“Cannabidiol (CBD) and other phytocannabinoids are gaining attention for their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s leading cause of death.
This review highlights advances in understanding the endocannabinoid system, including CB1 and CB2 receptors, and the mechanisms by which CBD exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, vasoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects.
Preclinical and translational studies indicate that selective activation of CB2 receptors may attenuate atherogenesis, limit infarct size in ischemia-reperfusion injury, decrease oxidative stress, and lessen chronic inflammation, while avoiding the psychotropic effects linked to CB1.
CBD also acts on multiple molecular targets beyond the CB receptors, affecting redox-sensitive transcription factors, vascular tone, immune function, and endothelial integrity.
Early clinical trials and observational studies suggest that CBD may lower blood pressure, improve endothelial function, and reduce sympatho-excitatory peptides such as catestatin, with a favorable safety profile. However, limited bioavailability, small sample sizes, short study durations, and uncertainty about long-term safety present challenges to its clinical use. Further research is needed to standardize dosing, refine receptor targeting, and clarify the role of the endocannabinoid system in cardiovascular health.
Overall, current evidence supports CBD’s promise as an adjunct in CVD treatment, but broader clinical use requires more rigorous, large-scale studies.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41096874/
“In summary, although cannabinoids have not yet reached clinical maturity for broad implementation in cardiovascular therapeutics, the underlying scientific evidence is promising, and preliminary findings are encouraging. Bridging the translational gap prudently will demand methodologically rigorous, multidisciplinary research efforts, ensuring that any future clinical claims are grounded in robust human evidence.”