Potential of Using Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Molecule Against Various Cell Signaling Molecules Involved in Breast Cancer Complications: A Bioinformatics Approach
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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
Sandip Mondal1, Manish Kumar Gautam2, Aminul Islam3
1Amity University, Kolkata Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Kolkata, India.
Background:
Breast cancer progression involves key processes such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psy-choactive compound from Cannabis sativa, has shown promise for its anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to explore the interaction of CBD with proteins involved in these processes.
Methods:
Molecular docking was performed to assess the binding affinity of CBD to four critical proteins: CDK6 (cell cycle regulator), BCL2 (anti-apoptotic protein), MMP2 (invasion-related en-zyme), and VEGFR2 (angiogenesis-related receptor). Known inhibitors, palbociclib, ABT-199, doxycycline, and axitinib, were used as reference compounds for comparison.
Results:
Cannabidiol exhibited strong binding affinities for CDK6, BCL2, MMP2, and VEGFR2. The docking scores were comparable to those of the respective standard inhibitors, suggesting effec-tive interactions with the active sites of the target proteins.
Discussion:
These findings suggest that CBD may simultaneously target multiple cancer-related pathways, offering a potential multi-target therapeutic approach for breast cancer. Its comparable efficacy to standard inhibitors, combined with a favorable safety profile, supports its potential for further development. However, experimental validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is neces-sary to confirm its therapeutic effectiveness.
Conclusion:
CBD demonstrates promising multi-target activity against critical signaling molecules in breast cancer and may serve as a safer, natural therapeutic candidate. Further preclinical and clin-ical investigations are warranted.
Insights
Cannabidiol (CBD) shows potential as a multi-target therapy for breast cancer by interacting with key proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Further research is needed to confirm its therapeutic effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer progression involves uncontrolled cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
- Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa compound, exhibits promising anti-cancer properties.
- Understanding CBD's interaction with key cancer-related proteins is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding affinity of CBD to critical proteins involved in breast cancer progression.
- To evaluate CBD's potential as a multi-target therapeutic agent.
- To compare CBD's efficacy with standard inhibitors using molecular docking.
Main Methods:
- Molecular docking simulations were employed to assess CBD's binding affinity.
- CBD's interaction was evaluated against CDK6, BCL2, MMP2, and VEGFR2.
- Standard inhibitors (palbociclib, ABT-199, doxycycline, axitinib) served as references.
Main Results:
- CBD demonstrated strong binding affinities to CDK6, BCL2, MMP2, and VEGFR2.
- Docking scores for CBD were comparable to those of standard inhibitors.
- CBD effectively interacted with the active sites of the target proteins.
Conclusions:
- CBD shows potential as a multi-target therapeutic agent for breast cancer by simultaneously affecting multiple pathways.
- CBD may offer a safer, natural alternative to conventional therapies.
- Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are warranted to validate CBD's therapeutic efficacy.
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