Endocrinology: Cannabinoids decrease stress hormon corticosterone

New research shows that endocannabinoids or the augmentation of endocannabinoid concentration may serve as a novel approach to the treatment of anxiety-related disorders.

Endocannabinoids reduce stress-induced activation of a functional unit called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Cannabinoids that bind to the CB1 receptor reduced blood corticosterone levels in stressed mice while a CB1 receptor antagonist increased corticosterone levels.