Role and Function of Endocannabinoid System in Major Depressive Disease

Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020 Dec 11;4(1):1-12. doi: 10.1159/000511979. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a neuromodulator system with a crucial role in CNS and the reaction to endogenous and exogenous compounds and inflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a basic part of the ECS which is the overwhelming causative and/or protective factor of major depressive disease (MDD). CBD interacts with brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) that responds to inflammation, dysregulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and many more imbalances in MDD patients for which the ECS is a vital part to analyze, diagnose, and reflect the treatment. The ECS and MDD appear to have strong connections and interactions, so interest in ECS and CBD use in MDD patients is developing as a rescue resort.

Keywords: Cannabidiol; Endocannabinoid system; Endocannabinoids; Major depressive disease.

Publication types

  • Review