Pain intensity of chronic non-cancer patients was reduced by cannabinoids consumption , but effect sizes were small .
Efficacy for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain was similar
There is growing interest in using cannabinoids for chronic pain .
We performed a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain .
Pain measurements and side effect profile of the novel cannabinoid ajulemic acid
Pre clinical findings on ajulemic acid ( AJA ) showed analgesic and anti-allodynic effects without psychoactive properties making it an appealing substance for the treatment of pain . A recently published r and omized double-blind crossover clinical trial described the pain-reducing effects and side effect profile of AJA on 21 patients with chronic neuropathic pain . In this report from this same sample the effects of AJA on the mechanical hypersensitivity , on pain , and on psychological and physical performance were further characterized . During a 5-week study period , patients were divided into two 7-day treatment groups receiving either AJA or placebo capsules first , respectively . All patients received 40 and 80 mg of AJA or placebo daily in each treatment period . Pain measurements included the determination of mechanical hypersensitivity using the von Frey hair method as well as the visual analog scale ( VAS ) , for which the number needed to treat ( NNT ) was calculated . The side effect profile of the compound was evaluated using psychotropic and physical measurements as well as obtaining reports on possible subjective side effects . The results showed no significant reduction in mechanical hypersensitivity ( p=0.052 ) , although a tendency towards pain reduction could be seen . The VAS score showed significant pain reduction ( p=0.021 ) and NNT values for 30 % pain relief were 2.14 for the first treatment group and 5.29 for the second treatment group . No significant findings were observed regarding psychotropic or physical measurements . Reported subjective side effects were mainly dry mouth , tiredness and dizziness and did not increase with dose elevation . Overall , these study findings indicate that AJA shows pain-reducing effects on patients with chronic neuropathic pain without clinical ly relevant psychotropic or physical side effects
Pain intensity of chronic non-cancer patients was reduced by cannabinoids consumption , but effect sizes were small .
Efficacy for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain was similar
There is growing interest in using cannabinoids for chronic pain .
We performed a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain .