Non-psychoactive cannabinoid
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Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms
Introduction to Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids
Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, primarily cannabidiol (CBD), are compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that do not produce the "high" associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These cannabinoids have garnered significant interest for their potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Antitumor Activity of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids
Mechanisms of Action in Cancer Treatment
CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids have shown promise in inhibiting the progression of various cancers, including glioblastoma, breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers. These cannabinoids inhibit tumor cell viability, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and the stem-like potential of cancer cells. They also induce autophagy and apoptotic-mediated cancer cell death, enhancing the efficacy of first-line cancer treatments1 7.
Specific Pathways and Effects
CBD has been found to down-regulate ERK and Akt prosurvival signaling pathways and decrease hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α expression, which are crucial in tumor growth and survival7. This multitarget effect underscores the potential of CBD as an effective anti-cancer agent.
Gastrointestinal Health and Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids
Role in Gastrointestinal Disorders
Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have shown potential in treating gastrointestinal disorders. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract, where phytocannabinoids exert significant effects, especially under inflammatory conditions. These cannabinoids may serve as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals to promote gastrointestinal health2.
Pain Management and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Modulation of Nociceptive Mechanisms
CBD and cannabichromene (CBC) modulate nociceptive mechanisms by interacting with transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and other proteins involved in pain pathways. This modulation can lead to significant antinociceptive effects, making these cannabinoids valuable in pain management3.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
CBD exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to its therapeutic potential in various diseases associated with oxidative stress. These properties are mediated through interactions with cannabinoid receptors and other components of the ECS5.
Neurological and Psychiatric Applications
Neural Progenitor Proliferation
Non-psychoactive CB2 cannabinoid agonists have been shown to stimulate neural progenitor proliferation, which could have implications for neurogenesis and brain repair. This effect is particularly significant in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries9.
Prevention of Drug Relapse
CBD has demonstrated potential in preventing relapse to drug use. In animal models, CBD reduced context-induced and stress-induced drug seeking, decreased anxiety, and prevented the development of high impulsivity. These effects persisted long after treatment cessation, highlighting CBD's promise in treating substance use disorders10.
Conclusion
Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, especially CBD, offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Their potential applications span cancer treatment, gastrointestinal health, pain management, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. As research continues, these cannabinoids may become integral components of various therapeutic regimens, providing effective and safe treatment options for numerous conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Antitumor Activity of Plant-Derived Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids
Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and other plant-derived cannabinoids can inhibit cancer cell viability, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and stem-like potential, potentially enhancing cancer treatment.
Highly CitedCannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?
Cannabidiol and other non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids from the hemp plant show potential as nutraceuticals for treating and preventing gastrointestinal disorders.
Highly CitedNon‐psychoactive cannabinoids modulate the descending pathway of antinociception in anaesthetized rats through several mechanisms of action
Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC) modulate the descending pathway of antinociception in anaesthetized rats through various mechanisms, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for pain relief.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedMolecular characterization of a peripheral receptor for cannabinoids
This study cloned a peripheral receptor for cannabinoids in macrophages in the spleen, suggesting that non-psychoactive effects of cannabinoids may be mediated through peripheral mechanisms.
Highly CitedAntioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offering potential therapeutic benefits for diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Highly CitedCannabinoids: Therapeutic Use in Clinical Practice
Cannabinoids show potential therapeutic efficacy in treating various disorders, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, despite their psychotropic effects.
Highly CitedCannabidiol, a Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Compound, Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion in U87-MG and T98G Glioma Cells through a Multitarget Effect
CBD effectively inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasiveness through a multitarget effect, supporting its potential as an effective anti-cancer drug for glioma management.
In Vitro Study
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe Non-Psychoactive Plant Cannabinoid, Cannabidiol Affects Cholesterol Metabolism-Related Genes in Microglial Cells
CBD treatment modulates cholesterol homeostasis in microglial cells, and pretreatment with MBCD reverses this effect without interfering with CBD's anti-inflammatory effects.
In Vitro StudyNon‐psychoactive CB2 cannabinoid agonists stimulate neural progenitor proliferation
Non-psychoactive CB2 cannabinoid agonists stimulate neural progenitor proliferation, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for manipulating neural progenitor cell fate.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedUnique treatment potential of cannabidiol for the prevention of relapse to drug use: preclinical proof of principle
Cannabidiol (CBD) shows potential in preventing drug relapse by reducing drug seeking, anxiety, and impulsivity in rats with alcohol or cocaine dependence histories.
Non-RCT
Animal Study
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited