Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in need of new therapeutic interventions to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Canurta has committed to studying cannflavins, a class of flavonoids found in cannabis, for their possible neuroprotective properties concerning ALS. This exploration examines how cannflavins might impact ALS progression and symptoms.
Effective Treatments for ALS are Urgently Needed
"ALS is a degenerative disease affecting motor neurons – nerves transmitting signals from the brain to the spinal cord," explains Dr. Ethan Russo, a certified neurologist and Canurta's Senior Medical Advisor. Over 200,000 people around the world are affected by this terminal disorder. Dr. Russo notes that ALS can impact people across age groups, with only 10% surviving past a decade. Effective treatments are urgently needed to slow the disease's progress and improve patient quality of life.
Currently, there's no proven drug to significantly slow ALS progression or alleviate its symptoms, underscoring the demand for innovative treatments. Dr. Russo emphasizes cannflavins' potential as a new therapeutic avenue, offering neuroprotection for ALS patients. He highlights cannabinoids like THC, CBD, THCA, CBDA, and beta-caryophyllene for their promising effects in ALS treatment.
Dr. Ethan Russo's Insights
Dr. Russo's contributions to cannabis-based medicine have focused on understanding how cannabis-derived compounds like THC and CBD interact with the human body, inspiring innovative research and medical applications. Importantly, Canurta is the only company capable of extracting and enriching cannflavins for ALS research.
"The lead compound [cannflavins] in development could offer potential treatment benefits for ALS, potentially aiding ALS patients and those with similar neurodegenerative diseases."
Cannflavins: Neuroprotection and Symptom Management
Cannflavins, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have demonstrated the ability to delay neurodegenerative progression in ALS. This research suggests they could be a compelling focus for extending patient survival rates and managing symptoms.
Beyond neuroprotection, cannflavins also play a role in managing ALS symptoms. Dr. Russo mentions, "Cannabis-based preparations may address longevity, symptoms, and quality of life, potentially reducing the need for multiple drugs and lowering care costs." Managing pain, a critical aspect of ALS care, could benefit from cannflavins as an alternative to traditional treatments with fewer side effects.
Applying Lessons from Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Russo highlights that "Nabiximols, a cannabis-based medicine, has been approved in Canada and other countries for treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, which may be beneficial in ALS." Spasticity, characterized by muscle stiffness and involuntary contractions, is a challenging ALS symptom.
A Multi-Potent Approach
"Cannabis exhibits potential for ALS treatment due to its diverse ingredients addressing various symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms," says Dr. Russo. Multi-potent, cannabis-derived preparations could introduce a novel therapeutic for ALS and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Ethan Russo's ongoing research with Canurta holds exciting potential for expanding the application of cannabis-derived treatments.
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