According to a new study, high-quality randomised clinical trials are needed to determine whether the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD found in pre-clinical trials are useful in real-life settings.

The report of the existing study is presented alongside aerobic scholarship at the 2022 ACC Latin American Congress in Mexico City on 9-10 September 2022. The report outlines the need for more clinical evidence to demonstrate the benefits of CBD for patients with heart disease.

"The use of cannabidiol and medical cannabis, as well as its many products, has increased dramatically over the past decade. Despite this, however, few clinical trials have been able to demonstrate that they actually work. Here, we seek to provide preclinical evidence, which ultimately becomes the cornerstone for establishing well-designed human clinical trials with strong scientific evidence of the effects of CBD on coronary syndromes," said Mario Esteban, MD. He is a cardiology fellow at the Hospital Regional ISSSTE in Mexico City and the lead author of the study.

Benefits of CBD

CBD is a non-psychoactive ingredient derived from the cannabis plant.The benefits of CBD include analgesic, anti-tumour, chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties. With the increased use of CBD, many heart patients have considered CBD as a treatment option.

"There is good evidence that CBD is effective for the following conditions: pain, cachexia, nausea and vomiting, multiple sclerosis spasms and, more recently, epilepsy. Despite its obvious side effects, its pharmacological profile shows it to be safe and well tolerated in humans. But interactions with other drugs, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, which are often used by cardiologists, are not well known," says Zúñiga Ayala.

Because of CBD's anti-inflammatory properties, this study focuses on its potential to reduce myocardial ischaemia, a condition that restricts the flow of blood to the heart. Myocardial ischaemia can lead to chest pain, heart failure and heart attacks as the heart struggles more to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body.

Researchers conducted a systematic search of the PubMed database using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis guidelines to search for data through April 2022. The researchers analysed the results of nine preclinical studies; however, no high-quality randomised controlled trials were found on the benefits of using CBD in acute or chronic coronary syndromes.

Researchers suggest clinical trials

Review of nine preclinical studies finds in vivo CBD studies replicate cardiovascular outcomes CBD was found to have a beneficial effect on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Zúñiga Ayala said:- "CBD also showed good results in experimental models of ischaemic and reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and metabolic syndrome-like conditions."

The researchers believe that the pre-clinical evidence of the benefits of CBD in relation to ischaemic heart disease is sufficient to establish a well-designed clinical trial. The researchers now propose to conduct a clinical trial in patients with coronary syndromes.

However, Zúñiga Ayala also warned about the benefits of CBD: "CBD is not a miracle drug. If you are taking any other medication and want to take CBD medication, try to seek the advice of a medical marijuana specialist. Be sure to interact with your previously prescribed medication rather than suspend any medication prescribed by your doctor."

There is a wide range of products on the market, so consumers should be careful to choose and screen them, and consult their physician for advice before using them.