Cannabidiol in Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions.

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, has gained significant interest for its potential therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease. Through interactions with various molecular targets, CBD demonstrates potential for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties, supporting a potential role in the management of pericarditis and inflammatory cardiac conditions, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and heart failure. Integrating preclinical and emerging clinical evidence, this review explores the role of CBD in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac arrhythmias, with preliminary trials showing its potential as a nonimmunosuppressive therapy for recurrent pericarditis and myocarditis. Despite promising evidence, clinical application of CBD is hindered by limited trials, dosing inconsistencies, and ongoing safety and regulatory challenges. This review delves into these limitations, identifying key research gaps and future directions needed to establish the clinical utility, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of CBD in cardiovascular medicine.