Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance

Abstract

The literature provides scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of cannabidiol (CBD), and these effects extend beyond epilepsy treatment (e.g., Lennox–Gastaut and Dravet syndromes), notably the influence on oxidative status, neurodegeneration, cellular protection, cognitive function, and physical performance. However, products containing CBD are not allowed to be marketed everywhere in the world, which may ultimately have a negative effect on health as a result of the uncontrolled CBD market. After the isolation of CBD follows the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors and the main enzymatic components (diacylglycerol lipase (DAG lipase), monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL), fatty acid amino hydrolase (FAAH)). At the same time, the antioxidant potential of CBD is due not only to the molecular structure but also to the fact that this compound increases the expression of the main endogenous antioxidant systems, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), through the nuclear complex erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/Keep1. Regarding the role in the control of inflammation, this function is exercised by inhibiting (nuclear factor kappa B) NF-κB, and also the genes that encode the expression of molecules with a pro-inflammatory role (cytokines and metalloproteinases). The other effects of CBD on cognitive function and physical performance should not be excluded. In conclusion, the CBD market needs to be regulated more thoroughly, given the previously listed properties, with the mention that the safety profile is a very good one.

The Skin and Natural Cannabinoids–Topical and Transdermal Applications

“…CBD, CBN, and THC were bioaccumulated and detected using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in a keratinized matrix of hair and nail samples obtained by noninvasive collection from Cannabis users, with significantly higher concentrations in fingernails than in toenails and hair [ 93 ]. CBD is also known to emphasize antioxidant potential by increasing the expression of the main endogenous antioxidant system, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) [ 27 ]. Thus, CBD is one of the most effective protectants against UVA radiation [ 26 ], protecting keratinocytes against the effects of UVA/UVB radiation by reducing lipid peroxidation products and counteracting oxidative stress [ 46 ].…”

“…To evaluate the efficacy of pCB topical applications, a plethora of studies emphasizing the mechanisms of action at the molecular level, redox transformation, electronic structure, and stability; and the cytotoxic, phototoxic, and UVA or UVB photoprotective effects of pCBs have been performed [ 26 ]. To emphasize the mechanisms of action of pCBs at the molecular level, it has been demonstrated that CBD inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the genes involved in the expression of molecules with pro-inflammatory roles, such as cytokines and metalloproteinases [ 27 ]. Clinical studies emphasized that topical treatment with CBD-enriched ointment significantly improved skin parameters and disease symptomatology, proving that the topical application is a safe and non-invasive alternative for improving the quality of life in patients with various skin disorders [ 28 ].…”

“…The most significant adverse effects of current drug-based therapies applied in the most frequent skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, asteatotic eczema, acne, and seborrhea, are listed in Table 1: xerosis; erythema; purpura; rosacea or alteration in skin pigmentation; photoaging; skin atrophy; itching; burning sensation; folliculitis; actinic keratosis; allergic reactions; hair loss or hypertrichosis; hyper-lipidaemia; hypertension; metabolic and nutritional disorders; headache; bone marrow suppression; leukopenia; bone growth stimulation; decreased bone density; the inhibition of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in children; herpes simplex reactivation; and delayed wound repair [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. In dermatology, pCBs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory [ 27 , 30 ], anti-oxidative [ 45 ], anti-aging [ 32 ], anti-acne [ 30 ], and anti-UVA/UVB radiation damage proprieties [ 46 ]. Moreover, several pCBs emphasized potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that may cause serious infection on the skin and other organs [ 47 ], which is possible due to the inhibition of Staphylococci adhesion to keratinocytes [ 48 ].…”

Long-Term, Self-Dosing CBD Users: Indications, Dosage, and Self-Perceptions on General Health/Symptoms and Drug Use

“…Reports on social media indicate that 90% of users claim they are self-medicating for diagnosable conditions such as psychiatric illness, sleep conditions, and neurological impairments [3]. There is a substantial need for evidencebased studies focusing on the epidemiology and effects of CBD use [4][5][6][7].…”

Co-Dispersion Delivery Systems with Solubilizing Carriers Improving the Solubility and Permeability of Cannabinoids (Cannabidiol, Cannabidiolic Acid, and Cannabichromene) from Cannabis sativa (Henola Variety) Inflorescences

“…There are literature reports, including the results published by us, confirming the scavenging of free radicals [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Recent articles present the variety of antioxidant mechanisms of cannabinoids [ 38 , 40 , 41 ].…”