Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids in Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure

Plant glycosides and glycosidases: classification, sources, and therapeutic insights in current medicine

Plant glycosides have a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical activities primarily due to the glycosidic residues present in their structure. Especially, the therapeutic glycosides can be classified into many compounds based on the sugar moiety, chains/ saccharide units, glycosidic linkages, and aglycones. Among many classes, the widely used pharmacological classification is based on the aglycones linked to the glycoside molecule. Based on these non-sugar moiety (aglycones), plant glycosides are further classified into twelve different types of glycosides along with the recent discovery of novel (cannabinoid) glycosides. They are called alcoholic, anthraquinone, coumarin, chromone, cyanogenic, flavonoid, phenolic, cardiac, saponin, thio, steviol, iridoid, and cannabinoid glycosides. Each of the plant glycosides has been discussed in this paper with, origin, structure, and abundant presence in a specific family of plants. Besides, the therapeutic roles of these plant glycosides are further described in detail to validate their efficacies in the human health care system. On the other hand, glycosides are inactive until enzymatic hydrolysis releases their active aglycone, enabling targeted drug delivery. This process enhances aglycone solubility and stability, improving bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. They target specific receptors or enzymes, minimizing off-target effects and enhancing pharmacological outcomes. Derived from plants, glycosides offer diverse chemical structures for drug development. They are integral to traditional medicine and modern pharmaceuticals, utilized in therapies ranging from cardiology to antimicrobial treatments.

Cannabidiol effects in stem cells: A systematic review

Stem cells play a critical role in human tissue regeneration and repair. In addition, cancer stem cells (CSCs), subpopulations of cancer cells sharing similar characteristics as normal stem cells, are responsible for tumor metastasis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy and to tumor relapse. Interestingly, all stem cells have cannabinoid receptors, such as cannabidiol (CBD), that perform biological functions. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of CBD on both somatic stem cells (SSCs) and CSCs. Of the 276 articles analyzed, 38 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 27 studied the effect of CBD on SSCs, finding that 44% focused on CBD differentiation effect and 56% on its protective activity. On the other hand, 11 articles looked at the effect of CBD on CSCs, including glioblastoma (64%), lung cancer (27%), and breast cancer (only one article). Our results showed that CBD exerted a differentiating and protective effect on SCCs. In addition, this molecule demonstrated an antiproliferative effect on some CSCs, although most of the analyses were performed in vitro. Therefore, although in vivo studies should be necessary to justify its clinical use, CBD and its receptors could be a specific target to act on both SSCs and CSCs.

Comparison of Cardioprotective Potential of Cannabidiol and β-Adrenergic Stimulation Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Rat Atria and Ventricular Papillary Muscles

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia is one of the most significant pathogenic factors in cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies suggest that nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and β-adrenoceptor stimulation might possess cardioprotective potential against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The current study evaluates the influence of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) on the function of atria and ventricular papillary muscles in the presence of CBD and the nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (ISO).

METHODS

The concentration curves for ISO were constructed in the presence of CBD (1 µM) before or after H/R. In chronic experiments (CBD 10 mg/kg, 14 days), the left atria isolated from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and their normotensive control (WKY) rats were subjected to H/R following ISO administration.

RESULTS

Hypoxia decreased the rate and force of contractions in all compartments. The right atria were the most resistant to hypoxia regardless of prior β-adrenergic stimulation. Previous β-adrenergic stimulation improved recovery in isolated left atria and right (but not left) papillary muscles. Acute (but not chronic) CBD administration increased the effects of ISO in left atria and right (but not left) papillary muscles. Hypertension accelerates left atrial recovery during reoxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

H/R directly modifies the function of particular cardiac compartments in a manner dependent on cardiac region and β-adrenergic prestimulation. The moderate direct cardioprotective potential of CBD and β-adrenergic stimulation against H/R is dependent on the cardiac region, and it is less than in the whole heart with preserved coronary flow. In clinical terms, our research expands the existing knowledge about the impact of cannabidiol on cardiac ischemia, the world's leading cause of death.

Phytoconstituents with cardioprotective properties: A pharmacological overview on their efficacy against myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is considered one of the most common cardiac diseases and major cause of death worldwide. The prevalence of MI and MI-associated mortality have been increasing in recent years due to poor lifestyle habits viz. residency, obesity, stress, and pollution. Synthetic drugs for the treatment of MI provide good chance of survival; however, the demand to search more safe, effective, and natural drugs is increasing. Plants provide fruitful sources for powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents for prevention and/or treatment of MI. However, many plant extracts lack exact information about their possible dosage, toxicity and drug interactions which may hinder their usefulness as potential treatment options. Phytoconstituents play cardioprotective role by either acting as a prophylactic or adjuvant therapy to the concurrently used synthetic drugs to decrease the dosage or relief the side effects of such drugs. This review highlights the role of different herbal formulations, examples of plant extracts and types of several isolated phytoconstituents (phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, alkaloids, phenyl propanoids) in the prevention of MI with reported activities. Moreover, their possible mechanisms of action are also discussed to guide future research for the development of safer substitutes to manage MI.

Potential perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in cannabis/cannabinoid users. A call for caution

Background

Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances. Its components act through several pathways, producing a myriad of side effects, of which cardiovascular events are the most life-threatening. However, only a limited number of studies address cannabis's perioperative impact on patients during noncardiac surgery.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases using relevant keyword combinations pertinent to the topic.

Results

Current evidence shows that cannabis use may cause several cardiovascular events, including abnormalities in cardiac rhythm, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cerebrovascular events. Additionally, cannabis interacts with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, decreasing their efficacy. Finally, the interplay of cannabis with inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents may lead to adverse perioperative cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusions

The use of cannabis can trigger cardiovascular events that may depend on factors such as the duration of consumption, the route of administration of the drug, and the dose consumed, which places these patients at risk of drug-drug interactions with anesthetic agents. However, large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to further elucidate gaps in the body of knowledge regarding which patient population has a greater risk of perioperative complications after cannabis consumption.

Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Effect of Cannabidiol Against Enveloped and Nonenveloped Viruses

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the Cannabis sativa plant, is a powerful antioxidant compound that in recent years has increased interest due to causes effects in a wide range of biological functions. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a virus transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which causes neurological diseases, such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Although the frequency of viral outbreaks has increased recently, no vaccinations or particular chemotherapeutic treatments are available for ZIKV infection. Objectives: The major aim of this study was to explore the in vitro antiviral activity of CBD against ZIKV, expanding also to other dissimilar viruses. Materials and Methods: Cell cultures were infected with enveloped and nonenveloped viruses and treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations of CBD and then, viral titers were determined. Additionally, the mechanism of action of the compound during ZIKV in vitro infections was studied. To study the possible immunomodulatory role of CBD, infected and uninfected Huh-7 cells were exposed to 10 μM CBD during 48 h and levels of interleukins 6 and 8 and interferon-beta (IFN-β) expression levels were measured. On the other hand, the effect of CBD on cellular membranes was studied. For this, an immunofluorescence assay was performed, in which cell membranes were labeled with wheat germ agglutinin. Finally, intracellular cholesterol levels were measured. Results: CBD exhibited a potent antiviral activity against all the tested viruses in different cell lines with half maximal effective concentration values (CE50) ranging from 0.87 to 8.55 μM. Regarding the immunomodulatory effect of CBD during ZIKV in vitro infections, CBD-treated cells exhibited significantly IFN-β increased levels, meanwhile, interleukins 6 and 8 were not induced. Furthermore, it was determined that CBD affects cellular membranes due to the higher fluorescence intensity that was observed in CBD-treated cells and lowers intracellular cholesterol levels, thus affecting the multiplication of ZIKV and other viruses. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that CBD inhibits structurally dissimilar viruses, suggesting that this phytochemical has broad-spectrum antiviral effect, representing a valuable alternative in emergency situations during viral outbreaks, like the one caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in 2020.

The putative cannabinoid-secreting trichome of Trema micrantha (L.) Blume (Cannabaceae)

Trema, a genus of the popularly known Cannabaceae, has recently been the subject of cannabinoid bioprospection. T. micrantha is a tree with pharmacological potential widely used in folk medicine. It has two types of glandular trichomes, bulbous and filiform, spread throughout the plant body. Considering the proximity of this species to Cannabis sativa and Trema orientalis, species containing cannabinoids, the glandular trichomes of T. micrantha are also expected to be related to the secretion of these compounds. Thus, this study aims to detail the morphology of secretory trichomes during the synthesis, storing and release of metabolites in T. micrantha. We tested the proposition that they could be a putative type of cannabinoid-secreting gland. Pistillate and staminate flowers and leaves were collected and processed for ontogenic, histochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Both types of glandular trichomes originate from a protodermal cell. They are putative cannabinoid-secreting sites because: (1) terpene-phenols and, more specifically, cannabinoids were detected in situ; (2) their secretory subcellular apparatus is consistent with that found in C. sativa: modified plastids, polyribosomes, an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum, and a moniliform smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Plastids and smooth endoplasmic reticulum are involved in the synthesis of terpenes, while the rough endoplasmic reticulum acts in the phenolic synthesis. These substances cross the plasma membrane by exocytosis and are released outside the trichome through cuticle pores. The study of the cell biology of the putative cannabinoid glands can promote the advancement of prospecting for natural products in plants.

Cannabidiol represses miR-143 to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration after myocardial infarction

Mammalian heart is capable to regenerate almost completely early after birth through endogenous cardiomyocyte proliferation. However, this regenerative capacity diminishes gradually with growth and is nearly lost in adulthood. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major component of cannabis and has various biological activities to regulate oxidative stress, fibrosis, inflammation, and cell death. The present study was conducted to investigate the pharmacological effects of CBD on heart regeneration in post-MI mice. MI models in adult mice were constructed via coronary artery ligation, which were administrated with or without CBD. Our results demonstrate that systemic administration (10 mg/kg) of CBD markedly increased cardiac regenerative ability, reduced infarct size, and restored cardiac function in MI mice. Consistently, in vitro study also showed that CBD was able to promote the proliferation of neonatal cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, the expression of miR-143-3p related to cardiomyocyte proliferation was significantly down-regulated in CBD-treated cardiomyocytes, while the overexpression of miR-143-3p inhibited cardiomyocyte mitosis and eliminated CBD-induced cardiomyocyte proliferation. Moreover, CBD enhanced the expression of Yap and Ctnnd1, which were demonstrated as the target genes of miR-143-3p. Silencing of Yap and Ctnnd1 hindered the proliferative effects of CBD. We further revealed that inhibition of the cannabinoid receptor 2 impeded the regulatory effect of CBD on miR-143-3p and its downstream target Yap/Ctnnd1, which ultimately eliminated the pro-proliferative effect of CBD on neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes. Taken together, CBD promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration after MI via miR-143-3p/Yap/Ctnnd1 signaling pathway, which provides a new strategy for cardiac repair in adult myocardium.

Cannabis use and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Association between cannabis use and development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is inconsistent and challenging to interpret, given existing study limitations.

METHODS

Sixty five independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), obtained from a genome-wide association study on lifetime cannabis use, were employed as genetic instruments to estimate the effects of genetically indexed cannabis use on risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute ischemic stroke (IS) using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Summary statistics on CAD (CARDIoGRAMplusC4D; 60,801 cases and 123,504 controls) and IS (MEGASTROKE; 34,217 cases and 406,111 controls) were obtained separately. A comprehensive review of the observational literature on cannabis use and CAD or IS was also performed and contrasted with MR results.

RESULTS

There was no causal effect of cannabis use on the risk of CAD (odds ratio (OR) per ever-users vs. never-users 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.83 to 1.03) or IS (OR 1.05; 95%CI, 0.93 to 1.19). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results, and no heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy was observed. Our meta-analysis of observational studies showed no significant association between ever use of cannabis with risk of CAD (k = 6 studies; ORpooled = 1.23, 95%CI 0.78 to 1.69), nor with IS (k = 6 studies; ORpooled = 1.22, 95%CI 0.95 to 1.50).

CONCLUSION

Using a genetic approach approximating a clinical trial does not provide evidence consistent with a causal effect of genetic predisposition to cannabis use on CAD or IS development. Further studies are needed to replicate our findinds, an to investigate more precisely the risk of ASCVD in relation to the quantity, type, route of administration, or the age at exposure to cannabis.

Therapeutic effect of cannabidiol on myocardial arachidonic acid content in various lipid fractions in a rat model of obesity

The study explored the potential protective influence of cannabidiol (CBD) on myocardial inflammation state, with a special focus on arachidonic acid (AA), and oxidative balance in lipid overload conditions. The 7-week experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats receiving standard or high-fat diet (HFD) with intraperitoneal CBD injections for the last 14 days. The n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) activities and AA concentration in selected fractions were evaluated by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The expression of proteins was determined by Western blot and the concentration of different parameters by ELISA, colorimetric, or multiplex assay kits. Our results revealed that CBD increased n-3 PUFAs activity in phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions, and decreased AA content in the HFD group, especially in the phospholipid pool. Simultaneously, CBD decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase-1, and - 2, resulting in the reduction of prostaglandin E2 and the increment of prostaglandin I2. CBD appears to be relatively safe for the treatment of obesity-induced heart disease, as it has anti-inflammatory and partially antioxidative properties.

Cannabidiol Alleviates Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis by Maintaining Mitochondrial Dynamic Balance and Energy Metabolic Homeostasis

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a fluorine-containing organic compound, can be widely detected in the environment and living organisms. Accumulating evidence has shown that PFOS breaks through different biological barriers resulting in cardiac toxicity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid without potential adverse cardiotoxicity and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce multiorgan damage and dysfunction. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to research how PFOS caused heart injury and whether CBD could attenuate PFOS-induced heart injury. Mice were fed PFOS (5 mg/kg) and/or CBD (10 mg/kg) in vivo. In vitro, H9C2 cells were intervened with PFOS (200 μM) and/or CBD (10 μM). After PFOS exposure, oxidative stress levels and the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related markers increased distinctly, accompanied by mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and energy metabolism disorders in mouse heart and H9C2 cells. Moreover, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and Hoechst 33258 staining signaled that the number of apoptotic cells increased after exposure to PFOS. Noteworthy, CBD simultaneous treatment alleviated a series of damages caused by PFOS-mediated oxidative stress. Our results demonstrated that CBD could alleviate PFOS-induced mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and energy metabolism disorder causing cardiomyocyte apoptosis by improving the antioxidant capacity, suggesting that CBD may represent a novel cardioprotective strategy against PFOS-induced cardiotoxicity. Our findings facilitate the understanding of the cardiotoxic effects of PFOS and the important role of CBD in protecting cardiac health.

How do phytocannabinoids affect cardiovascular health? An update on the most common cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes millions of deaths worldwide each year. Despite the great progress in therapies available for patients with CVD, some limitations, including drug complications, still exist. Hence, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was proposed as a new avenue for CVDs treatment. The ECS components are widely distributed through the body, including the heart and blood vessels, thus the action of its endogenous and exogenous ligands, in particular, phytocannabinoids play a key role in various pathological states. The cardiovascular action of cannabinoids is complex as they affect vasculature and myocardium directly via specific receptors and exert indirect effects through the central and peripheral nervous system. The growing interest in phytocannabinoid studies, however, has extended the knowledge about their molecular targets as well as therapeutical properties; nonetheless, some areas of their actions are not yet fully recognized. Researchers have reported various cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol, as a promising approach to CVDs; hence, the purpose of this review is to summarize and update the cardiovascular actions of the most potent phytocannabinoids and the potential therapeutic role of ECS in CVDs, including ischemic reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, heart failure as well as hypertension.

Cannabis Use and Heart Transplantation: Disparities and Opportunities to Improve Outcomes

Heart transplantation (HT) remains the optimal therapy for many patients with advanced heart failure. Use of substances of potential abuse has historically been a contraindication to HT. Decriminalization of cannabis, increasing cannabis use, clinician biases, and lack of consensus for evaluating patients with heart failure who use cannabis all have the potential to exacerbate racial and ethnic and regional disparities in HT listing and organ allocation. Here' we review pertinent pre-HT and post-HT considerations related to cannabis use' and relative attitudes between opiates and cannabis are offered for context. We conclude with identifying unmet research needs pertaining to the use of cannabis in HT that can inform a standardized evaluation process.

Why Multitarget Vasodilatory (Endo)cannabinoids are Not Effective as Antihypertensive Compounds after Chronic Administration: Comparison of Their Effects on Systemic and Pulmonary Hypertension

Systemic and pulmonary hypertension are multifactorial, high-pressure diseases. The first one is a civilizational condition, and the second one is characterized by a very high mortality rate. Searching for new therapeutic strategies is still an important task. (Endo)cannabinoids, known for their strong vasodilatory properties, have been proposed as possible drugs for different types of hypertension. Unfortunately, our review, in which we summarized all publications found in the PubMed database regarding chronic administration of (endo)cannabinoids in experimental models of systemic and pulmonary hypertension, does not confirm any encouraging suggestions, being based mainly on in vitro and acute in vivo experiments. We considered vasodilator or blood pressure (BP) responses and cardioprotective, anti-oxidative, and the anti-inflammatory effects of particular compounds and their influence on the endocannabinoid system. We found that multitarget (endo)cannabinoids failed to modify higher BP in systemic hypertension since they induced responses leading to decreased and increased BP. In contrast, multitarget cannabidiol and monotarget ligands effectively treated pulmonary and systemic hypertension, respectively. To summarize, based on the available literature, only (endo)cannabinoids with a defined site of action are recommended as potential antihypertensive compounds in systemic hypertension, whereas both mono- and multitarget compounds may be effective in pulmonary hypertension.

Activation of the endocannabinoid system mediates cardiac hypertrophy induced by rosiglitazone

Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a synthetic agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), which plays a central role in the regulation of metabolism. Meta-analyses have suggested that RSG is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. However, the mechanisms underlying such adverse cardiac effects are still poorly understood. Here, we found that activation of PPARγ by RSG stimulated the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a membrane lipid signaling system, which induced cardiac hypertrophy. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, RSG increased the level of anandamide (AEA); upregulated the expression of N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NapePLD), a key enzyme for AEA synthesis; and downregulated the expression of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for the degradation of AEA. Importantly, PPARγ activation increased the expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) through an identified binding site for PPARγ in the CB1 promoter region. Moreover, both the in vitro and in vivo results showed that inhibition of the ECS by rimonabant, an antagonist of CB1, attenuated RSG-induced cardiac hypertrophy, as indicated by decreased expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers (ANP and BNP), deactivation of the mTOR pathway, and decreased cardiomyocyte size. Thus, these results demonstrated that the ECS functions as a novel target of PPARγ and that the AEA/CB1/mTOR axis mediates RSG-induced cardiac remodeling.

Benefits, toxicity and current market of cannabidiol in edibles

The commercialization of products with cannabidiol (CBD) has undergone a significant increase. These products can be presented in different forms such as baked goods, gummies or beverages (such as kombucha, beer or teas, among others) using wide concentrations ranges. The use of CBD in edibles favors its consumption, for medicinal users, during the work week, avoid its possible social stigma and facilitates its transport. These products can be purchased on store shelves and online. There is a large number of specialized studies, in which the possible advantages of CBD consumption are described in the preclinical and clinical trials. It is also necessary to recognize the existence of other works revealing that the excessive consumption of CBD could have some repercussions on health. In this review, it is analyzed the composition and properties of Cannabis sativa L., the health benefits of cannabinoids (focusing on CBD), its consumption, its possible toxicological effects, a brief exposition of the extraction process, and a collection of different products that contain CBD in its composition.

Drugs of Abuse and Heart Failure

Substance use is common among those with heart failure (HF) and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine are commonly abused substances that can contribute to the development and worsening of HF. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, whereas moderate intake may decrease incident HF. Tobacco increases the risk of HF through coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease-independent mechanisms. Continued smoking worsens outcomes for those with HF and cessation is associated with an improved risk of major adverse cardiac events. Cannabis has complex interactions on the cardiovascular system depending on the method of consumption, amount consumed, and content of cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol can increase sympathetic tone, cause vascular dysfunction, and may increase the risk of myocardial infarction. Cannabidiol is cardioprotective in preclinical studies and is a potential therapeutic target. Cocaine increases sympathetic tone and is a potent proarrhythmogenic agent. It increases the risk of myocardial infarction and can also lead to a dilated cardiomyopathy. The use of beta-blockers in those with HF and cocaine use is likely safe and effective. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the impact of these substances both on the development of HF and their effects on those who have HF.

A narrative review of the ethnomedicinal usage of Cannabis sativa Linnaeus as traditional phytomedicine by folk medicine practitioners of Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

There is a worldwide interest in the use of Cannabis sativa for biomedicine purposes. Cannabis has ethnomedicinal usage as a natural medicine in Bangladesh and cultivated during the British Empire period for revenues.

OBJECTIVE

Folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) from different districts of Bangladesh have been using Cannabis sativa, but until now there have not been any compiled studies particularly regarding this practice. Hence, this review is an effort to retrieve the traditional usage of Cannabis sativa as a phytomedicine from published ethnomedicinal studies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Information was searched by using the search terms "ethnomedicinal Cannabis sativa and Bangladesh"; "Bangladesh cannabaceae and ethnomedicinal survey"; "ganja, bhang and folk medicine Bangladesh"; "tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid and therapeutic, clinical trial"; and "cannabis and pharmacological/biological" and retrieved from ethnobotanical articles available on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. A search of the relevant scientific literature also was conducted to assess the efficacy of the ethnomedicinal usage of Cannabis sativa.

RESULTS

While reviewing over 200 ethnomedicinal plants' survey articles, we found that FMPs of Bangladesh from 12 different districts used Cannabis sativa to treat cited ailments like sleep-associated problems (n=5), neuropsychiatric and CNS problems (n=5), and infections and respiratory problems (n=5) followed by rheumatism, gastrointestinal, gynecological (n=4 each), cancer, sexual, and other ailments including hypertension, headache, itch, increases bile secretion, abortifacient, dandruff, fever, and urinary problems (n=1 each). There are a total of 15 formulations identified from the 11 out of 18 ethnomedicinal plant survey reports. The leaf was the main plant part used (53.8%), followed by root (23%), seed (7.7%) and flower, inflorescence, resin, and all parts 3.8% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sales and cultivation of Cannabis are illegal at present in Bangladesh, but the use of Cannabis sativa as a natural phytomedicine has been practiced traditionally by folk medicine practitioners of Bangladesh for many years and validated through relevant pharmacological justification. Although Cannabis sativa possesses ethnomedicinal properties in the folk medicine of Bangladesh, it is, furthermore, needed to conduct biological research to consolidate pharmacological justification about the prospects and challenges of Cannabis and cannabinoids' use in Bangladesh as safer biomedicine in the future.

Ndufs1 Deficiency Aggravates the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Dysfunction in Pressure Overload-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been suggested to be the key factor in the development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy. The onset of mitochondrial dysfunction and the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiac hypertrophy (CH) are incompletely understood. The present study is based on the use of multiple bioinformatics analyses for the organization and analysis of scRNA-seq and microarray datasets from a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model to examine the potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of CH. The results showed that NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1- (Ndufs1-) dependent mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in pressure overload-induced CH. Furthermore, in vivo animal studies using a TAC mouse model of CH showed that Ndufs1 expression was significantly downregulated in hypertrophic heart tissue compared to that in normal controls. In an in vitro model of angiotensin II- (Ang II-) induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, Ang II treatment significantly downregulated the expression of Ndufs1 in cardiomyocytes. In vitro mechanistic studies showed that Ndufs1 knockdown induced CH; decreased the mitochondrial DNA content, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial mass; and increased the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, Ang II treatment upregulated the expression levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and myosin heavy chain beta; decreased the mitochondrial DNA content, MMP, and mitochondrial mass; and increased mitochondrial ROS production in cardiomyocytes. The Ang II-mediated effects were significantly attenuated by overexpression of Ndufs1 in rat cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate downregulation of Ndufs1 in hypertrophic heart tissue, and the results of mechanistic studies suggest that Ndufs1 deficiency may cause mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes, which may be associated with the development and progression of CH.