A recent literature review published in the journal Cells by explores the multifaceted therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
This non-psychotropic compound, found in Cannabis sativa, has demonstrated promising modulatory effects across various bodily systems, including the central nervous and immune systems.
The review, conducted by researchers from the University of Toledo, the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and Tulane University School of Medicine, highlights CBD’s ability to interact with multiple receptors—both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid—while also exhibiting antioxidant properties that function independently of these receptors. These interactions play a crucial role in influencing intestinal permeability, the microbiome, immune cells, and cytokines, making CBD a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The review includes findings from both pre-clinical animal studies and human clinical trials, with researchers suggesting that CBD’s influence extends beyond gut health. Researchers found that CBD’s interactions with the gut could also have beneficial effects on non-gastrointestinal conditions such as non-alcoholic liver disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and postmenopausal disorders. The study emphasizes the need for more mechanistic research and well-designed clinical trials to fully understand CBD’s actions and to harness its therapeutic potential through the gut.
“CBD has exhibited modulatory effects on both the intestinal barrier permeability and the gut microbiome”, states the study. “In addition, CBD has displayed therapeutic potential for the treatment of GI disorders such as IBD. Furthermore, CBD may produce therapeutic effects on diseases outside the GI system by regulating gut–liver, gut–bone, and gut–brain axes.”
Below is the study’s full abstract. The full text of the study can be found by clicking here.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid that exists in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD has been found to act on various receptors, including both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors. In addition, CBD has antioxidant effects that are independent of receptors. CBD has demonstrated modulatory effects at different organ systems, such as the central nervous system, immune system, and the gastrointestinal system. Due to its broad effects within the body and its safety profile, CBD has become a topic of therapeutic interest. This literature review summarizes previous research findings with regard to the effect of CBD on the gastrointestinal (GI) system, including its effects at the molecular, cellular, organ, and whole-body levels. Both pre-clinical animal studies and human clinical trials are reviewed. The results of the studies included in this literature review suggest that CBD has significant impact on intestinal permeability, the microbiome, immune cells and cytokines. As a result, CBD has been shown to have therapeutic potential for GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, through interactions with the gut, CBD may also be helpful in the treatment of disorders outside the GI system, such as non-alcoholic liver disease, postmenopausal disorders, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In the future, more mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of action of CBD in the gut. In addition, more well-designed clinical trials are needed to explore the full therapeutic potential of CBD on and through the gut.
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