PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

Eyes: The ability of cannabis products to reduce intraocular

pressure was discovered accidentally during trials on the

effect of inhaling high doses. During the tests, intraocular

pressure dropped by 45%. Eye drops applied locally had the

same effect as standard medication but the effect lasted

^1 longer.

Immune system: In vitro and in animal testing, depending on

the tissue, the immune system was significantly suppressed

after cannaboid administration.

Antimicrobial action: CBC, CBDA. CBG and d-9-tetrahy-

drocannabinol displayed antibacterial effects. CBC and d-9-

tetrahydrocannabinol are bacteriostatic and bactericidal

against streptococci and staphylococci.

Tumor inhibiting effect: The in-vitro inhibiting effect of d-9-

tetrahydrocannabinol, d-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and CBN on

the growth of transplanted lung tumors has been

documented.

Heart, circulation: Cannaboids increase heart frequency,

peripheral vasodilatation causes an increase in systolic blood

pressure in the prone position and a decrease in the supine

position.

W Other effects: d-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is said to be an

appetite stimulant. Long term usage leads to a clear increase

in tolerance for most of the pharmacological effects.

Mode of action: Most cannaboids act on the CNS. The

multiplicity of effects does not point to just one receptor.

Possible interaction with cell-wall lipids or effects on

prostoglandin biosynthesis is under discussion at present.

When administered orally, the first psychotropic reactions
take SfffeV^O to 60 minutes later. The effect is at its
optimum between* 2 to 3 hours later and-lasts for a total of 8
hours. When inhaled the effect sets in within a few minutes,
reaches its climax or maximum after 30 minutes and lasts for
3 hours.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Cannabis was first mentioned in the
pharmacopoeia of the Chinese Emperor about 3,000 years
ago. Cannabis resin was used for beriberi, constipation,
female conditions, gout, malaria, rheumatism and absent-
^1 mindedness. In medieval herbals, it was mostly used
externally. There are recipes for balms for healing contrac-
tures and for cooling poultices for the head and joints and for
podagra.

In 1845, the herb tips were mentioned for internal adminis-

tration for gonorrhea, angina pectoris and choking fits. It was

not until the nineteenth century that Indian hemp was

described as having a euphoric effect; it was used for

insomnia, neuralgia, painful rheumatism, painful gastrointes-

MARIJUANA/501

tinal disorders, cholera, tetanus, epilepsy, strychnine poison-

ing, acute bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, impending

abortion and weak contractions. The extract was used as a

sedative and mild soporific.

Current literature on phytotherapeutic drugs cite as indica-

tions for Indian hemp: painful disorders of the alimentary

canal such as ulcers or cancer; respiratory disorders such as

asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; neuralgia, mi-

graine; urinary tract disorders; mental disorders such as

anxiety, neurasthenia or hysteria.

Dronabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Marinol®) is

marketed as an appetite stimulant in the treatment of AIDS-

related anorexia and as an antiemetic for chemotherapy-

induced emeses.

Indian and Chinese Medicine: In early Indian and Chinese

me'dicine, it was used for nervous depressive states, insom-

nia, vomiting, tetanus and coughs.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. The intake x>fLtoxic dosages, as is common with the

smoking of cannabis, leads almost at once to euphoric states

(pronounced gaiety, laughing fits) with exaggerated appre-

hension of sensual impressions. Alterations in the perception

of time and space, as well as acoustical, visual and sensory

hallucinations, lasting for 2 to 3 hours are common in higher

dosages.

Driving ability can be disturbed for as long as 8 hours.

Although only rarely reported, acute poisoning symptoms

include nausea, vomiting, tear flow, hacking cough, distur-

bance of cardiac function and numbness of the limbs.

Despite its widespread use as a recreational drug, instances

of death are very rare. The results of chronic abuse are

laryngitis, bronchitis, apathy, psychic decline and distur-

bances of genital functions.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Marijuana is widely used as an

illegal recreational drug. It is usually either smoked or eaten

to produce mind-altering effects. The extracted or syntheti-

cally produced delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol component is

used legally in capsule form for oral administration.

How Supplied:

Capsules — (Marinol®) 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Dried Herb

Daily Dosage: The former average oral single dose of the

drug was 0.1 gm.