Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide showing some pharmacodynamic similarities with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive compound present in the cannabis plant. Like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, PEA can produce a direct or indirect activation of cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, it acts as an agonist at TRPV1 receptor. The hypothesis is that PEA has anti-craving effects in cannabis dependent patients, is efficacious in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms, produces a reduction of cannabis consumption and is effective in the prevention of cannabis induced neurotoxicity and neuro-psychiatric disorders.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Amides
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Arachidonic Acids / chemistry
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Dronabinol / chemistry
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Dronabinol / metabolism
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Endocannabinoids / chemistry
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Endocannabinoids / pharmacology
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Endocannabinoids / therapeutic use*
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Ethanolamines / chemistry
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Ethanolamines / pharmacology
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Ethanolamines / therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Marijuana Abuse / drug therapy*
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Models, Biological*
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Molecular Structure
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Palmitic Acids / chemistry
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Palmitic Acids / pharmacology
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Palmitic Acids / therapeutic use*
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Polyunsaturated Alkamides / chemistry
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy
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TRPV Cation Channels / agonists*
Substances
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Amides
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Arachidonic Acids
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Endocannabinoids
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Ethanolamines
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Palmitic Acids
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Polyunsaturated Alkamides
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TRPV Cation Channels
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TRPV1 protein, human
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palmidrol
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Dronabinol
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anandamide