Non-Phytocannabinoid Constituents of Cannabis and Herbal Synergy
Non-Phytocannabinoid Constituents of Cannabis and Herbal Synergy
This chapter introduces the concepts of therapeutic polypharmacy and synergy, and their applications to herbal medicines. Chemists and pharmacologists working with cannabis have pioneered research on these concepts for over a century. Therapeutic synergy between phytocannabinoids, such as Δ9-THC and CBD, is detailed in Chapters 6 and 7. Less research has focused upon the therapeutic synergy generated by terpenoids, flavonoids, and other constituents of cannabis. The chapter reviews studies demonstrating how these constituents enhance the beneficial effects of THC and CBD, and reduce the side effects of THC. Non-phytocannabinoid constituents also impact upon the endocannabinoid system, which includes receptors, ligands, and ligand-metabolizing enzymes. These interactions are pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic, and in many cases the mechanism has not been identified.
Keywords: flavonoid, herbal medicine, isobolographic analysis, therapeutic polypharmacy, synergy, terpenoid, David Hooper, David Prain, Walter Siegried Loewe
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