Singing or Running Elevate Endocannabinoids and Boosts Mood - Dr. David Hepburn

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

An Analysis of Endocannabinoid Concentrations and Mood Following Singing and Exercise in Healthy Volunteers

The euphoric feeling described after running is, at least in part, due to increased circulating endocannabinoids (eCBs). eCBs are lipid signaling molecules involved in reward, appetite, mood, memory and neuroprotection. 

The aim of this study was to investigate whether activities other than running can increase circulating eCBs. Nine healthy female volunteers (mean 61 years) were recruited from a local choir. Circulating eCBs, haemodynamics, mood and hunger ratings were measured before and immediately after 30 min of dance, reading, singing or cycling in a fasted state. 

Singing increased plasma levels of anandamide (AEA) by 42% (P < 0.05), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) by 53% (P < 0.01) and oleoylethanolamine (OEA) by 34% (P < 0.05) and improved positive mood and emotions (P < 0.01), without affecting hunger scores. 

Dancing did not affect eCB levels or hunger ratings, but decreased negative mood and emotions (P < 0.01). 

Cycling increased OEA levels by 26% (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease how hungry volunteers felt, without affecting mood. 

"The “runners high” which was thought years ago to be courtesy of our endorphins is now known to be caused by our endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide (AEA). While dancing and cycling did not elevate AEA, singing actually did. No comments on if you sound like a hound being dragged through a keyhole. Anybody interested in starting a jogging choir to get high?  
Increases in AEA underlies the rewarding and pleasurable effects of singing and exercise and ultimately some of the long-term beneficial effects on mental health, cognition and memory."

-Dr. Dave Hepburn

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00269/full

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Cannabis may be helpful in the treatment of children with autism in an open study

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence of successful cannabis treatment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are accumulating but clinical studies are lacking. This retrospective study assessed tolerability and efficacy of cannabidiol-rich cannabis, in 60 children with ASD and severe behavioral problems (age = 11.8 ± 3.5, range 5.0-17.5; 77% low functioning; 83% boys). 

Efficacy was assessed using the Caregiver Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events included sleep disturbances (14%) irritability (9%) and loss of appetite (9%). One girl who used higher tetrahydrocannabinol had a transient serious psychotic event which required treatment with an antipsychotic.

Following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved in 61% of patients. This preliminary study supports feasibility of CBD-based cannabis trials in children with ASD.

"Data continues to support the use of CBD as a area to focus in on for treatment of ASD. Studies currently underway (including one being funded by the US Department of Defence) should shed further light on why it helps for some patients and for some symptoms of this complicated disease."

-Dr. Dave Hepburn

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30382443

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Cannabis lozenges reduce pain efficiently - Dr. David Hepburn

Article recommended by Dr. Dave Hepburn

Self-Reported Effectiveness and Safety of Trokie® Lozenges: A Standardized Formulation for the Buccal Delivery of Cannabis Extracts.

Abstract:

Therapeutic use of cannabinoids, the main active ingredients of Cannabissativa L., is often hindered by their limited bioavailability and undesirable psychoactivity. 

We conducted an observational study in December 2016 and another one in February 2018 to investigate respectively: (i) the effectiveness of Trokie® lozenges, a standardized formulation containing cannabis extracts, to deliver cannabinoids via buccal absorption and (ii) its long-term safety. 

Participants were members of the Palliative Care Corporation health clinic, registered California cannabis patients, and had a diagnosis of chronic non-cancer pain. For the effectiveness study, 49 participants were asked to self-report pain perception before and after 1-12 weeks of taking Trokie® lozenges, using an 11-point pain intensity numeric rating scale (PI-NRS). A mean reduction in PI-NRS score of 4.9 ± 2.0 points was observed. Onset of analgesia typically varied between 5 and 40 min, which seems consistent with, at least partial, buccal absorption. 

In the safety study, 35 participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about adverse events (AEs) associated with Trokie® lozenges. AEs were reported by 16 subjects (46%), the most common being dizziness/unsteadiness (N = 7), bad taste (N = 5), and throat irritation/dry mouth (N = 4). None of the self-reported AEs resulted in a serious medical situation and most of them had limited impact on daily functions. 

Despite the AEs, 90% of participants reported being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the product. These observations suggest that buccal administration of standardized extracts via Trokie® lozenges may represent an efficacious and safe approach to cannabis administration.

“Yet another study pointing the promising analgesic properties of cannabis, this using a quicker different delivery mechanism than ingestion.”

Dr. Dave Hepburn 

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30154694

David Hepburn website:

doctordavidhepburn.com