As interest in medical uses of cannabis constituents grows, researchers are closely examining how cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring compound in plants, impacts health, especially regarding cancer and inflammatory diseases. CBD is recognized for its antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiepileptic properties, and now, scientists are exploring its ability to regulate essential cellular functions like autophagy and apoptosis.
Recent reviews suggest that CBD’s effects on these cellular processes are complex and varied. Depending on the specific conditions of the study, such as cell type and CBD concentration, CBD can either promote, inhibit, or have no effect on autophagy and apoptosis. These processes are critical as they involve the cell’s mechanisms for survival, death, and response to disease, playing central roles in both, cancer and inflammation.
The variability of CBD’s effects highlights the challenges of translating laboratory findings into clinical therapies. The interaction of CBD with different types of cellular receptors, which can vary significantly among cell types, contributes to these differing outcomes. This variability underlines the need for a deeper understanding of these interactions before CBD can be effectively integrated into treatment protocols.
Despite intriguing findings in laboratory settings and animal models, the absence of large-scale clinical trials means that the potential clinical benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids remain underexplored. These trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids in human populations.
The potential of CBD and other cannabinoids to serve as effective treatments for diseases like cancer and inflammation is an area ripe for further research. Scientists are hopeful that ongoing studies will lead to a clearer understanding of how these compounds can be used safely and effectively in medical practice, paving the way for new therapeutic options.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1094020/full