Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and liver cirrhosis

Abstract

The compounds D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and capsaicin are useful for prevention, treatment, or both, of hepatic encephalopathy. The compounds capsaicin, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), HU-308 and cannabidiol are useful for prevention, treatment, or both, of liver cirrhosis.

1 . A method for prevention, treatment, or both, of hepatic encephalopathy, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and capsaicin. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound is D9-tetrahydrocannabinol. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound is administered orally, parenterally, sublingually, or by inhalation. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said hepatic encephalopathy is of Type A or Type C. 
     
     
         5 . A method for prevention, treatment, or both, of liver cirrhosis, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of capsaicin, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), HU-308 and cannabidiol. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said compound capsaicin. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said compound is administered orally, parenterally, sublingually, or by inhalation. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound is capsaicin. 
     
     
         9 . A method for prevention, treatment, or both, of hepatic encephalopathy, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol. 
     
     
         10 . A method for prevention, treatment, or both, of hepatic encephalopathy, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of capsaicin. 
     
     
         11 . A method for prevention, treatment, or both, of liver cirrhosis comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of capsaicin.