CBD supplementation reduces arterial blood pressure via modulation of the sympatho-chromaffin system: A substudy from the HYPER-H21-4 trial

Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Apr:160:114387. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114387. Epub 2023 Feb 11.

Abstract

Data concerning the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on blood pressure (BP) is controversial. HYPER-H21-4 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial which sought to elucidate if 5-week administration of CBD will reduce BP in hypertensive patients. In the substudy of this trial, we aimed to establish the mechanistic background of CBD-induced BP reduction. Specifically, we explored the dynamic of catestatin, a sympathoinhibitory peptide implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. In the present analysis, 54 patients with Grade 1 hypertension were included. 5-week administration of CBD but not placebo reduced serum catestatin concentration in comparison to baseline (13.50 [10.85-19.05] vs. 9.65 [6.37-12.26] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum catestatin levels at the start of the treatment period demonstrated a negative correlation with the extent of reduction in mean arterial pressure (r = -0.474, p < 0.001). Moreover, the extent of change in catestatin serum levels showed a strong correlation with the extent of mean arterial pressure reduction (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Overall, the results of the present study imply that the antihypertensive effects of CBD may be explained by its interaction with the sympatho-chromaffin system, although further research is warranted.

Keywords: CBD; Catestatin; Hypertension.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Pressure
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cannabidiol*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cannabidiol