Study: Cannabinoids May Treat Persistent Inflammatory Pain
Activation of the CB2 (cannabinoid type 2) receptor – something done naturally through the consumption of cannabinoids – may treat persistent inflammatory pain.
This is according to new research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health.
For the study, researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University examined how a cannabinoid receptor agonist (meant to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids) effected “persistent inflammation induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)”.
According to researchers; “Our data provide evidence that CB2 receptor function emerges in the RVM [rostral ventromedial medulla; a relay in the descending pain modulatory system and an important site of endocannabinoid modulation of pain] in persistent inflammation and that selective CB2 receptor agonists may be useful for treatment of persistent inflammatory pain.”
According to the study’s significant statement:
“These studies demonstrate that endocannabinoid signaling to CB1 and CB2 receptors in adult rostral ventromedial medulla is altered in persistent inflammation. The emergence of CB2 receptor function in the rostral ventromedial medulla provides additional rationale for the development of CB2 receptor-selective agonists as useful therapeutics for chronic inflammatory pain.
The full text and abstract of this study can be found by clicking here.
This study joins a list of dozens that have shown that cannabinoids can treat and prevent inflammation, including one released just last month in the FASEB Journal which found that cannabis may treat chronic inflammation.