Cannabidiol for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine

Abstract

Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the most prevalent causes, which lead patients to a physician’s office. The most common disorders affecting MSK structures are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, and myofascial pain syndrome, which are all responsible for major pain and physical disability. Although there are many known management strategies currently in practice, phytotherapeutic compounds have recently begun to rise in the medical community, especially cannabidiol (CBD). This natural, non-intoxicating molecule derived from the cannabis plant has shown interesting results in many preclinical studies and some clinical settings. CBD plays vital roles in human health that go well beyond the classic immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties. Recent studies demonstrated that CBD also improves cell proliferation and migration, especially in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The foremost objective of this review article is to discuss the therapeutic potential of CBD in the context of MSK regenerative medicine. Numerous studies listed in the literature indicate that CBD possesses a significant capacity to modulate mammalian tissue to attenuate and reverse the notorious hallmarks of chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The most of the research included in this review report common findings like immunomodulation and stimulation of cell activity associated with tissue regeneration, especially in human MSCs. CBD is considered safe and well tolerated as no serious adverse effects were reported. CBD promotes many positive effects which can manage detrimental alterations brought on by chronic MSDs. Since the application of CBD for MSK health is still undergoing expansion, additional randomized clinical trials are warranted to further clarify its efficacy and to understand its cellular mechanisms.