Cannabidiol (CBD) has proven to have anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects within its diverse pharmacological profile.  As one of the main non-psychotropic components of hemp, CBD has been gaining popularity in recent years. Researchers have been exploring the effects of CBD on various diseases and health conditions, often with surprisingly positive results.  One such Study tested the theory that cannabidiol would benefit those struggling with myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion. Also known as I/R, the cardiovascular condition is caused by constricting arteries which limit blood flow to the heart, ischaemia, and the resulting tissue injury that can occur when blood flow returns, reperfusion.  Inflammation and oxidative stress are common with I/R, making CBD a possible treatment worth investigating.

Researchers at the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences at the Institute for Health and Welfare Research at Robert Gordon University, in the United Kingdom, performed a study to test the hypothesis that cannabidiol could act as a cardioprotectant in the acute phase of an I/R injury.  Rats treated with CBD ten minutes prior to both coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion were compared to rats who received only a placebo.  Arterial blood was also withdrawn at the end of the reperfusion period to study.  Rats who received CBD had a reduced number of ischaemia-induced arrhythmias, as well as, reduced infarct, which are localized areas of dead tissue caused by loss of blood flow.  The researchers concluded that the study clearly demonstrated cardioprotective properties of CBD in the acute phase of I/R injuries due to the fact it both reduced ventricular arrhythmias and reduced infarct sizes.

We are eager to review more research which demonstrates how cannabidiol can be beneficial to those struggling with cardiovascular disorders.  To read more about the study mentioned above, please click here.