The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Cannabidiol (CBD)

Abstract

This Perspective of the published essential medicinal chemistry of cannabidiol (CBD) provides evidence that the popularization of CBD-fortified or CBD-labeled health products and CBD-associated health claims lacks a rigorous scientific foundation. CBD’s reputation as a cure-all puts it in the same class as other “natural” panaceas, where valid ethnobotanicals are reduced to single, purportedly active ingredients. Such reductionist approaches oversimplify useful, chemically complex mixtures in an attempt to rationalize the commercial utility of natural compounds and exploit the “natural” label. Literature evidence associates CBD with certain semiubiquitous, broadly screened, primarily plant-based substances of undocumented purity that interfere with bioassays and have a low likelihood of becoming therapeutic agents. Widespread health challenges and pandemic crises such as SARS-CoV-2 create circumstances under which scientists must be particularly vigilant about healing claims that lack solid foundational data. Herein, we offer a critical review of the published medicinal chemistry properties of CBD, as well as precise definitions of CBD-containing substances and products, distilled to reveal the essential factors that impact its development as a therapeutic agent.

Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity

“…S13 ). Nonetheless, non-specific mechanisms of terpene action like colloid formation 39 must still be ruled out.…”

Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response

“…However, several issues require close examination before CBD can be considered or even explored as a therapeutic for COVID-19 ( 11 ). Although many CBD formulations are available on the market, they vary vastly in quality, the amount of CBD, and their pharmacokinetic properties after oral administration, which are mostly unknown.…”

“…One potential regulator of the host stress and antiviral inflammatory responses is cannabidiol (CBD), a member of the cannabinoid class of natural products ( 11 ). CBD is produced by Cannabis sativa (Cannabaceae; marijuana/hemp).…”

“…THC acts through binding to the cannabinoid receptor, and CBD potentiates this interaction ( 12 ). Despite numerous studies and many typically unsubstantiated claims related to CBD-containing products, the biology of CBD itself is unclear and specific targets are mostly unknown ( 11 ). However, an oral solution of CBD is an FDA-approved drug, largely for the treatment of epilepsy ( 13 ).…”

“…However, an oral solution of CBD is an FDA-approved drug, largely for the treatment of epilepsy ( 13 ). Thus, CBD has drug status, is viable as a therapeutic, and cannot be marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States ( 11 ). Although limited, some studies have reported that certain cannabinoids have antiviral effects against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other viruses ( 14 ).…”