7 April 2005
Cardiovascular action of THC
The immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids are well documented, and pre-clinical studies provide the rationale for their use to treat autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Atherosclerosis is now recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease of the large arteries, so it made sense to test the effects of the cannabinoid THC in a mouse atherosclerosis model. Oral administration of THC does indeed have a beneficial effect on established atherosclerosis in mice, at a surprisingly low dose, suggesting a novel use of this drug in cardiovascular diseases.
Low dose oral cannabinoid therapy reduces progression of atherosclerosis in mice
SABINE STEFFENS et al.
Nature 434, 782–786 (2005); doi:10.1038/nature03389
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Pharmacology: Marijuana and your heart
MICHAEL D. ROTH
Nature 434, 708–709 (2005); doi:10.1038/434708a
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