Research progress in the management of vascular disease with cannabidiol: a review

Abstract

The morbidity and mortality rates associated with vascular disease (VD) have been gradually increasing. Currently, the most common treatment for VD is surgery, with the progress in drug therapy remaining slow. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural extract of Cannabis sativa L. with sedative, analgesic, and nonaddictive properties. CBD binds to 56 cardiovascular-related receptors and exerts extensive regulatory effects on the cardiovascular system, making it a potential pharmacological agent for the management of VD. However, most CBD studies have focused on neurological and cardiac diseases, and research on the management of VD with CBD is still rare. In this review, we summarize the currently available data on CBD in the management of VD, addressing four aspects: the major molecular targets of CBD in VD management, pharmacokinetic properties, therapeutic effects of CBD on common VDs, and side effects. The findings indicate that CBD has anti-anxiety, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit abnormal proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells; these effects suggest CBD as a therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis, stress-induced hypertension, diabetes-related vasculopathy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and vascular damage caused by smoking and alcohol abuse. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on CBD in the management of VD.

Potential of CBD Acting on Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2 in Ischemic Stroke

“…It is true, however, that CBD acts on more than 65 receptors [ 111 ] and acts in the micromolar range on cannabinoid receptors. While CBD seems to be safe for both humans and animals [ 112 , 113 ], adverse effects have been documented when it was administered at relatively high doses (up to 50 mg kg −1 d −1 ).…”

“…The study outcomes demonstrated that CBD, administered at doses of 100 ng per rat, diminished the infarction volume and augmented the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, within the cerebral cortex and striatum [110]. It is true, however, that CBD acts on more than 65 receptors [111] and acts in the micromolar range on cannabinoid receptors. While CBD seems to be safe for both humans and animals [112,113], adverse effects have been documented when it was administered at relatively high doses (up to 50 mg kg −1 d −1 ).…”

“…CBD treatment can balance these ischemia-induced alterations in astroglial Ca 2+ signaling after MCAO. In the same MCAO mouse model, 48 h post- It is true, however, that CBD acts on more than 65 receptors [111] and acts in the micromolar range on cannabinoid receptors. While CBD seems to be safe for both humans and animals [112,113], adverse effects have been documented when it was administered at relatively high doses (up to 50 mg kg −1 d −1 ).…”