Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids01:21

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Microbiome-driven alterations in tryptophan metabolism contribute to behavioral comorbidities in the Muc2 knockout mouse model of chronic colitis.

Gut microbes·2026
Same author

C1qa□ muscularis macrophages maintain enteric synaptic homeostasis to regulate gastrointestinal motility.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
Same author

Multiomics insights into the effects of prebiotics on physical function and metabolism in adults with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.

Gut microbes·2026
Same author

Proteases and Abdominal Pain-Old Dog, New (Microbial) Tricks.

Cellular and molecular gastroenterology and hepatology·2026
Same author

Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacogenomic Aspects of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

Gastroenterology·2026
Same author

Updated BJP guidelines for transparent and rigorous natural product research.

British journal of pharmacology·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents
03:43

Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents

Published on: August 22, 2025

Cannabinoids and the gut: new developments and emerging concepts.

Angelo A Izzo1, Keith A Sharkey

  • 1Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II and Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy. aaizzo@unina.it

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|February 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Cannabis compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system to regulate gastrointestinal functions. This system, present throughout the gut, shows therapeutic potential for various GI disorders.

More Related Videos

Synthesis of a Deuterated Standard for the Quantification of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Caenorhabditis elegans
14:25

Synthesis of a Deuterated Standard for the Quantification of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: September 21, 2019

Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells
06:57

Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells

Published on: September 18, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents
03:43

Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents

Published on: August 22, 2025

Synthesis of a Deuterated Standard for the Quantification of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Caenorhabditis elegans
14:25

Synthesis of a Deuterated Standard for the Quantification of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: September 21, 2019

Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells
06:57

Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells

Published on: September 18, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Cannabis has historical use in managing gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
  • Discovery of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and its receptors revealed the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
  • The ECS is integral to gut physiology, influencing digestion, sensation, and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in gastrointestinal health and disease.
  • To review cannabinoid receptors, their localization, and targets within the gut.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS for GI disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological studies.
  • Identification of cellular and molecular targets of the ECS in the gut.
  • Analysis of endocannabinoid presence in health and disease states.

Main Results:

  • The ECS is widely distributed in the gut, with specific regional actions.
  • ECS components regulate key GI functions including motility, secretion, and inflammation.
  • Novel molecular targets and preclinical data suggest therapeutic applications for GI conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The endocannabinoid system is a crucial regulator of gastrointestinal function.
  • Targeting the ECS offers promising therapeutic strategies for diverse GI disorders.
  • Further research into ECS genetics and pharmacology is warranted for GI disease management.