Anxiolytic properties of cannabidiol

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Meireles da Fonseca, GEM (Author) Other; vieira-coelho, ma (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Drugs of the Future

Vol. 43

Pages: 581-591

ISSN: 0377-8282

Publisher: Prous Science

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-K2H

DOI: 10.1358/dof.2018.043.08.2847832

Abstract (EN): Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonintoxicating compound present in the Cannabis sativa plant and evidence of its therapeutic utility is increasing. In fact, CBD is already being used as therapy in various neurologic conditions and other potential usages are under investigation. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on CBD's usefulness as a therapeutic agent in anxiety disorders. The cannabinoid's anxiolytic profile has been demonstrated in different rodent models as well as in humans, the first proof consisting of its ability to reverse Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced anxiety. Although recent experiments suggest CBD does not reduce emotional responses to negative stimuli, a large body of evidence argues the compound is anxiolytic in several anxiety models. CBD's actions seem mainly mediated via 5-HT1A receptor potentiation and the cannabinoid is also thought to partially act through interaction with the endocannabinoid system, possibly by inhibiting anandamide's metabolism. Moreover, neuroimaging studies have put forward that CBD specifically acts on limbic and paralimbic brain areas. Lastly, CBD is known to activate the anxiogenic transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1), which may explain its inverted U-shape dose-response curve. Considered generally safe, this cannabinoid embodies a promising anxiolytic agent.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11