Practical considerations for testing the effects of cannabidiol on human anxiety

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cannabidiol (CBD), as one of the phytocannabinoids, has a wide range of therapeutic properties for various neuropsychiatric disorders due to central nervous system effects. These therapeutic properties demonstrated by preclinical and clinical studies encompass more than just anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antiemetic, antipsychotic and neuroprotective effects. It has been hypothesized that CBD holds potential in the treatment of various neuropsychiatric and anxiety disorders. Thus, PRISMA was used as a guide for our systematic review. Eight of the 1550 articles screened in June 2023 were eligible for meta-analysis. Based on the 316 participants included in these eight articles, this meta-analysis revealed a substantial significant impact of CBD on anxiety with a considerable effect size (Hedges' g = -0.92, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.04). In addition, this meta-analysis focuses on the efficacy of CBD in treating anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, caution should be exercised in interpreting our findings due to the limited size of the clinical sample, and additional trials ought to be carried out if deemed necessary.

Potency analysis of twelve cannabinoids in industrial hemp via ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

With an increasing appreciation for the unique pharmacological properties associated with distinct, individual cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa, there is demand for accurate and reliable quantification for a growing number of them. In this study, we developed rapid, sensitive, selective, accurate, and validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of cannabinoids.

METHODS

Crushed industrial hemp flower and leaf sample was extracted by 95% methanol aqueous, sonicated for 30 min. UPLC-MS/MS analysis using Waters Acquity BEH-C18 column and electrospray ionization(ESI) mass spectrometry detector.

RESULTS

The method was validated to demonstrate its reproducibility and precision, linearity, recovery investigation, and investigation of matrix effect. The concentration-response relationship for all analyzed cannabinoids were linear with R2 values >0.99, with intra- and inter-day precision and relative errors below 12%. The recovery and matrix effect were measured as 66.1%-104.1% and 70.42%-110.75%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study established a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous and rapid quantitative determination of twelve cannabinoids in industrial hemp flowers and leaves in 11 min. The method was used to analyze 43 industrial hemp flower and leaf samples, with the data being statistically analyzed. Based on the statistical analysis of the cannabinoids, hemp from different regions and different varieties were well distinguished by the PLS-DA model, with the main contributing substances being cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Biochemical challenges for testing novel anti-panic drugs in humans

Current medications for panic disorder each carry significant limitations that indicate the need for novel anxiolytics. The high costs and low success rates of drug development demand that testing trials be efficient. Lab panicogenic challenges in humans allow for the rapid biochemical induction of panic symptoms and hence an efficient means of testing potential anti-panic drugs. This paper describes ideal characteristics of lab panicogens, reviews the validity and utility of various biochemical panicogenic agents, identifies key outcome measures for studies of novel anti-panic drugs, and makes broad recommendations for labs wishing to perform such studies. We conclude by presenting a four-tiered hierarchy of panicogens that matches each against ideal characteristics and reflects our recommendations for their laboratory use.

The effects of acute versus repeated cannabidiol administration on trauma-relevant emotional reactivity: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Despite the widespread use and perceived efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) as an anxiolytic, few controlled studies have evaluated the effects of CBD on anxiety-relevant indications, and only one has done so in the context of trauma-related symptoms. The current study was designed to address this gap in the literature. Participants were 42 trauma-exposed individuals (Mage = 23.12 years, SDage = 6.61) who endorsed elevated stress. They were randomly assigned to take 300 mg of oral CBD or placebo daily for 1 week. Acute (i.e., following an initial 300 mg dose) and repeated (i.e., following 1 week of daily 300 mg dosing) effects of CBD were evaluated in relation to indicators of anxious arousal (i.e., anxiety, distress, heart rate) in response to idiographic trauma script presentation. The results of the current study suggest that relative to placebo, 300 mg CBD did not significantly reduce anxiety, B = 13.37, t(37) = 1.71, p = .096, d = 0.09, Bayes factor (BF10) = 0.54; distress, B = 15.20, t(37) = 1.31, p = .197, d = 0.07, BF10 = 0.51; or heart rate, B = -1.09, t(36) = -0.32, p = .755, d = 0.02, BF10 = 0.29, evoked by idiographic trauma script presentation in the context of acute or repeated administration. These data suggest that CBD may not effectively reduce trauma-relevant emotional arousal; however, more work is needed to confidently assert such claims due to the small sample size. The current study extends the groundwork for additional studies in this important area.

Terpenes and cannabidiol against human corona and influenza viruses-Anti-inflammatory and antiviral in vitro evaluation

The activity of the terpenes and Cannabidiol (CBD) against human coronavirus (HCoV) strain OC43 and influenza A (H1N1) was evaluated in human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells). Also, we examined whether these ingredients inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The tested preparations exhibited both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. The combination of terpenes was effective against both HCoV-OC43 and influenza A (H1N1) virus. The addition of CBD improved the antiviral activity in some, but not all cases. This variation in activity may suggest an antiviral mechanism. In addition, there was a strong correlation between the quantitative results from a cell-viability assay and the cytopathic effect after 72 h, as observed under a microscope. The anti-inflammatory properties of terpenes were demonstrated using a pro-inflammatory cytokine-inhibition assay, which revealed significant cytokine inhibition and enhanced by the addition of CBD.

Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from Cannabis sativa, has gained remarkable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This thorough analysis explores the increasing significance of CBD in treating neurological conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, which present major healthcare concerns on a worldwide scale. Despite the lack of available therapies, CBD has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological effects in preclinical and clinical studies, making it an intriguing competitor. This review brings together the most recent findings on the endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter systems, as well as anti-inflammatory pathways, that underlie CBD's modes of action. Synthesized efficacy and safety assessments for a range of neurological illnesses are included, covering human trials, in vitro studies, and animal models. The investigation includes how CBD could protect neurons, control neuroinflammation, fend off oxidative stress, and manage neuronal excitability. This study emphasizes existing clinical studies and future possibilities in CBD research, addressing research issues such as regulatory complications and contradicting results, and advocates for further investigation of therapeutic efficacy and ideal dose methodologies. By emphasizing CBD's potential to improve patient well-being, this investigation presents a revised viewpoint on its suitability as a therapeutic intervention for neurological illnesses.

The effects of cannabidiol on worry and anxiety among high trait worriers: a double-blind, randomized placebo controlled trial

RATIONALE

Evidence suggests cannabidiol (CBD) displays broad therapeutic potential in the context of anxiety; however, no study has examined the effects of CBD on worry, a defining, cognitive feature of anxiety. Additionally, no study has examined the effects of an acute, single dose of CBD compared to repeated CBD administration.

OBJECTIVES

Within a sample of 63 individuals with elevated trait worry, the current study aimed to assess the effects of an empirically-derived high dose of CBD (i.e., 300mg) compared to a commercially-derived dose of CBD (i.e., 50mg) versus placebo on worry severity and anxiety symptoms after an acute dose and after a 2-week administration period.

RESULTS

Results indicated no effect of acute CBD dosing on worry severity or anxiety symptoms. Repeated CBD administration similarly did not impact worry severity; however, 300mg of CBD reduced anxiety symptoms across the 2-week administration period compared to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggest 300mg of oral CBD does not attenuate cognitive symptoms of anxiety (i.e., worry), following both acute and repeated administration. Some evidence for repeated administration of 300mg on physical symptoms of anxiety was obtained. Findings from the current study suggest CBD's modest anxiolytic effects may be specific to the physical aspects of anxious arousal.