Methylhonokiol Attenuates Neuroinflammation: A Role For Cannabinoid Receptors?

[in vivo]

Abstract

The cannabinoid type-2 G protein-coupled (CB2) receptor is an emerging therapeutic target for pain management

and immune system modulation. In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) the orally administered natural

product 4′-O-methylhonokiol (MH) has been shown to prevent amyloidogenesis and progression of AD by

inhibiting neuroinflammation. In this commentary we discuss an intriguing link between the recently found CB2

receptor-mediated molecular mechanisms of MH and its anti-inflammatory and protective effects in AD animal

models. We argue that the novel cannabimimetic MH may exert its beneficial effects via modulation of CB2

receptors expressed in microglial cells and astrocytes. The recent findings provide further evidence for a potential

role of CB2 receptors in the pathophysiology of AD, spurring target validation and drug discovery.

 

http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1742-2094-9-135.pdf