Uso de cannabis sativa no tratamento da doença de Parkinson

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (DP), which has affected more than 1% of elderly people over 60 years of age, is characterized by signs such as bradykinesia, tremor at rest, muscle rigidity and postural instability. These symptoms are the result of the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, therefore, the basis of PD treatment is the use of medications that increase brain concentrations of dopamine or directly stimulate dopamine receptors. Another option for drug therapy is the use of cannabinoids. Cannabis sativa has attracted the attention of researchers and health professionals, as several patients report that, after using these cannabinoids, motor and non-motor problems are being controlled and consequently there is an improvement in quality of life. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to review how the use of cannabis sativa can improve the signs and symptoms reported by patients suffering from this disorder. A bibliographical review was carried out, with an exploratory characteristic and a qualitative approach, selecting the articles that were most relevant in relation to the topic addressed. It was realized that the pharmacological effects of phytocannabinoids, substances extracted from cannabis sativa and which interact with the endocannabinoid system, are the result of interactions between these chemical compounds and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. When evaluating the scientific articles that made up this review, it was possible to see that substances derived from cannabis sativa, mainly tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, when administered together and in small doses are effective in the treatment of PD, in addition, most patients with this disorder were in favor of the medicinal use of cannabis sativa.