The therapeutic landscape of cannabidiol: a systematic review of molecular mechanisms, clinical efficacy in oncology and neurology, and regulatory changes.
- 1Department of Materials Technology and Textile, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
- 2Center of Excellence in Modern Technology and Advanced Manufacturing for Medical Innovation, Thammasat University, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
- 3Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand. [email protected].
Abstract
Despite extensive research on CBD, a comprehensive analysis of its rapidly evolving molecular understanding, clinical validation across diverse fields such as oncology and neurology, safety concerns, and dynamic global regulatory changes remain fragmented. This review addresses a critical translation gap by integrating quantitative molecular polypharmacology with the most recent global regulatory thresholds. Furthermore, it evaluates how pharmacogenomic modeling and advanced nanocarrier delivery systems based on artificial intelligence can actively resolve the pharmacokinetic limitations of CBD and dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, establishing a clear, data-driven design for personalized cannabinoid medicine. CBD acts as a broad-spectrum modulator through multiple molecular targets, including cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors, contributing to its pharmacological effects. Clinical evidence strongly supports its efficacy in pediatric seizure disorders and symptom management in oncology, while topical applications show promise in pain and dermatological conditions. However, systemic CBD use for chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and as a primary anti-tumor agent still requires reliable clinical validation. Regulatory frameworks are changing globally in response to emerging safety concerns, particularly hepatotoxicity and drug interactions mediated by CYP450 inhibition. Future research priorities should include large-scale trials to clarify the inter-entourage effect, long-term safety assessments, metabolic interventions and precision delivery systems. This review highlights the necessity of evidence-based approaches to unlock the full clinical potential of CBD within a controlled, scientific-based approach.
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BibTeX
@article{trif2026therapeutic,
title = {{The therapeutic landscape of cannabidiol: a systematic review of molecular mechanisms, clinical efficacy in oncology and neurology, and regulatory changes.}},
author = {Calin Trif and Chiravoot Pechyen and Yardnapar Parcharoen},
journal = {Journal of cannabis research},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s42238-026-00482-0},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42972463},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The therapeutic landscape of cannabidiol: a systematic review of molecular mechanisms, clinical efficacy in oncology and neurology, and regulatory changes.
AU - Calin Trif
AU - Chiravoot Pechyen
AU - Yardnapar Parcharoen
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/06
JO - Journal of cannabis research
DO - 10.1186/s42238-026-00482-0
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42972463
AB - Despite extensive research on CBD, a comprehensive analysis of its rapidly evolving molecular understanding, clinical validation across diverse fields such as oncology and neurology, safety concerns, and dynamic global regulatory changes remain fragmented. This review addresses a critical translation gap by integrating quantitative molecular polypharmacology with the most recent global regulatory thresholds. Furthermore, it evaluates how pharmacogenomic modeling and advanced nanocarrier delivery systems based on artificial intelligence can actively resolve the pharmacokinetic limitations of CBD and dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, establishing a clear, data-driven design for personalized cannabinoid medicine. CBD acts as a broad-spectrum modulator through multiple molecular targets, including cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors, contributing to its pharmacological effects. Clinical evidence strongly supports its efficacy in pediatric seizure disorders and symptom management in oncology, while topical applications show promise in pain and dermatological conditions. However, systemic CBD use for chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and as a primary anti-tumor agent still requires reliable clinical validation. Regulatory frameworks are changing globally in response to emerging safety concerns, particularly hepatotoxicity and drug interactions mediated by CYP450 inhibition. Future research priorities should include large-scale trials to clarify the inter-entourage effect, long-term safety assessments, metabolic interventions and precision delivery systems. This review highlights the necessity of evidence-based approaches to unlock the full clinical potential of CBD within a controlled, scientific-based approach.
SN - 2522-5782
ER -