“Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus that causes acute and chronic disease by strong stimulation of the immune system. It activates innate and adaptive immune cells, including monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and lymphocytes, as well as soluble mediators such as IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-13, and IL-7. Despite the significant morbidity associated with CHIKV, no specific antiviral therapy is currently available.

In this context, natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential, such as cannabidiol (CBD), represent promising candidates. Here, we investigated whether CBD modulates immune responses following CHIKV stimulation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with inactivated CHIKV and treated with CBD. Immune cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry, and soluble factors were profiled by Luminex assay.

CBD treatment fine-tuned NK and monocyte subsets in vitro and attenuated key inflammatory pathways, particularly the IL-17A-IFN-γ axis, in response to CHIKV stimulation.

These findings identify CBD as a potential immunomodulatory candidate for innovative therapeutic strategies against CHIKV and other alphaviruses.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41385863

“Altogether, our results show that Cannabidiol promotes fine-tuning of NK, monocytic subsets CHIKV stimuli in vitro. In addition, CBD attenuates key inflammatory pathways upon CHIKV immune recall, characterized by the IL-17A-IFN-g axis.

Overall, this study provides new insights into the immunological landscape of CHIKV-induced immunity and identifies CBD as a promising candidate for innovative immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies against the disease associated to this Alphavirus.”

“CBD could be a potential immunomodulatory agent against viral inflammation.”

“Overall, this study provides new insights into the immunological landscape of CHIKV infection and identifies CBD as a promising candidate for innovative therapeutic strategies against this disease.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332225010947?via%3Dihub

“The design of neurological “magic shotguns” represents a modern approach toward the treatment of complex central nervous system disorders, and many natural products like cannabidiol possess distinct potential due to their unique polypharmacological profiles toward central nervous system targets.

Herein, we describe the computational design, semisynthesis, and preliminary biological screening of aminergic cannabidiol derivatives as neurological magic shotguns.

A small library of 22 aminergic cannabidiol derivatives were synthesized and evaluated through radioligand binding assays, revealing that these derivatives generally exhibit higher affinity toward serotonin, dopamine and sigma receptors than the parent compound.

Notably, compounds 8d and 8e displayed significantly improved affinity toward sigma-1 receptors (K_i = 4.8 nM and 8.3 nM, respectively). We then established the functional behavior of compound 8e in mouse primary hippocampal neurons through whole-cell patch clamp assays: exposure to compound 8e potentiates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, an effect that may be reversed in the presence of a selective sigma-1 receptor antagonist.

These results suggest that compound 8e behaves as an agonist of sigma-1 receptors, thereby promoting downstream potentiation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors.

Altogether, these findings provide preliminary evidence that aminergic cannabinoids, and potentially other derivatives of promiscuous natural products, may hold utility as neurological magic shotguns.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41378694

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c01236

“In the present study, a comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant properties of various parts of the hemp plant, specifically its leaves and flowers, in a new feminized variety of Cannabis sativa with an admixture of Cannabis ruderalis was investigated.

Methods such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy were used to assess trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and total polyphenol content (TPC). TEAC values of the analyzed samples ranged from 29.5 μmol TE/g DW to 150.2 μmol TE/g DW, while TPC varied between 5.4 mg GAE/g DW and 20.3 mg GAE/g DW.

The findings indicate that hemp exhibits significant antioxidant properties, especially in its leaves. This is attributed to a diverse range of antioxidants, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which offer notable health benefits.

Furthermore, the method of drying hemp has been shown to influence its antioxidant properties significantly. Research indicates that freeze-dried and air-dried hemp retains higher levels of antioxidant compounds compared to other drying methods. This suggests that selecting an appropriate drying technique is essential for preserving the bioactive compounds responsible for hemp’s antioxidant activity.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41373841

“Cannabis plants, in general, owe their antioxidant capabilities to compounds like polyphenols, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Among these, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) are the most recognized. Both THC and CBD exhibit antioxidant activities comparable to vitamins E and C, effectively scavenging free radicals, reducing metal ions, and counteracting oxidative stress.”

“The hemp plant, C. sativa, has emerged as a promising source of natural antioxidants, with various parts of the plant exhibiting diverse levels of antioxidant activity.”

“As global interest in hemp rises, a deeper understanding of its health benefits, particularly its antioxidant properties, will be essential for fully capitalizing on this plant. Research into its bioactive compounds could pave the way for innovative natural remedies and contribute to developing new products that support well-being.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/23/11696