(Hugo Francisco de Souza/ Medical Life Sciences News) — In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, researchers reviewed available literature on cannabis as a self-management strategy in the treatment of pain arising due to endometriosis. They further investigated the mechanisms by which cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the interactions of gut microbiota and ECS in treating the condition.
Their findings reveal that cannabis-derived endocannabinoids have a protective effect on the gut, decrease gut inflammation, and improve its permeability. This, in turn, suppresses bloating, the most common endometriosis symptom. Cannabinoids further inherently suppress pain receptors and serve as a natural painkiller. These results highlight gut microbiota and the ECS as future clinical trial targets in the fight against endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disease in sexually mature women (between the first period and until menopause) characterized by uterus lining-like tissue growing outside the confines of the uterus. It is a common condition, estimated to affect 10% of all women, with symptoms including severe pelvic pain and outcomes including difficulties conceiving.
In addition to its direct outcomes, endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has been associated with several comorbidities including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, mental health issues (depression and anxiety), and chronic fatigue syndrome. (…)