Cardiovascular System
The heart, the blood & the cannabinoids
Best reviews
2022: This review looks at the potential of CBD for treating cardiovascular diseases
The Potential of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
https://www.sciresliterature.org/Cardiovascular/IJCDD-ID47.pdf
2021: This review looks at CBD, the ECS & heart disease
The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol: Past, Present, and Prospective for Cardiovascular Diseases
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/9/936
2021: An overview of how the cannabinoids may help with heart diseases
An overview on plants cannabinoids endorsed with cardiovascular effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34332376/
2017: A review from an endocannabinoid hero, Dr. Cecilia Hillard, on all of the studies that have been done relating the levels of endocannabinoids in your blood to your health status
Circulating Endocannabinoids: From Whence Do They Come and Where are They Going?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28653665/
2021: A review of how the ECS is involved in the development of blood cells, the immune system in the brain & neuroinflammation
Endocannabinoid system: Role in blood cell development, neuroimmune interactions and associated disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016557282100028X
2020: A review of how the ECS helps with metabolic syndrome & the related cardiovascular problems
Cannabinoids in Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiac Fibrosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33089434/
2020: A review of why it makes sense to use CBD for heart problems
Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids in Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33194003/
2020: This meta-review suggests targeting the ECS for the heart problems related to obesity
Therapeutic Interventions of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Dysfunction
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-030-47336-5_14
2020: Clinical review of how changing the ECS system affects heart therapies
Key Aspects to Consider about Beneficial and Harmful Effects on the Central Nervous System by the Endocannabinoid Modulation Linked to New Cardiovascular Therapies
http://www.remedypublications.com/annals-of-pharmacology-and-pharmaceutics-abstract.php?aid=5519
2020: For the heart, this meta-review touches on the many positive effects of CBD that have been seen in experimental models of heart disease as well as its general safety profile for the heart
The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32937917/
2020: This meta-review looks at the role of the ECS in the heart & the potential for targeting the ECS for diseases of the heart
Naturally Occurring Cannabinoids and their Role in Modulation of Cardiovascular Health
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32677481/
2019: This review found that “CBD can protect against cardiac injuries, mainly through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects on the basis of non-clinical studies”
The protective mechanism of cannabidiol in cardiac injury: A systematic review of non-clinical studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31291873
Chart Gallery
2020: The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
2020: The positive and negative cardiovascular effects of cannabis
2017: Cannabinoids in the Cardiovascular System
2020: The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
Timeline of Research
2022: In men with HIV who used cannabis, they had lower levels of proteins linked to heart disease risk
Plasma C-reactive protein is lower among marijuana using HIV-negative individuals but not among persons living with HIV
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33649360/
2022: In mice, a combination of CBD & swimming training protected their hearts
Effect of eight weeks of swimming training and consumption of CBD oil on the expression of NF-kB and 5HT1A genes in heart tissue of rats with myocardial infraction
https://ebnesina.ajaums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=986&sid=1&slc_lang=en
2022: In a rat model of obesity, CBD treatment protected their hearts via several measures
Cannabidiol Downregulates Myocardial de Novo Ceramide Synthesis Pathway in a Rat Model of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35216351/
2022: In heart cells stressed by high levels of glucose (a model of diabetes), CBD protected them from arrythmia & cytotoxicity via inhibition of the sodium channels
Cannabidiol protects against high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32077098/
2021: In rats with heart problems, chronic treatment with CBD protected their aorta & small arteries
Vasoprotective Endothelial Effects of Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment and Its Influence on the Endocannabinoid System in Rats with Primary and Secondary Hypertension
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/11/1120
2021: In a mouse model of heart failure, CBD nanoparticles protected against the formation of scar tissue
Cannabidiol Loaded Nanoparticles Exhibit an Anti-Fibrotic Effect in a Mouse Model of Non-Ischemic Heart Failure
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.10708
2021: In rats poisoned by aluminum phosphide (a common pesticide that causes toxicity in humans across the world), CBD protected their hearts from the usual damage, restored mitochondrial function (powerhouse of the cell) & prevented heart cell death
Modification of the hemodynamic and molecular features of phosphine, a potent mitochondrial toxicant in the heart, by cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34711111/
2021: In rat heart tissue, THC protected the heart from the negative effects of toxic gas
Inhibition of Mitochondria Permeability Transition Pore and Antioxidant Effect of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Reduces Aluminum Phosphide-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cytotoxicity
2021: In mice with no CB1 receptor, researchers found that the CB1 receptor helped the smooth muscle of the heart to relax during its dilation phase & that during an infarct (a small area of dead tissue due to lack of blood flow), mice with no CB1 receptors had larger areas of dead tissue
Impaired vessel relaxation response and increased infarct size in smooth muscle cannabinoid receptor 1 knockout mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34655603/
2021: In rats with heart problems from diabetes, a combination of CB2 activation & L-arginine decreased oxidative stress, reduced inflammation & protected the heart
CB2 receptor agonist and L- arginine combination attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats via NF-ĸβ inhibition
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34860602/
2021: A study "provides evidence supporting an association between recent cannabis use and history of [myocardial infarction] in young adults"
Recent cannabis use and myocardial infarction in young adults: a cross-sectional study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34493564/
2021: In rats given ZnO nanoparticles (a treatment for cancer & diabetes), it modified the response of their hearts to the cannabinoid receptors
ZnO Nanoparticles Induce Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerotic Lesions Leading to Changes in Vascular Contractility and Cannabinoid Receptors Expression as Well as Increased Blood Pressure
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/11/9/2319
2021: In mice undergoing swimming training, consuming CBD oil improved their heart’s markers for MAPK & PPARα gene expression while showing that the interventions of CBD & swimming combined worked better than either method alone
Effect of Eight Weeks of Swimming Training and CBD Oil Consumption on MAPK, Pparα Gene Expression in the Heart Tissue of Myocardial Infarction Rats
https://www.jorjanijournal.goums.ac.ir/article-1-840-en.html
2021: In a rat’s aorta, the drug affinin (a painkiller with a structure similar to anandamide) appears to act via the CB1, TRPV1 & TRPA1 receptors to cause vasodilation in the heart
Endothelial TRP channels and cannabinoid receptors are involved in affinin-induced vasodilation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34237389/
2021: In humans with Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (a rare genetic disorder leading to fatal adult scarring of the heart), treatment with MRI-1867 (a dual inhibitor of the CB1 receptor & enzyme that creates the signaling molecule nitric oxide) prevented heart scarring & revered dysfunction of the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell)
CB1R and iNOS are distinct players promoting pulmonary fibrosis in Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8255071/
2021: In a rat model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion (the return of blood flow to the heart after a heart attack), pretreatment with CBD protected the heart from damage
Cannabidiol-mediated RISK PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways decreasing reperfusion myocardial damage
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176244/
2021: In diabetic mice, injections of 2-AG protected their hearts from the cardiac pathology of the disease
2-Arachidonoylglycerol Attenuates Fibrosis in Diabetic Mice via the TGF-β1/Smad Pathway
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr344998
2021: In mice with heart disease, CBD caused less inflammation, lower levels of reactive oxygen species & protection of the mitochondria
Cannabidiol attenuates pulmonary arterial hypertension by improving vascular smooth muscle cells mitochondrial function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33859746/
2021: In mice with their left carotid artery tied off, a combination of PEA & rutin (a helpful plant pigment) reduces inflammation, oxidative stress & vascular damage
Micro Composite Palmitoylethanolamide/Rutin Reduces Vascular Injury through Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-kB Pathways
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33781184/
2021: In humans with a valve disease of the heart, the endocannabinoid system is suggested as a potential target to limit disease progression
Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Modulation of the Inflammatory Reaction in Aortic Valve Degeneration
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0041-1725674
2021: In rats, β-Caryophyllene (usually the most common terpene in hemp) protects the heart from cardiotoxicity of a widely used chemotherapy drug via the CB2 receptor
β-Caryophyllene, a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene attenuates doxorubicin-induced chronic cardiotoxicity via activation of myocardial cannabinoid type-2 (CB 2) receptors in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30836069/
2021: In rats, activating the CB2 receptor protects the heart during a model of a heart attack
AM1241 alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by enhancing Pink1/Parkin-mediated autophagy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33607150/
2021: In megakaryocyte cells (the bone marrow cells that produce platelets), the endocannabinoid virodhamine helps to control the differentiation process via the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell)
Virodhamine, an endocannabinoid, induces megakaryocyte differentiation by regulating MAPK activity and function of mitochondria
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32696508/
2021: In rat arteries, CBD lessened contraction in the small arteries but not the large ones
Cannabidiol selectively inhibits the contraction of rat small resistance arteries: Possible role for CGRP and voltage-gated calcium channels
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299920308591
2020: In a mouse model of cardiomyopathy, the liver-heart axis is heavily involved & a CB2 agonist seems to help
Interplay of Liver-Heart Inflammatory Axis and Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Signaling in an Experimental Model of Hepatic Cardiomyopathy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31469200/
2020: In heart preparations from rabbits & guinea-pigs, they looked at the effects of CBD
The electrophysiological effect of cannabidiol on hERG current and in guinea-pig and rabbit cardiac preparations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32999428/
2020: In rats, CBD lowered hypertension of the heart
Cannabidiol Ameliorates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32992900/
2020: In mammal heart preparations, high levels of CBD altered the electrophysiology
The electrophysiological effect of cannabidiol on hERG current and in guinea-pig and rabbit cardiac preparations
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73165-2
2020: In rabbit hearts, CBD affected several of the ion channels causing a shorter action potential & slightly decreased amplitude
Cannabidiol inhibits multiple cardiac ion channels and shortens ventricular action potential duration in vitro
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299920306348
2020: In endothelial cells (those that line your blood vessels), CBD helped them to survive via heme oxygenase-1, an enzyme that helps to regulate programmed cellular suicide
Cannabidiol Promotes Endothelial Cell Survival by Heme Oxygenase-1-Mediated Autophagy
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/9/7/1703
2020: In alcoholic mice, activating the CB2 receptor protects the heart from damage
Pharmacological activation of CB2 receptor protects against ethanol-induced myocardial injury related to RIP1/RIP3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32681290/
2020: In rats exposed to the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin, CB2 activation protected the heart against inflammation & scarring (fibrosis)
Effects of cannabinoid receptor 2 synthetic agonist, AM1241, on bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10520295.2020.1758343
2020: In this clinical trial, they found that the benefits of flaxseed oil for your heart seems to be mediated by the ECS
Effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition and endocannabinoid system modulation in patients with coronary artery disease: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7201600/
2020: In rats, a look at how PEA causes vasodepression (the lowering of blood pressure) via the heart's CB1, TRPV1 and probably GPR55 receptors, but not by CB2
Potential Mechanisms Involved in Palmitoylethanolamide-Induced Vasodepressor Effects in Rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32248195
2020: In rats, activation of CB1 helped lower hypertension without affecting blood pressure
Stimulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors can ameliorate hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32141630
2020: In a cell culture mimicking heart cells in a diabetic, CBD protected from all the negative effect of high glucose: elevated reactive oxygen species, shift of voltage by sodium channels, and prolongation of action potential (hyperexcitability)
Cannabidiol protects against high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32077098
2020: In rats with high blood pressure, CBD did not help to lower their blood pressure - but it did help with oxidative stress
Chronic Cannabidiol Administration Fails to Diminish Blood Pressure in Rats with Primary and Secondary Hypertension Despite Its Effects on Cardiac and Plasma Endocannabinoid System, Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/4/1295
2020: In lambs, a look at how activating the CB1 receptor protects from the oxidative stress of fetal ischemia (cutting off the blood flow)
Cannabinoid-mediated Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Early Inflammatory Response after Hypoxia–Ischemia
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/4/1283
2020: In a cell culture, a look at how CBD modulates the important sodium channels in the cell membrane
Mechanism of Sodium Channel Inhibition by Cannabidiol
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/pdf/S0006-3495(19)33690-2.pdf
2020: In a cell culture, CBD seems to protect the heart against high glucose levels via anti-oxidant effects & inhibition of the sodium channels
Protective Effect of Cannabidiol Against Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity Evoked by High Glucose in Cardiac Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/pdf/S0006-3495(19)34071-8.pdf
2020: The CB1 receptor helps to modulate the cardiovascular response to stress
Cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates cardiovascular responses to stress via local N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor/neuronal nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G signaling
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881119897556
2020: During reduced blood flow to the heart, 2-AG levels elevate
Endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol is elevated in the coronary circulation during acute coronary syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31887202
2020: in humans, one dose of CBD reduced blood pressure
A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28614793
2020: CBD causes vasodilation in arteries of the lung and the bowel and this effect was reduced by high blood pressure and obesity
Vasodilatory effects of cannabidiol in human pulmonary and rat small mesenteric arteries: modification by hypertension and the potential pharmacological opportunities
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31800399
2020: In humans, heart effects of CBD: initially lowers blood pressure – but tolerance develops after 7 days. However, CBD continues to protect against the tendency of stress to increase blood pressure. Also reduces arterial stiffness & improves endothelial function
The effects of acute and sustained cannabidiol dosing for seven days on the haemodynamics in healthy men: a randomised controlled trial
2019: In rats, activation of the CB1 receptor protects against mitochondrial damage in the heart induced by a toxin
Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors Attenuates Endothelin-1-induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rat Ventricular Myocytes
2019: CBD's ability to cause vasodilation may be helpful for heart disease treatment
Vasodilatory effects of cannabidiol in human pulmonary and rat small mesenteric arteries
2017: In diabetic rats, CBD improves vasorelaxation in arteries via COX & NO
In Vivo Cannabidiol Treatment Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation in Mesenteric Arteries of Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28572770/
2016: in a mouse model of MS, CBD largely attenuated the CD3+ and CD4+ T cell-mediated inflammatory response and injury, myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction
Cannabidiol Limits T Cell-Mediated Chronic Autoimmune Myocarditis: Implications to Autoimmune Disorders and Organ Transplantation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26772776
2015: In rat heart cells, CBD depressed contractility via calcium channels & inhibits excitation-contraction coupling
Effects of cannabidiol on contractions and calcium signaling in rat ventricular myocytes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25711828/
2015: In a mouse, CBD protected against the negative heart effects of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy agent
Cannabidiol Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy by Modulating Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25569804/
2015: in rat model of anxiety, a FAAH inhibitor protects the heart
Cardioprotective effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB694, in a rodent model of trait anxiety
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26656183/
2015: In rabbits with a heart attack, CBD infusion before the attack protected the heart in multiple ways
Pharmacologic Effects of Cannabidiol on Acute Reperfused Myocardial Infarction in Rabbits: Evaluated With 3.0T Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26065843/
2015: In mice with arrythmias, CBD conferred protection, probably via the adenosine A1 receptor
The effect of cannabidiol on ischemia/reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias: the role of adenosine A1 receptors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24853683/
2015: in humans, CBD causes relaxation of the arteries in the heart via activation of CB1 & TRP channels
Cannabidiol causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via CB1 activation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26092099
2014: pathway of platelet activation by ECs
Mechanism of platelet activation induced by endocannabinoids in blood and plasma.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23789792
2014: In diabetic rats, CBD improves vasorelaxation via COX1 & COX2
Cannabidiol improves vasorelaxation in Zucker diabetic fatty rats through cyclooxygenase activation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25212218/
2013: in mice, CBD protects from cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin
Cardioprotective effect of cannabidiol in rats exposed to doxorubicin toxicity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23721741
2012: In human females with depression, the AEA & 2AG levels in their blood correlated to their blood pressure
Serum contents of endocannabinoids are correlated with blood pressure in depressed women
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22373123/
2011: FAAH is a key protector of the heart
Fatty acid amide hydrolase is a key regulator of endocannabinoid-induced myocardial tissue injury
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21070851/
2011: In the mouse brain model of sepsis, CBD helped to stabilize the vasculature & lower inflammation
Cannabidiol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular changes and inflammation in the mouse brain: an intravital microscopy study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21244691/
2010: In a mouse model of diabetes, CBD protected the heart by lowering oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death and fibrosis
Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21144973/
2010: In rats, CBD protects the heart from insult by reducing arrhythmias & size of infarct (dead tissue)
Acute administration of cannabidiol in vivo suppresses ischaemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias and reduces infarct size when given at reperfusion
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20590615
2009: In rats, AEA decreased blood pressure in those with hypertension but not those without via mechanisms besides CB1
Acute hypertension reveals depressor and vasodilator effects of cannabinoids in conscious rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19133994/
2009: In rat aortas, CBD causes vasorelaxation via the calcium channels & also binds to PPARgamma
Time-dependent vascular actions of cannabidiol in the rat aorta
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19285060/
2007: in the heart of rats, CBD protected against ischemia
Cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive Cannabis constituent, protects against myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17890433
2006: In rats with conditioned fear, CBD lessened anxiety & cardiovascular effects of fear
Effects of cannabidiol and diazepam on behavioral and cardiovascular responses induced by contextual conditioned fear in rats