Cannabidiol and diabetic heart disease: Mechanistic evidence and translational challenges - 23/04/26
, Oluyomi Adeyemi c, Toluwalope Ajonijebu d, Aminu Musa e, Hygon Mutavhatsindi a, b, Rabia Johnson a, Kenechukwu Obikeze fAbstract |
Diabetic heart disease (DHD) is a major contributor to global cardiovascular morbidity, driven by a complex interplay of metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotic mechanisms. These interconnected pathways are not fully addressed by current cardiometabolic therapies, highlighting the need for novel multi-target interventions. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, has emerged as a potential modulator of several key processes implicated in DHD pathogenesis. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that CBD attenuates oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, suppresses nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling, preserves endothelial function by improving nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and inhibits transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-driven fibrotic remodeling. These effects have been observed across in vitro and in vivo models of diabetic cardiomyopathy, where CBD improves both myocardial and vascular function. Mechanistically, CBD exerts its actions through negative allosteric modulation of CB₁ receptors and interaction with non-cannabinoid targets, including transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55). Despite this robust preclinical foundation, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of CBD in DHD remains limited. Existing human studies are largely restricted to non-diabetic populations or short-term metabolic and hemodynamic outcomes, and do not address disease-specific cardiac endpoints. Furthermore, translational challenges, including variability in dosing, product standardization, and potential drug-drug interactions, remain significant barriers to clinical implementation. Collectively, CBD represents a promising investigational candidate with multi-target potential to modulate the core pathophysiology of DHD. However, well-designed, disease-specific clinical trials are required to establish its therapeutic relevance and safety in diabetic populations.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Cannabidiol (CBD) targets multiple pathological processes implicated in diabetic heart disease, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrotic remodeling. Through multimodal interactions with key molecular pathways, CBD has been reported to exert cardioprotective and vasoprotective effects in preclinical models. Despite strong mechanistic convergence, clinical validation in diabetic heart disease remains limited, underscoring a critical translational gap.
Cannabidiol (CBD) targets multiple pathological processes implicated in diabetic heart disease, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrotic remodeling. Through multimodal interactions with key molecular pathways, CBD has been reported to exert cardioprotective and vasoprotective effects in preclinical models. Despite strong mechanistic convergence, clinical validation in diabetic heart disease remains limited, underscoring a critical translational gap. Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.
Highlights |
• | Diabetic heart disease involves oxidative, inflammatory, and fibrotic pathways. |
• | CBD modulates NF-κB, ROS, endothelial function, and TGF-β signaling. |
• | CBD also acts via CB 1 negative allosteric modulation and other targets. |
• | Preclinical studies demonstrate cardioprotective effects in diabetic models. |
• | Clinical evidence in diabetic heart disease remains limited. |
Chemical compounds studied in this article : Cannabidiol (CBD)
Abbreviations : AEA, Akt, CB₁/CB₂, CBD, DbCM, DHD, ECS, ERK, FAAH, GPR55, MAPK, NF-κB, NO, PPARγ, PI3K, RAAS, ROS, SGLT2, T2DM, TGF-β, TNF-α, TRPV1
Keywords : Cannabidiol, Cardiac fibrosis, Diabetic cardiomyopathy, Diabetic heart disease, Endocannabinoid system, Inflammation, Oxidative stress
Plan
Vol 198
Article 119354- mai 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?
