Contributions of the endocannabinoid system to the neurobiology of emotions: Advances and perspectives.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a central and multifaceted modulator of emotional physiology, playing a pivotal role in neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and stress response regulation. This article provides an original and comprehensive review of the neurobiological mechanisms by which the ECS influences emotional activity, highlighting not only its involvement in psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, but also offering new perspectives on ECS dysregulation as a common pathophysiological factor in these conditions. The originality of this work lies in its critical integration of recent evidence regarding alterations in receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoid levels, as well as in its analysis of emerging therapeutic approaches targeting ECS pharmacological modulation, including enzyme inhibitors, selective agonists, and phytocannabinoids. The article emphasizes advances in personalized medicine and the identification of predictive biomarkers for therapeutic response, while also discussing ongoing regulatory and clinical challenges. By critically synthesizing available data, this review makes an innovative contribution to the field, consolidating the ECS as a promising and strategic target for the development of new interventions in mental health.