Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Volume 22, Issue 4, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041863
Keywords
cannabidiol; anxiety; depression; 5-HT1A receptors; TRPV1 receptors; CB1 receptors; DNA methylation; histone modifications; miRNA; epigenetics
Funding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Project, University of Cagliari [RICDIP_2012_Fratta_01]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
CBD, as the most abundant non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has received attention for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Even though the exact molecular mechanism of action of CBD remains unknown, preclinical animal studies support its potential as an anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like compound. Additionally, evidence linking the neuropharmacological effects of CBD to its behavioral effects suggests a promising role in treating anxiety and mood disorders.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant non-psychoactive component of cannabis; it displays a very low affinity for cannabinoid receptors, facilitates endocannabinoid signaling by inhibiting the hydrolysis of anandamide, and stimulates both transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 2 and serotonin type 1A receptors. Since CBD interacts with a wide variety of molecular targets in the brain, its therapeutic potential has been investigated in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety and mood disorders. Specifically, CBD has received growing attention due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a consequence, and given its safety profile, CBD is considered a promising new agent in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. However, the exact molecular mechanism of action of CBD still remains unknown. In the present preclinical review, we provide a summary of animal-based studies that support the use of CBD as an anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like compound. Next, we describe neuropharmacological evidence that links the molecular pharmacology of CBD to its behavioral effects. Finally, by taking into consideration the effects of CBD on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, we elaborate on the putative role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating CBD's therapeutic outcomes.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available