The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising as the active ingredient 4-phenyl pinene derivatives which are specific for the peripheral cannabinoid receptors. In particular, the compounds of the invention binds efficiently to CB2 but do not bind to CB1. The compounds show no activity in behavioral tests in mice which together have been shown to be specific for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- type activity in the central nervous system mediated by CB1 but reduce blood pressure, block intestinal motility, and elicit anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgetic activity. The invention also relates to methods of treating, preventing, or managing hypertension, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumors with the compounds of the invention.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/133,153 filed Apr. 26, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,137, which is a continuation of International application no. PCT/US00/29903 filed Oct. 30, 2000, and a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/698,071, filed Oct. 30, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,291, each application being expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.
