LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Compelling evidence that many plant species beyond cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is presented in Dr. Ethan B. Russo’s new cover story for the July issue of the prestigious journal, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences entitled, “Beyond Cannabis: Plants and the Endocannabinoid System.” Because the ECS regulates nearly every aspect of human physiology, Dr. Russo’s assessment may have far-reaching implications for emerging therapies. Dr. Russo, a clinical neurologist and Medical Director of Phytecs, reviews how plants from chili peppers to turmeric to truffles, stimulate, antagonize, or modulate aspects of ECS function. In 2011, Dr. Russo popularized the concept of the cannabis entourage effectcaused by synergies among cannabis essential oils and cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. A leading expert in cannabinoid and ECS medicine, Ethan Russo served as the Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals before joining Phytecs in 2015. Dr. Russo also served as the Chairman of the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines and President of
the International Cannabinoid Research Society.
“The discovery and elucidation of the endocannabinoid system led by Prof. Raphael Mechoulam has been one of the greatest research advances in medicine in the last generation,” said Russo. “The role of the ECS in modulating homeostasis, or physiological balance, in human health and disease has proven to be both ubiquitous and essential. Whereas conventional wisdom has pointed to cannabis as the only option for many disorders affecting the endocannabinoid system, it is clear that cannabis is simply one tool within a much larger arsenal of approaches that includes other plants and compounds, nutritional interventions and lifestyle adjustments.”
Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, Director of Global Research for Phytecs, stated, “The plant compounds noted in Dr. Russo’s article produce effects beyond those associated with conventional cannabinoids, which may contribute to our understanding of the next generation of ECS medicines.”