
Scientific studies published using CBD
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is an internal system in our bodies that maintains homeostasis and immunoregulation. The ECS has influence over inflammatory responses, platelet aggregation, blood pressure, heart rate, vasodilatation, and energy balance. The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are both members of the superfamily of metabotropic G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). CB1 receptors, located mostly in the neurons of the brain however they also are present in the peripheral nervous system. CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune system[i].
CBD is considered to have pharmacological actions such as anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory properties[ii]. There have been various therapeutic benefits that scientists have been exploring with CBD as summarised in table 1. These scientific studies presented are not an exhaustive list.
Table 1. Various research topics published in scientific journals using CBD
Research topic that was investigated |
Scientific paper |
Anxiety |
Lemos et al., 2010, Almeida et al., 2013, Shannon et al., 2016 Crippa et al., 2011, Blessing et al., 2015 |
Cancer |
Rocha et al., 2014, Ramer et al., 2014 |
Cardiovascular diseases |
Durst et al., 2007, Booz 2011 |
Depression |
El-alfy et al., 2010, Hsiao et al., 2012, Shoval et al., 2016 |
Diabetic complications |
Weiss et al., 2006, Rajesh et al., 2010 |
Epilepsy |
Maa 2014, Cilio et al., 2014, Millar et al., 2019 |
Huntington’s disease |
Iuvone et al., 2009, Sagredo et al., 2011 |
Hypoxia ischemia injury |
Pazos et al., 2012, Hayakawa et al., 2007 |
Inflammatory bowel and Chron’s diseases |
Sacerdote et al., 2005, De Flilippis et al,. 2011 |
Inflammatory diseases |
Ribeiro et al., 2012, Mecha et al., 2012 |
Insomnia |
Shannon et al., 2016, Shannon et al., 2019 |
Nausea |
Parker et al., 2002 |
Pain |
Crippa et al., 2015, Gomes et al., 2015, Notcutt et al., 2004 |
Parkinson’s disease |
Zuardi et al., 2009, Khoury et al., 2016 |
Rheumatoid arthritis |
Malfait et al., 2000 |
Schizophrenia |
McGuire et al., 2017, Mannucci et al., 2017 |
These scientific studies presented are not an exhaustive list.
Registered Clinical Trials
There are over 600 clinical trials registered with the Clinical Trials Register[iii] key therapeutic areas are summarised in table 2.
The numbers of clinical trials being assessed is likely to grow as more scientific knowledge becomes available around CBD.
Table 2. Summary of clinical trial’s key therapeutic areas
Therapeutic indication: conditions being assessed* |
Number of ongoing trials approx. |
Parkinson’s disease |
172 |
Pain |
58 |
Epilepsy |
29 |
Cancer |
28 |
Bile duct/ GIT (inflammatory bowel/Chron’s disease) |
20 |
Anxiety and depression |
14 |
Schizophrenia |
13 |
Stroke |
6 |
Autism/Attention Deficit Disorder |
5 |
Alcohol use disorder |
4 |
Rheumatoid Disease |
2 |
Contraception |
2 |
Multiple Sclerosis |
2 |
*Non exhaustive list
Manipulation of a compromised ECS, by the use of exogenous cannabinoids in vivo can constitute as a potential treatment against various disorders as mentioned above.
i Alfulaij, Naghum et al. “Cannabinoids, the Heart of the Matter.” Journal of the American Heart Association vol. 7,14 e009099. 13 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1161/JAHA.118.009099
iii Clinical Trials.org <https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=CBD&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=> accessed 3 June 2020
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