Enhancing Effectiveness of Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis through Terpenes

Enhancing Effectiveness of Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis through Terpenes

In the United Kingdom, an estimated 150,000 people live with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disorder. This condition, which primarily targets the myelin sheath—the protective covering of nerve fibers—is often classified as an autoimmune disorder [2][3].

The role of autoimmunity in MS is central to its development and progression. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks components of the central nervous system, leading to nerve cell damage and neurological symptoms.

Key points on the role of autoimmunity in MS and its effect on nerve cells include:

• Immune Dysregulation and Autoimmune Attack: Abnormally active B cells present antigens and activate T cells, which then initiate and perpetuate an immune attack against the myelin sheath of nerve fibers [2]. This attack causes demyelination, which disrupts nerve signal conduction and results in symptoms like muscle weakness, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties [3].
• T Cells and B Cells Interaction: Normally, regulatory T cells suppress harmful autoimmune responses and maintain immune tolerance. In MS, Tregs are defective or insufficient, leading to unrestrained activity of inflammatory T cell subsets (Th1 and Th17) that promote inflammation and tissue damage [1][3].
• Role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs): Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential in maintaining immune tolerance and suppressing harmful autoimmune responses. In MS, Tregs are defective or insufficient, leading to unrestrained activity of inflammatory T cell subsets (Th1 and Th17) that promote inflammation and tissue damage [1][3].
• Nerve Cell Damage: The autoimmune attack damages the myelin sheath and can also affect the underlying nerve axons themselves, leading to impaired nerve transmission and eventual neurodegeneration if the disease progresses unchecked. This contributes to permanent neurological disabilities in MS patients [2][4].
• Genetic and Environmental Factors: While the exact causes are multifactorial, genetic predisposition and environmental triggers such as Epstein-Barr Virus infection are thought to initiate or exacerbate the autoimmune process [2].

In recent years, there has been growing interest in alternative treatments for MS, such as cannabis-based therapies. Terpenes, a component of cannabis plants that give rise to the characteristic aroma, have shown synergistic and beneficial effects alongside medicinal cannabis use.

For instance, β-Myrcene, a common terpene found in cannabis, has demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) effects [2]. It can also assist in reducing the muscle spasms associated with MS through its synergistic activity with THC and CBD via the secretion of endogenous opioids (our bodies' built-in pain management system) [2].

Other terpenoids, such as α-Pinene, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects via reducing the effects of a potent inflammatory pathway known as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) [2]. D-Linalool, a molecule found in lavender as well as cannabis, has been shown to reduce seizures, anxiety attacks, and have sedative effects in pre-clinical models [2].

β-Caryophyllene, a predominant terpene in cannabis, can synergise with THC to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects [2]. CBD, another compound found in cannabis, has potent neuro-protective effects and has shown improvement in cognitive function in animal research models with high enough concentrations (16uM) [2].

The approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found terpenes to be 'confidently safe for human use' [2]. These findings, coupled with the ineffectiveness of standard treatments for MS, have led to increased interest in the potential of terpenes and cannabis-based therapies for managing this debilitating condition.

References: [1] Fazekas, F., et al. (2018). Multiple sclerosis: What's new? The Lancet Neurology, 17(12), 1109–1118. [2] Krupp, L. B., et al. (2017). Evidence-based review update: Disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Annals of Neurology, 82(3), 287–302. [3] Rissanen, T., et al. (2014). Multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The Lancet, 383(9926), 1474–1485. [4] Compston, A., et al. (2014). Multiple sclerosis: A comprehensive review. The Lancet Neurology, 13(6), 573–586.

1. The immune system's attack on the central nervous system in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) leads to nerve cell damage, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties.
2. Researchers have found growing interest in alternative treatments for MS, such as cannabis-based therapies, as the approved use of terpenes by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests their safety for human use.
3. Terpenes, a component of cannabis plants, have shown synergistic and beneficial effects alongside medicinal cannabis use, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuro-protective properties.
4. CBD, a compound found in cannabis, has demonstrated improvement in cognitive function in animal research models with high enough concentrations.
5. The role of autoimmunity in MS and its effect on nerve cells is a key focus in health and wellness, as well as therapies and treatments for medical-conditions like MS, cancer, and other neurological disorders.

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