Rare type of MOSS could be ‘better than cannabis at relieving pain’ because it contains a substance similar to THC
- Swiss researchers are investigating the properties of the Redula Perrottetii
- The liverwort only grows in regions of Japan, New Zealand and Costa Rica
- THC can be used in the medical field to deal with certain types of pain
- Tests show perrottetinene has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than THC
A rare type of moss could be more effective than medicinal cannabis for treating pain, according to new research.
Swiss researchers have been investigating the medicinal properties of the liverwort plant Redula Perrottetii.
The plant, which only grows in Japan, New Zealand and Costa Rica, contains a substance similar to THC found in the illegal narcotic.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be used in the medical field to deal with certain types of pain, muscle cramps, dizziness and loss of appetite.
Tests by scientists at the University of Bern show perrottetinene has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect in the brain than THC and is less psychoactive.
Swiss researchers have been investigating the medicinal properties of the liverwort plant Redula Perrottetii (stock)
Cannabis is illegal in the UK for recreational purposes.
But specialist doctors in England, Wales and Scotland will be able to prescribe it medicinally on a case-by-case basis as of next month.
The landmark reform came after two heartbreaking and high profile cases of medicinal cannabis helping children suffering from severe epilepsy.
The team of researchers, led by Professor Jürg Gertsch, then biochemically and pharmacologically compared THC and perrottetinene.
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Using animal models, the team was able to demonstrate that perrottetinene reaches the brain very easily.
The tests also found the compound has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect in the brain than THC.
Researchers found perrottetinene was less psychoactive than THC, but said more studies were necessary to look at chronic and inflammatory pain.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, said cannabis is rarely used medically because it can have a strong psychoactive effect.
Professor Gertsch began investigating the pharmacological effects of perrottetinene after discovering liverworts were being sold as legal highs online.
Andrea Chicca, a member of scientific staff in Dr Gertsch’s group, said there is the potential for developing the therapeutic use of perrottetinene or similar substances.
He added: ‘This natural substance has a weaker psychoactive effect and, at the same time, is capable of inhibiting inflammatory processes in the brain.’
The Home Secretary insisted the dramatic change in policy on medicinal cannabis change was not the first step towards the broader legalisation of cannabis.
Cannabis was previously considered Schedule 1. Drugs in this class are thought to have no medicinal value and therefore cannot be legally possessed or prescribed.
Schedule 2 drugs, such as ketamine, are those that can be prescribed and supplied by doctors and pharmacists.
MEDICINAL CANNABIS WILL BE PRESCRIBED ON THE NHS FROM NOVEMBER 1
Medicinal cannabis oil will be available on prescription from next month, the Home Secretary said on October 11.
From November 1, UK laws will change to allow cannabis-based products for medicinal use to be prescribed in England, Scotland and Wales, according to a written statement from Sajid Javid.
The dramatic change to policy follows several high profile cases of patients being denied products containing THC, the psychoactive compound that makes users ‘high’, came to light.
Epileptic boy Billy Caldwell was even banned from taking cannabis oil that was prescribed to him abroad.
He was given back the medicine after a high profile campaign spearheaded by his mother forced Mr Javid to grant a 20-day emergency licence for its use.
Billy Caldwell’s mother Charlotte (pictured together) had seven bottles of cannabis oil confiscated at Heathrow Airport customs, prompting a row over cannabis oil
The Home Secretary has insisted today’s change is not the first step towards the broader legalisation of cannabis.
Mr Javid announced on 19 June that the Misuse of Drugs Regulations act of 2001 was being reviewed in a two-part investigation to allow for the prescription of medicinal-cannabis products.
In the first part of the review, the chief medical advisor, Professor Dame Sally Davies, concluded there was evidence that medicinal cannabis has therapeutic benefits.
The second part, carried out by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), recommended drugs that meet a clear definition of a cannabis-derived medicinal products should be placed in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
Cannabis was previously considered Schedule 1. Drugs in this class are thought to have no medicinal value and therefore cannot be legally possessed or prescribed.
Schedule 2 drugs, such as ketamine, are those that can be prescribed and supplied by doctors and pharmacists. They can also be legally possessed by anyone with a prescription.
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