Study: Cannabinoids May Reduce Inflammation Caused by Mycobacterium
Mycobacterium is a genus of Actinobacteria that is known to cause diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy. According to a new study published in the July issue of the journal Inflammation Research, and e-published ahead of print by the National Institute of Health, cannabinoids may reduce inflammation caused by the bacteria.
For the study, researchers investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of two cannabinoid receptor agonists (meant to mimic the effects of cannabinoids) “in inflammatory experimental model induced by Mycobacterium bovis (BCG).” Mice pretreated with the agonists were induced with “pleurisy or pulmonary inflammation”.
Researchers found that the agonist was able to substantially reduce the inflammation.
“These results suggest that the CB2 receptor may represent a new target for modulating the inflammatory reaction induced by mycobacteria”, the study concludes.
The full study can be found by clicking here.