| Resumo: | Cannabis sativa L. is a plant used for therapeutic purposes, although it is widely known for its potential abuse. This plant can produce more than 500 chemical substances, including 100 different phytocannabinoids. These substances can act directly in a specific receptor and/or interact with the endocannabinoid system, regulating physiological effects such as analgesia, muscle relaxation, immunosuppression or appetite stimulation. Mechanisms of action responsible for the therapeutic effects of these compounds are still not completely known. However, there are a few authorized medicinal products with phytocannabinoids or analogues acting as active substances and a regulatory framework for the use of the cannabis plant for medicinal purposes is available in many countries. Despite the potential for abuse and toxicity of these substances, clinical research is very promising in this area. On the other hand, the physicochemical nature of phytocannabinoids and their pharmacokinetic properties pose development formulation challenges. This work aims to present the current scientific evidence on the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids as well as discuss their limitations and challenges from a pharmaceutical perspective, contributing to the development of new formulations and new authorized medicinal products.
|
|---|