Cannabidiol and Neuroprotection: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Abstract Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main nonpsychotropic constituent of Cannabis sativa . In recent years, preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the potential of CBD in experimental models focusing on neurodegeneration. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview on the main studies reporting the effects of CBD in the context of hypoxic-ischemic injury and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other relevant experimental models of neurodegeneration, and to discuss its putative mechanisms. Evidence indicates that CBD displays antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, and can also prevent excitotoxic damage, and protect mitochondria against toxins. Accordingly, CBD was shown to ameliorate damage observed in animal models of neurodegeneration associated to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, brain iron overload, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. Thus, CBD may constitute a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention/treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.