A systematic study of molecular targets of cannabidiol in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent, incurable, and chronic neurodegenerative condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ), disrupting various bodily systems. Despite the lack of a cure, phenolic compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for AD.

This systematic review explores the impact of different types of cannabidiol on AD, unveiling their neuroprotective mechanisms.

The research used PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with keywords like "Alzheimer's disease" and "Cannabidiol." Studies were evaluated based on title, abstract, and relevance to treating AD with CBD. No restrictions on research type or publication year. Excluded were hypothesis papers, reviews, books, unavailable articles, etc.

Microsoft Excel identified 551 articles, with 92 included in the study, but only 22 were thoroughly evaluated. In-vivo and in-silico studies indicate that CBD may disrupt Aβ₄₂, reduce pro-inflammatory molecule release, prevent reactive oxygen species formation, inhibit lipid oxidation, and counteract Aβ-induced increases in intracellular calcium, thereby protecting neurons from apoptosis.

In summary, the study indicates that CBD and its analogs reduce the production of Aβ₄₂. Overall, these findings support the potential of CBD in alleviating the underlying pathology and symptoms associated with AD, underscoring the crucial need for further rigorous scientific investigation to elucidate the therapeutic applications and mechanisms of CBD in AD.