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Opiates and cannabinoids in pain-relief

Opiates

Opiates are a category of alkaloid drugs derived from opium, a product of opium poppies. At the present time opium itself is illegal in many areas of the world. Opium poppy and fruit The poppy flower (left) grows into the fruit (right), which exudes sap containing a number of opiate compounds when it is cut.

Opiates seem to work by simulating the action of endorphins, 'natural pain killer' compounds produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus which affect the brain and produce analgesia - freedom from pain - and a sense of well-being.

Opiate 3-D molecular structure Click to stop/start molecules spinning

Other links below will highlight sections of molecules.

Morphine is a purified opium extract, used medically for pain relief. As well as being highly effective, it is also highly addictive, and must only be used under strict supervision. It is more likely to be used for pain relief in terminally ill patients.

 Morphine is the most common active ingredient naturally found in opium.

The morphine molecule contains several ring structures, and is said to be aromatic.
Heroin (diacetyl morphine) also has pain-killing properties but it has a very poor reputation as an illegal drug, which is very addictive. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from morphine.

The two additional acetyl groups make the molecule more soluble, causing it to be more effective when injected. They are gradually removed from the molecule as it passes through the liver, reducing its effect.
Codeine (methyl morphine) is often used for pain relief, either on its own or in combination with other drugs such as paracetamol. Codeine is also found in lesser quantities in poppy extract.

The codeine molecule is the same as morphine with a methyl group (-CH3).


Cannabinoids

Cannabis sativa - also known as hemp - has been cultivated in various parts of the world for the production of fibres for textiles.

Certain varieties contain chemicals which affect the brain and body function, and these are especially concentrated in the flowers. It is considered as an illegal drug in many parts of the world.
These chemicals derived from cannabis are called cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main component of cannabis.

In some countries, a synthetic form has been made available for evalution as a medical drug. 		This molecule has 4 hydrogens which make it different from the basic compound cannabinol which does not have the same effects.

Cannabinoids interact with a variety of receptors in the brain to give the drug's main effects:
It is said to be a mild sedative (often causing a chilled out feeling or actual sleepiness) and also a mild hallucinogen (meaning that users may experience a state in which they see objects and reality in a distorted way).

There is also a second type of cannabinoid receptor which are only found in the immune system, and which are presumably responsible for other effects which are claimed.

Apparently beneficial effects relate to relief from pain and prevention of muscle spasms and tremors in certain conditions (multiple sclerosis, also some forms of arthritis) which are more or less untreatable with other drugs.
It is sometimes found to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and childbirth.
As an anti-emetic, cannabinoids may relieve some of the side effects of anti-cancer treatments.
Glaucoma, a condition which may cause blindness due to buildup of pressure in the eye may also be reduced by treatment with cannabinoids.
It has been used in treating depression and other mood disorders, asthma, strokes, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, alcoholism and insomnia.

Following on from this, some researchers are investigating other cannabinoid molecules, possibly with a similar structure which interact with the second receptors and which may be of use in the future.

Web references

Opiates From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hemp From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cannabinoids From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Medical cannabis From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cannabis - a BBC Hot Topic