Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Modified In Vivo Matrix Gel Plug Assay for Angiogenesis Studies
09:03

Modified In Vivo Matrix Gel Plug Assay for Angiogenesis Studies

Published on: June 30, 2023

Cannabidiol inhibits angiogenesis by multiple mechanisms

M Solinas1, P Massi, A R Cantelmo

  • 1Department of Biomedical, Computer and Communication Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|May 26, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits tumour growth by blocking angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid shows promise as a cancer therapy agent due to its effects on both tumour and endothelial cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cannabinoids exhibit anti-tumour properties, including anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, inhibits tumour growth and down-regulates pro-angiogenic signals.
  • The anti-angiogenic potential of CBD requires further investigation due to its favorable pharmacological profile.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the ability of CBD to modulate tumour angiogenesis.
  • To investigate the mechanisms by which CBD affects angiogenesis.
  • To assess the potential of CBD as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed CBD's effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, viability, and motility in vitro.
  • Investigated CBD's impact on angiogenesis-related protein expression in HUVECs.
  • Evaluated CBD's effects on in vitro angiogenesis using Matrigel invasion and spheroid assays.
  • Characterized CBD's in vivo anti-angiogenic effects using a Matrigel sponge model in mice.

Main Results:

  • CBD induced cytostasis and inhibited migration, invasion, and sprouting of HUVECs in vitro.
  • CBD treatment led to the down-modulation of several angiogenesis-related molecules.
  • CBD demonstrated significant inhibition of angiogenesis in vivo within Matrigel sponges.

Conclusions:

  • CBD inhibits angiogenesis through multiple mechanisms.
  • CBD exhibits a dual effect on both tumour and endothelial cells.
  • CBD holds potential as an effective agent in cancer therapy.

More Related Videos

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells09:03

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells

Published on: November 23, 2014

Rat Mesentery Angiogenesis Assay18:30

Rat Mesentery Angiogenesis Assay

Published on: June 18, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Angiogenesis01:10

Mechanism of Angiogenesis

Blood vessel formation starts early during embryonic development, around day 7. In the extraembryonic yolk sac, mesodermal precursor cells called hemangioblast proliferate and differentiate into angioblast. Angioblasts express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or VEGFR2, which binds VEGF-A, a proangiogenic factor, guiding blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling promotes angioblasts to form a blood island in the developing embryo. Angioblasts further differentiate, giving rise to...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids01:21

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...