OBIETTIVI: Lo scopo dello studio è quello di analizzare gli effetti terapeutici a breve termine, la sicurezza /tollerabilità di un composto di origine naturale a base di melatonina (1,5 mg) ed estratto di cannabis (2,5 mg CBD) in pazienti con disturbi del sonno. METODI: In questo studio spontaneo, aneddotico, retrospettivo, compassionevole, osservazionale, aperto, 20 pazienti (età compresa tra 43 e 96 anni) rivolti al “Network del Secondo Parere” (Modena, Italia), per disturbi del sonno ed ansia, hanno assunto per 3 mesi, la formulazione proposta in forma sublinguale (20 gocce) la sera, prima di coricarsi. La tollerabilità e gli effetti avversi sono stati valutati dopo un mese dall’assunzione del preparato galenico attraverso contatto diretto (email o telefono) o tramite visita. RISULTATI: In tutti i casi arruolati, i punteggi PSQI e HAM-A hanno riportato un significativo miglioramento dello stato di salute generale ed una soddisfacente riduzione di fenomeni come ansia, panico, paranoia, depressione (p< 0.03) e sollievo dal dolore (p < 0.02). DISCUSSIONE: Questi dati dimostrano che la formulazione melatonina-CBD potrebbe competere con i classici farmaci ipnotico-sedativi. Inoltre, l'attività antiossidante della melatonina offre un ulteriore vantaggio sul Network cerebrale e sul ripristino delle funzioni dell'orologio biologico, mentre il CBD riduce la percezione del dolore cronico, aiuta il rilassamento neuromuscolare e allevia la sensazione di ansia ripristinando il sonno.
Leggi ArticoloObjective. To investigate the therapeutic effect of CBD-ointmentadministered on severe skin chronic diseases and/or on their outcomescars.Methods. A spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective study of 20 patientswith two most frequent skin disorders: psoriasis (n: 5 patients),atopic dermatitis (n: 5) and resulting outcome scars (n: 10). The subjectswere instructed to administer topical CBD-enriched ointment tolesioned skin areas twice daily for three months treatment.Results. Based on skin evaluations (hydration, TEWL, elasticity),clinical questionnaires (SCORAD, ADI, PASI), and supported byphotographic data and investigators’ clinical assessment, the resultsshowed that topical treatment with CBD-enriched ointment significantlyimproved the skin parameters, the symptoms and also the PASIindex score. No irritant or allergic reactions were documented duringthe period treatment.Conclusions. The topical administration of CBD ointment, withoutany THC, is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improvethe quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially oninflammatory background.
Leggi ArticoloOur main aim was to investigate the short-term therapeutic effects, safety/tolerability and potential side effects of the cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan) in patients with a range of chronic conditions unresponsive to other treatments.In this retrospective, ‘compassionate use’, observational, open-label study, 20 patients (age 18–80 years) who had appealed to our ‘Second Opinion Medical Consulting Network’ (Modena, Italy), were instructed to take sublingually the galenical oil twice a day for 3 months of treatment. Patients’ quality of life was evaluated at baseline and 3 months using the medical outcome short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36).From baseline to 6 months post-treatment, SF-36 scores showed: reductions in total pain (P < 0.03); improvements in the physical component (P < 0.02); vitality (P < 0.03); social role functioning (P < 0.02); and general health state (P < 0.02). No changes in role limitations (P = 0.02) due to emotional state (e.g. panic, depression, mood alteration) were reported. Monthly reports of psychoactive adverse effects showed significant insomnia reduction (P < 0.03) and improvement in mood (P < 0.03) and concentration (P < 0.01). These data suggest that a cannabis galenical preparation may be therapeutically effective and safe for the symptomatic treatment of some chronic diseases.
Leggi ArticoloFlaxseeds are a significant dietary source of α-linolenic acid, dietary fibre and lignans. The aim of this review is to describe current knowledge concerning the therapeutic and physiological effects of dietary flaxseeds on the gastrointestinal system. We reviewed in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies published between 1976 and 2016 and examining the gastrointestinal activity of lignans, omega-3 fatty acids and fibre in dietary flaxseeds. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE using the keywords ‘lignans’, ‘flaxseeds’, ‘fibre’, ‘omega 3 fatty acids’ and ‘gastrointestinal’ alone or combined. The results indicate that flaxseed lignans and omega-3 fatty acids may be effective for preventing and reducing colon cancer, modulating constipation and diarrhoea through the synergic activity of lignans, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, and reducing bowel inflammation through downregulation by omega-3 fatty acids of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, a positive effect on the gut microbiota has been observed both in experimental in vivo studies and in clinical trials, probably through lignan activity, although the exact mechanism of action has not been elucidated. Our review suggests dietary flaxseeds may have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system.
Leggi ArticoloBackground and aim of the work. The main Food Choice Motives (FCMs) of vegetarianism and veganismare supported by ethical, health, ecological and pleasure motivations, but also family and cultural traditionsplay a definite role. A better health achievement is usually the first goal of turning vegetarians, on thereports that ischemic heart, circulatory and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some cancer weresignificantly lower in vegetarians and vegans than in omnivores. In this review, we investigate the main reasonsthat lead to the choice of an increasingly common lifestyle, such as vegetarianism and veganism and thepros & cons of this choice. Methods. We reviewed studies focused on vegetarian and vegan diets, and includedarticles published between 1975 and 2015. We searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms “vegetarianism”,“veganism”, “benefits” and “diseases”, alone or combined. This review aims at describing vegetarian and vegandiets, discussing current knowledge about motivations for pursuing this diet, clinical benefits and limitations.Results. Vegetarian and vegan diets are low in n-3 PUFA, proteins, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamins B12 and D.Conclusions. Different guidelines for vegetarian and especially vegan diets have been settled based on the needto fortify foods with molecules that are reduced or missing in these diets.
Leggi ArticoloThe folk ethno-medicine describes some useful herbal remedies for vaginal hygiene, whose knowledge goes back to previous centuries;unfortunately, only few of them have been submitted to clinical trials and fulfilled the evidence-based medicine rules thus being successfully introduced into the routine use; as a matter of fact actually the consumer is quite sensitive to the message that historical natural active principles revisited by positive recent investigations can have a role in the disease prevention and treatment.Salvia, Melaleuca and Calendula have been selected by us among a certain number of natural compounds to be introduced in the formulaof our vaginal gel, because their complementary properties synergize each other, achieving, altogether the best clinical results. Themechanism of actionof the 3 herbs extracts in combination, takes control of the vaginal surface integrity and mucosa restoration aftermechanical, chemical or microbiological damage, especially through the well-known Calendula contributes to body defenses against external agents, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties; Salvia expresses altogether a wide and selective control, supports the natural mechanism for body´s purification and promotes the toxin elimination; Melaleuca expresses altogether a wide and selective control of pathogenic microflora enclosing the often relapsing Candida albicans super-infections.
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