Is there a role for cannabidiol in obesity, metabolic syndrome and binge eating?

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids isolated from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is a lipophilic, non-intoxicating substance that differently from Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) does not present the typical profile of a drug of abuse. It shows powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that might be helpful for treating several pathologies. The aim of this review is to describe the potential role of CBD in the control of food intake and metabolism, with implications for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome, and to discuss the underlying potential mechanisms of action. The preclinical evidence mentioned reveals that CBD influences eating behaviour, exerting anorexigenic effects and affecting the non-homeostatic aspect of food intake, via modulation of dopamine signalling in the brain reward system. Data from animal models of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and metabolic syndrome show that CBD improves glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and ameliorates psychiatric alterations not only in obese animals but also in the offspring born from obese mothers. These effects are achieved targeting multiple proteins expressed both in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. The evidence collected from preclinical research, together with preliminary findings from clinical studies, supports further investigation of CBD in the context of obesity, metabolic syndrome and binge eating behaviour. Future studies are strongly required to highlight the potential role of CBD in these pathologies, specifically to better understand its mechanism of action, and how factors like sex differences, route of administration and formulation might influence the therapeutic activity of CBD.