is a source of over 150 active compounds known as phytocannabinoids that are receiving renewed interest due to their diverse pharmacologic activities. Indeed, phytocannabinoids mimic the endogenous bioactive endocannabinoids effects through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors widely described in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. All phytocannabinoids have been studied for their protective actions towards different biological mechanisms, including inflammation, immune response, oxidative stress that, altogether, result in an inhibitory activity against the carcinogenesis. The role of the endocannabinoid system is not yet completely clear in cancer, but several studies indicate that cannabinoid receptors and endogenous ligands are overexpressed in different tumor tissues. Recently, in vitro and in vivo evidence support the effectiveness of phytocannabinoids against various cancer types, in terms of proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, actions partially due to their ability to regulate signaling pathways critical for cell growth and survival. The aim of this review was to report the current knowledge about the action of phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. against cancer initiation and progression with a specific regard to brain, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer as well as their possible use in the therapies. We will also report the known molecular mechanisms responsible for such positive effects. Finally, we will describe the actual therapeutic options for Cannabis sativa L. and the ongoing clinical trials.
Highlights
Published: 2 May 2021Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) is a plant long used for its textile fibers and seed oil
The role of the endocannabinoid system is not yet completely clear in cancer, but several studies indicate that cannabinoid receptors and endogenous ligands are overexpressed in different tumor tissues
Different flavonoids, that have been identified from pollen, leaves, and flowers, have phytocannabinoids, Cannabis sativa L. is a source of a plethora of other comaglyconeBeyond quercetin, kaempferol, orientin, apigenin, and luteolin [30]; these flavono pounds with pharmacological potential [28] such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols could(e.g., beflavonoids, present stilbenes, as C- or
Summary
Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) is a plant long used for its textile fibers and seed oil. Beyond these uses, it is the main source of over 150 active compounds known as phytocannabinoids [1] which have received renewed interest in recent years due to the diverse pharmacologic activities such as anti-inflammatory effects, cell growth inhibition, and tumor regression. These effects result in an inhibitory activity against cancer [20]; on the other hand, emerging evidence demonstrated that phytocannabinoids can modulate tumor growth through regulation of biological responses strictly related to the carcinogenesis process, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis [24] In this scenario, the aim of this review was to report the current knowledge about the action of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. against cancer initiation and progression with a specific regard to brain, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, as well as their possible use in the therapies, substantially reducing the adverse effects. We described the actual therapeutic options for Cannabis sativa L
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