Overview of cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogues: Structures, biological activities, and neuroprotective mechanisms in epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease

Eur J Med Chem. 2020 Apr 15:192:112163. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112163. Epub 2020 Feb 22.

Abstract

Herein, 11 general types of natural cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa as well as 50 (-)-CBD analogues with therapeutic potential were described. The underlying molecular mechanisms of CBD as a therapeutic candidate for epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases were comprehensively clarified. CBD indirectly acts as an endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist to exert its neuroprotective effects. CBD also promotes neuroprotection through different signal transduction pathways mediated indirectly by cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, CBD prevents the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) hyperphosphorylation caused by Aβ and may be developed as a new therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease (AD); Cannabidiol (CBD); Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Epilepsy; Neurodegenerative disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / pharmacology*
  • Cannabidiol / chemistry
  • Cannabidiol / therapeutic use*
  • Cannabis / chemistry
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Cannabidiol