Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis Plant

Abstract

The aim of this review article is to outline the role of the plant Cannabis sativa in treating human ailments. Giant pharmaceuticalcompanies are marketing phytochemicals extracted from Cannabis plant and its derivatives to treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.The present review emphasizes cannabinoids – its derivatives and synthetic analogs – as an active pharmaceutical Ingredient to treatailments related to autoimmune human body responses. The endocannabinoid system CB1 and CB2 respond differently to variousphytochemicals such as cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol and terpenes. They also interact with the endogenous ligands synthesized bythe human body. The role of nanotechnology in the design of a drug delivery system is discussed in this review. The advantages with theuse of Quantum dots are briefly outlined. Cannabis-based phytochemicals are known for psychotic and non-psychotic effects. We haveunderlined the immense potential of this plant in treating diseases. Cannabidiol (CBD) as one of the main non-psychotic phytochemicals,has established itself as an active pharmaceutical agent in some approved medicines worldwide. Cannabis-based phytochemicals can beused as targeted drug delivery vehicles. Future direction in this field could be a synthesis of derivatives of cannabidiol and its targeteddrug delivery to the cannabinoid receptors. In the oral route, the terpenes give the wholesome experience of consuming Cannabis.