Author Archives: David Worrell

Targeting bladder cancer: Potent anti-cancer effects of cannabichromene and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-rich Cannabis sativa strains

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“Objective: This study aimed to explore the anticancer potential of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) strains, specifically PARIS, Dairy Queen (DQ), and super cannabidiol (sCBD), on bladder cancer cells. Given the increasing interest in cannabinoids like cannabichromene (CBC) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for their therapeutic properties, we evaluated their cytotoxic effects on urothelial carcinoma (UC) cell lines and their ability to inhibit cell migration and induce apoptosis in both two-dimensional cell models and three-dimensional ex vivo organ cultures (EVOCs).

Methods: C. sativa strains were screened for their cytotoxicity against UC cell lines (HTB-4 and HTB-9) using XTT assays. Their phytocannabinoid content was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. We employed fluorescence-activated cell-sorting to determine apoptosis and cell cycle, migration assays to determine cell migration, and EVOCs to evaluate the cytotoxic effect on UC. Gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Three commercial C. sativa strains, PARIS, DQ, and sCBD, were found to have the most potent anticancer effects on bladder cancer cells. All extracts contain CBC and THC at different concentrations. In XTT assays on UC cell lines, PARIS had a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 21.58 μg/mL, while DQ and sCBD had similar cytotoxic activity with IC50 values for 48-h treatment of 17.99 μg/mL and 17.88 μg/mL, respectively. DQ and sCBD extracts were found to significantly reduce cell migration and increase the percentage of cells in S phase and G2/M phase within the cell population. In EVOCs, the extracts initiated cell death with the expression of apoptosis-related genes increased following exposure to treatment.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that C. sativa strains PARIS, DQ, and sCBD, containing CBC and THC, exhibit significant anticancer activity against UC cell lines and ex vivo models. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of CBC- and THC-rich C. sativa extracts in bladder cancer treatment.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41467200

“This study highlights the potential of commercially available cannabis extracts in inhibiting UC tumors through programmed cell death, the expression of apoptosis-related genes, and cell migration inhibition. The findings emphasize the significance of cannabinoid-specific content over total cannabinoid concentrations in determining their cytotoxic effects. While personalized medicine based on specific strain compositions remains a distant goal, certain cannabinoids like CBC, THC, and CBD show promise in exerting cytotoxic effects.”

“Overall, these findings underscore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment and warrant further investigation.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214388225000335?via%3Dihub

Targeting Human Cancer Cells with Cannabidiol (CBD): Apoptotic Cytotoxicity in HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and CaCo-2 Lines

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“Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, has demonstrated therapeutic potential across various diseases, including cancer.

This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects of CBD on three human cancer cell lines (HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and CaCo-2) and two non-cancerous cell lines (HaCaT and HUVEC) used as a control. Cells were treated with CBD at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 µM for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assays, nuclear morphology was evaluated via DAPI staining, and cell death mechanisms were analyzed through flow cytometry with apoptosis/necrosis markers. The LC50 values at 24 h were determined as follows: HeLa (9.4 µM), MDA-MB-231 (10.3 µM), and CaCo-2 (4.3 µM).

CBD treatment induced morphological changes characteristic of cell stress and death in cancer cells, observed by optical microscopy after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure. These findings highlight the potential of CBD as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for cancer treatment versus non-malignant cells.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41465562

“The findings of this study confirm the potential of CBD as a cytotoxic agent with pro-apoptotic activity in cancer cells.”

“CBD appears to exert a multifaceted mechanism of action on tumor cells, involving both the endocannabinoid system and receptor-independent pathways.”

“In the present study, we demonstrated that CBD induces apoptosis in human cancer cells (HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and CaCo-2) while delaying apoptotic processes in non-malignant control cells (HaCaT and HUVEC). These findings underscore the potential of CBD as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for cancer treatment, highlighting its selective cytotoxic effects on malignant cells with limited impact on non-malignant cells.”

“These results underscore the potential of CBD as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, particularly for colorectal adenocarcinoma, where it exhibited greater efficacy.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/24/12136


Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency and Cognitive Continuity: A Longitudinal Case Study Challenging the Neurodegeneration Paradigm

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“Despite expanding acceptance of cannabis for medicinal use, empirical literature remains sparse regarding the long-term mental and neurobiological outcomes of continuous cannabis exposure over several decades. This self-case study examines the psychobiological trajectory of a biomolecular psychologist who has used cannabis intermittently since the 1970s and therapeutically since 2010 to manage polypharmacy withdrawal, opioid dependence, and psychiatric symptoms. The analysis integrates self-observational data, neurocognitive assessments, pharmacological history, and psychosocial context to evaluate outcomes on affect regulation, cognitive performance, neuroplasticity, and motivation. The case challenges persistent assumptions of irreversible cannabis-induced cognitive decline and supports the hypothesis that sustained cannabinoid modulation may promote neural resilience when employed within a biomolecularly informed framework. Findings are illustrative and intended to generate testable hypotheses rather than establish causality.”

“For more than half a century, the United States has maintained one of the most comprehensive prohibitions on biological cannabinoid research in modern science. The enactment of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970 effectively silenced
the empirical study of the plant Cannabis sativa and its naturally occurring cannabinoids, leaving a void in scientific understanding that has persisted for decades. The policy was founded less on biomedical evidence than on sociopolitical ideology—a moral model of addiction that conflated psychoactivity with deviance. By classifying naturally occurring
cannabinoids as Schedule I substances, federal policy positioned them alongside heroin and LSD, asserting “no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”. Consequently, generations of scientists were restricted from exploring naturally occurring cannabinoids’ molecular, neurobiological, and psychopharmacological functions.”

“While modern prohibition sought to erase the plant’s legitimacy, cannabis itself represents a biological constant—molecules with 12,500 years of medicinal use, abruptly vilified in the modern era. Archaeological and historical records confirm its continuous application in treating pain, inflammation, convulsions, and psychological distress throughout diverse civilizations. Across that immense timeline, humans relied on the plant’s phytochemical complexity—its cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—to modulate physiological systems long before those systems were scientifically named.”

“The endocannabinoid system (ECS), now recognized as one of the body’s principal homeostatic regulators, mediates neural, immune, and endocrine balance. Yet its formal discovery in the 1990s came paradoxically after half a century of federally enforced ignorance.”


“From a biomolecular perspective, cannabinoids act not as foreign intruders but as complementary ligands within a preexisting molecular conversation between the human body and its endogenous signaling systems. Their therapeutic potential lies not in chemical novelty but in biological familiarity—a fact consistently reaffirmed by modern neurobiological research despite legal obstruction.”

“This five-decade longitudinal case study provides a rare and informative window into the long-term psychobiological effects of sustained botanic cannabinoid use within a cognitively demanding professional context. Contrary to prohibition-era narratives that associate chronic cannabis exposure with cognitive decline, emotional dysregulation and motivational impairment, the findings of this investigation demonstrate a trajectory of preserved neurocognitive integrity, stabilized affective functioning, and enhanced adaptive resilience. These outcomes are consistent with contemporary psychoneuroimmunological models in which the endocannabinoid system operates as a central regulator of homeostatic equilibrium across neural, immune, and endocrine domains.”

https://zealjournals.com/wjbpr/content/clinical-endocannabinoid-deficiency-and-cognitive-continuity-longitudinal-case-study

Antibacterial Effect of Cannabinoids on Bacteria Associated with Persistent Endodontic Infections

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“Cannabinoids have been shown to have effective antibacterial applications.

With the limitations of current intracanal endodontic medicaments and the rise of bacterial resistance, it is important to investigate novel treatment strategies for endodontic infections. The aim of this study was to test the antibacterial efficacy of cannabinoids on bacteria in persistent endodontic infections: Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Planktonic bacteria were exposed to a negative control (no exposure), a positive control (3% NaOCl), and the experimental groups Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were also investigated. Biofilms were cultured and treated with cannabinoids. A crystal violet assay (CVA) and live/dead analysis assessed the biofilm degradation and inhibition, respectively. A statistical analysis was performed using an ANOVA.

CBD, CBN, and THC reached a MIC for both E. faecalis and S. mutans in planktonic forms. The MBC was found for the tested cannabinoids on planktonic E. faecalis. No MBC was found for S. mutans. The live/dead analysis of E. faecalis and S. mutans biofilms showed a decrease in the viability of the biofilm with an increased cannabinoid concentration. The CVA revealed that cannabinoids only degrade the E. faecalis biofilm. Planktonic F. nucleatum had no MIC for tested cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids have inhibitory effects on E. faecalis and S. mutans in the planktonic and biofilm states. No inhibitory effects of F. nucleatum were found at tested concentrations of all three cannabinoids.

The findings suggest that cannabinoids have distinct antibacterial effects on certain pathogens associated with persistent endodontic infections.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41465362

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/24/11936

Neuropathic Pain and Related Depression in Mice: The Effect of a Terpene and a Minor Cannabinoid in Combination

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“Background/Objectives: Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe types of chronic pain. Although it is difficult to manage, it often co-occurs with depression. Yet, no medication addresses the neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity. Therefore, developing integrated treatment strategies that address both pain and depression is a major public health priority and an unmet need affecting millions. 

Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of combining a terpene, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), and cannabidiol (CBD) on neuropathic pain and associated depression. We employed a chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain model and a series of behavioral tests to evaluate how oral administration of this combination influences neuropathic pain and depression-like behaviors in mice. We employed immunohistochemistry and proteomics approaches to explore the mechanism. 

Results: The analgesic effect of combining CBD and BCP is synergistic in neuropathic pain and also shows an antidepressant effect. Additionally, we found that this combination decreases neuroinflammation associated with CCI and affects specific genes involved in the inflammation. 

Conclusions: This work provides preclinical scientific evidence supporting the potential usefulness of this combination for neuropathic pain and associated depression.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41463111

“Cannabis plants contain various non-psychoactive compounds, including Caryophyllene (BCP). BCP is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that acts as a natural ligand for the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) and is an FDA-approved food additive. It has several benefits, such as pain relief, antidepressant effects, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Given this background, the main goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that combining CBD and BCP is effective for neuropathic pain while also demonstrating antidepressant effects.”

“In conclusion, the proposed project introduces the concept that the combination of CBD and BCP can effectively relieve neuropathic pain while also addressing depression. This knowledge will advance the field by providing preclinical scientific evidence supporting the potential usefulness of this combination for neuropathic pain and associated depression.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/12/3103


Therapeutic Potential for Cannabidiol on Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Neuroinflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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“Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a pervasive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chronic neuroinflammation; current interventions primarily offer symptomatic relief. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, exhibits multi-target therapeutic potential due to its established anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

While growing interest exists, the evidence regarding CBD’s effects on AD-related neuroinflammation has not been robustly consolidated in a quantitative meta-analysis. Therefore, this article reviews the current literature around CBD related to its potential in alleviating neuroinflammation, followed by a meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies using random-effects modeling to assess CBD efficacy on neuroinflammation and clinical outcomes in AD.

In preclinical AD models, the meta-analysis demonstrated that CBD significantly and consistently reduced key markers of neuroinflammation and reactive gliosis, specifically glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (p < 0.0001), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Effects on other markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), were non-significant and heterogeneous.

Clinical evidence, though limited by small sample size and heterogeneity, showed a borderline significant benefit favoring CBD for overall behavioral symptoms (p = 0.05), agitation, and caregiver distress. Adverse events were typically mild.

We conclude that CBD demonstrates biologically consistent anti-inflammatory efficacy in preclinical AD models.

While current clinical data remains insufficient to substantiate efficacy, they suggest promising signals for behavioral control. Determining CBD’s full therapeutic potential in AD necessitates future rigorous, mechanism-driven trials with standardized preparations and biomarker-anchored endpoints.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41465389

“CBD remains a biologically plausible, multi-pathway candidate for modulating neuroinflammation and behaviorally relevant circuits in AD.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/24/11963

Synaptic Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology and Social Behavior

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“Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major contributor to neuropsychiatric disorders, exerting profound impacts on individuals and society. Social behavioral impairments associated with AD present significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the urgent need to unravel their underlying mechanisms. Dysfunction of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been identified as a key factor driving the emergence of these behavioral deficits. Among its regulatory mechanisms, endocannabinoids play a critical role in modulating short-term synaptic plasticity in the ACC, thereby maintaining synaptic homeostasis. Endocannabinoid signaling is highly sensitive to environmental stimuli, demonstrating dynamic responses to external stressors. Despite these insights, the precise role of synaptic endocannabinoid signaling in the ACC, particularly its contribution to synaptic homeostasis and social behavioral regulation in the context of AD pathology, remains poorly understood.

Method: Using a multifaceted approach-including optogenetic, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral techniques-we characterized alterations in presynaptic CB1 receptors and endocannabinoid synthesis at excitatory and inhibitory synapses during AD progression.

Result: Our findings reveal a regulatory role of cannabinoid signaling at both pre- and post-synaptic terminals within the ACC, providing insights into its modulation of synaptic transmission in AD. We further examined the impact of disrupted endocannabinoid signaling on synaptic homeostasis, employing calcium signal recording and pharmacological interventions. Alterations in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic function were particularly evident in socially isolated mice, a condition that exacerbates AD-related behavioral deficits. These findings highlight the interplay between endocannabinoid dysregulation, synaptic dysfunction, and behavioral abnormalities in AD. Moreover, we explored therapeutic strategies targeting synaptic endocannabinoid signaling to mitigate AD-induced social behavioral deficits. Using cannabinoid receptor knockout models and pharmacological approaches, we dissected the distinct roles of cannabinoid signaling components in mediating behavioral outcomes. This work underscores the potential of modulating endocannabinoid signaling to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with AD.

Conclusion: This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the intricate relationship between AD pathology, synaptic endocannabinoid signaling, and social behavior. By unraveling the molecular, cellular, and behavioral correlates of AD-induced alterations in cannabinoid signaling, our study provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of AD-related neuropsychiatric disorders. It lays the foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41435339

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz70855_097499

Cannabidiol-Mediated Neuroprotection in Aβ42-Induced Alzheimer’s Model of Drosophila: Behavioral and Morphological Evidence

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“Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and neuropathological transformations, imposing a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally. Despite ongoing research endeavors, effective treatments to halt AD progression remain elusive. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from cannabis renowned for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of CBD in mediating neurobehavioral and morphological changes in the Aβ42 transgenic model of AD.

Method: 150 flies were grouped into five. Group I & II are negative and positive control and were exposed to 10 g of diet only, group III is an experimental control and was exposed to 1 mM Donepezil. Group IV & V were subjected to 2 mg and 4 mg of CBD respectively for 2 weeks. Motor function, memory abilities, social interactions, and expression of amyloid beta (Aβ42) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were evaluated using climbing, aversive phototaxis suppression, social space assay, and immunostaining respectively.

Result: Findings revealed a significant decrease in motor coordination (0.31 ± 0.08, p = 0.007), memory function (7.00 ± 8.52, p = 0.008), and social behavior (3.09 ± 0.51, p = 0.0008) in the positive control compared to the negative control group, accompanied by elevated Aβ42 and GFAP expression (58.50 ± 8.000, p = 0.03). However, treatment with CBD effectively mitigated these deficits. Motor function was restored in the 4 mg CBD (0.69 ± 0.08, p = 0.028), memory abilities were improved in the 4 mg CBD (63.00 ± 7.35, p = 0.007), social interaction was increased in the 4 mg CBD group (1.19 ± 0.53, p = 0.0071). Furthermore, CBD treatment reduced Aβ42 and GFAP immunoreactivity (58.50 ± 8.000, p = 0.03).

Conclusion: This study provides compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of CBD oil in mitigating motor and cognitive deficits and neuropathological changes associated with AD, underscoring the importance of further research into the mechanisms of action and optimization of treatment regimens for AD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41441546

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz70856_096378

Evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol treatment on [18F]FDG and [11C]PK11195 uptake in an animal model for Alzheimer’s disease

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“Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has well-described anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Emerging preclinical research has explored the potential of this cannabinoid as a therapeutic agent to delay or prevent the onset of symptoms and pathophysiological features of neurodegenerative processes, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CBD treatment during aging of an animal model for AD using positron emission tomography (PET).

Method: Male and female 3xTg-AD mice (ethics committee 1811/2022) were divided into control and CBD groups. At 7 months-old, the animals were treated with CBD (20 mg/kg) or vehicle for 30 days. At 4, 8, 12 and 18 months-old, [18F]FDG and [11C]PK11195 PET images were acquired to assess brain metabolism and neuroinflammation. The standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated for the whole brain. The behavioral tests of novel object recognition (NOR) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were performed to assess memory, exploratory behavior and anxiety.

Result: There was a sex effect on [18F]FDG uptake, with vehicle-males showing higher uptake than vehicle-females at 4 (p = 0.02), 8 (p = 0.007), and 18 months (p <0.0001). Vehicle-females had reduced [18F]FDG uptake at 18 months compared to all other ages (18 months vs: 4: p = 0.045; 8: p = 0.001; 12: p <0.0001). In the CBD group, [18F]FDG uptake was higher in males than in females at 8 months (p = 0.002). CBD-males also had increased uptake from 4 to 8 months (p <0.0001) and to 12 months (p = 0.002). In addition, CBD-females had higher [18F]FDG uptake than vehicle-females at 18 months (p = 0.024). No sex effect was observed for [11C]PK11195. Increased uptake was observed in the control group at 18 months compared to 4 months (p = 0.004) and 12 months (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in the behavioral assessments.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated prominent sex differences in brain metabolism and provided evidence of a possible neuroprotective role of CBD in mitigating neuroinflammatory events associated with aging. Furthermore, PET proved to be a more sensitive tool for detecting aging-induced changes in the 3xTg-AD model compared to behavioral assessments.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41442268

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz70856_100426

Exploring the synergistic effects of physical exercise and cannabidiol treatment in a mouse model of Down syndrome using positron emission tomography

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“Background: Down Syndrome (DS) is considered a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as it increases the expression of AD-related genes, leading to precocious neuroinflammation and cell death. Given the increasing longevity of the DS population, it is essential to look for alternatives to delay AD development and improve quality of life. Considering that physical exercise and cannabidiol (CBD) have recognized neuroprotective properties, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of these interventions alone and in combination, in a model of DS using positron emission tomography (PET).

Method: Ts65Dn trisomic mice (ethical approval: 1292/2019, 1811/2022, 2065/2024) were divided into four groups: control (no treatment); exercise; CBD; and exercise+CBD. The exercise group was subjected to physical exercise on a treadmill from 2 to 8 months of age, 3 times/week, and the CBD group was treated at 7 months of age for 30 days (20 mg/kg, ip). The exercise+CBD group received both treatments as described above. PET images with [11C]PK11195 and [18F]FDG were acquired to assess brain metabolism and neuroinflammation at 4 and 8 months of age using a small animal PET scanner. The average standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated considering the whole brain (WB) and the hippocampus.

Result: At 4 months, exercise+CBD had higher [11C]PK11195 uptake in the WB and hippocampus compared to the other groups (control: p = 0.0006 in both; exercise: p = 0.009 and p = 0.005; CBD: p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0006). At 8 months, CBD and CBD+exercise had higher radiotracer uptake compared to the control (WB: p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0003, respectively; hippocampus: p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0003, respectively) and exercise groups (WB: p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0005, respectively; hippocampus: p <0.0001 for both). The CBD group showed increased [11C]PK11195 uptake in the WB (p <0.0001) and hippocampus (p <0.0001) at 8 months of age. Regarding [18F]FDG, the exercise+CBD group had an increase in uptake from 4 to 8 months in both regions (WB: p = 0.03; hippocampus: p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Our data suggest that CBD treatment induced a higher glial response that was not present when CBD was associated with physical exercise. Indeed, this association increased brain metabolism, suggesting a neuroprotective mechanism.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41447104

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz70856_099067