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Canna~Fangled Abstracts

Implications of the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic action of cannabinoids in autism spectrum disorder: A literature review

By November 12, 2022November 22nd, 2022No Comments


Review

doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173492.

Online ahead of print.
Affiliations 

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, onset in early childhood and associated with cognitive, social, behavioral, and sensory impairments. The pathophysiology is still unclear, and it is believed that genetic and environmental factors are fully capable of influencing ASD, especially cell signaling and microglial functions. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in the modulation of various brain processes and is also involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition. Due to the health and quality of life impacts of autism for the patient and his/her family and the lack of effective medications, the literature has elucidated the possibility that Cannabis phytocannabinoids act favorably on ASD symptoms, probably through the modulation of neurotransmitters, in addition to endogenous ligands derived from arachidonic acid, metabolizing enzymes and even transporters of the membrane. These findings support the notion that there are links between key features of ASD and ECS due to the favorable actions of cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids on symptoms related to behavioral and cognitive disorders, as well as deficits in communication and social interaction, hyperactivity, anxiety and sleep disorders. Thus, phytocannabinoids emerge as therapeutic alternatives for ASD.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, Cannabidiol, Cannabinoids, Cannabis sp., Endocannabinoid system

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest All authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

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