(—)-β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 Receptor-Selective Phytocannabinoid, Suppresses Motor Paralysis and Neuroinflammation in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis
In Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease whose inflammatory and other deleterious outcomes can be attributed to its demyelinating effects. A number of drugs to treat MS and other demyelinating diseases are available; however, their use is accompanied with numerous severe side effects, calling to attention the need for new or alternative treatments.
(—)-β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a terpene found in cannabis with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects, has demonstrated therapeutic potential toward experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) mouse model of MS, a mouse model of MS. Administration of BCP attenuated motor paralysis, weight loss, and neuropathic pain induced by EAE.
Additional Point: The results reported in this paper are complemented by an additional paper that demonstrated efficacy of BCP for mitigating brain damage and chemically-induced seizure.