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Exploring Cannabinoids: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Applications
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Exploring Cannabinoids: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Applications

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (27 October 2025) | Viewed by 3524

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Grace Blest Hopley

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
Interests: cannabis use; cannabinoid

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying cannabinoids' therapeutic effects, focusing on detailed mechanistic studies, proof-of-concept research, and comprehensive reviews of their clinical applications. Cannabinoids, particularly through their influence on the endocannabinoid system and other physiological pathways, have shown significant promise in treating diseases and enhancing overall human health.

Their effects on systemic modulation and symptom management have been documented in a growing body of research. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of cannabinoids for addressing a range of health conditions, with trials currently investigating their efficacy in treating epilepsy, psychosis, chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, and neurodegenerative disorders, to name a few. This Special Issue welcomes submissions that provide rigorous experimental insights and theoretical frameworks, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of cannabinoids' potential in advancing healthcare.

Dr. Grace Blest Hopley
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cannabinoids
  • endocannabinoid system
  • δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • cannabidiol (CBD)
  • inflammation
  • chronic pain
  • neurodegenerative disorders
  • epilepsy
  • psychosis
  • cancer-related symptoms

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 3063 KB  
Article
Benzo[d]imidazole–Naphthalen-Arylmethanone Regioisomers as CB1 Ligands: Evaluation of Agonism via an Indirect Cytotoxicity-Based Approach
by Analia Young Hwa Cho, Renato Burgos Ravanal, Valeria Zuñiga Salazar, Marco Mellado, Marcos Lorca, David Pessoa-Mahana, Jaime Mella, Germán Günther Sapunar and Javier Romero-Parra
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209986 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 291
Abstract
CB1 agonist compounds may be potential drug candidates for the treatment of gliomas, as they have been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce angiogenesis in various preclinical models. Their ability to modulate the endocannabinoid system suggests a promising [...] Read more.
CB1 agonist compounds may be potential drug candidates for the treatment of gliomas, as they have been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce angiogenesis in various preclinical models. Their ability to modulate the endocannabinoid system suggests a promising therapeutic approach for targeting glioma growth and progression. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, biological studies, and bioinformatics assays of novel benzo[d]imidazole–naphthalen-arylmethanone regioisomers with affinity for the CB1 receptor, as well as propose an indirect methodology to evaluate their presumed CB1 agonist activity. Compounds that showed a propensity for binding to the CB1 receptor were regioisomers 4d, 5b, 5e, 5f, and 5f′. Likewise, derivatives that displaced more than 50% of the radioligand [3H]CP-55940 at the CB1 receptor were subjected to in vitro viability experiments. Compounds 4d, 5b, 5e, and 5f′ showed toxicity against U87MG cells (malignant glioma) in a considerable percentage. Notably, compound 5f′ showed CB1 affinity, with a Ki of 2.12 µM, and was selectively toxic to U87MG cells, which highly express the CB1 receptor, while exhibiting no toxicity toward the healthy HEK293 cell line, which expresses both cannabinoid receptors at negligible levels. Docking studies at the CB1 orthosteric site indicate that 5f′ forms π-π interactions, a T-shaped interaction, and hydrogen bonding through the oxygen atom of the furan ring. Biologically, our experimental indirect model-based on a simple viability assay is supported by well-established evidence that activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors by agonists induces cell death and inhibits tumor cell growth. Structurally, we conclude that the presence of a furan ring at the 2-position of the benzo[d]imidazole core is beneficial for the development of new ligands with potential CB1 agonist activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Cannabinoids: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Applications)
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Review

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33 pages, 1463 KB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms of the Endocannabinoid System with a Focus on Reproductive Physiology and the Cannabinoid Impact on Fertility
by Patrycja Kalak, Piotr Kupczyk, Antoni Szumny, Tomasz Gębarowski, Marcin Jasiak, Artur Niedźwiedź, Wojciech Niżański and Michał Dzięcioł
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7095; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157095 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 2900
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex neuromodulatory network involved in maintaining physiological balance through interactions with various neurotransmitter and hormonal pathways. Its key components—cannabinoid receptors (CBRs)—are activated by endogenous ligands and exogenous cannabinoids such as those found in the Cannabis sativa plant. [...] Read more.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex neuromodulatory network involved in maintaining physiological balance through interactions with various neurotransmitter and hormonal pathways. Its key components—cannabinoid receptors (CBRs)—are activated by endogenous ligands and exogenous cannabinoids such as those found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Although cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) have garnered interest for their potential therapeutic effects, evidence regarding their safety, particularly for reproductive health, remains limited. This review summarizes the structure and molecular mechanisms of the ECS, its role in reproductive physiology—including its interactions with the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis), gametogenesis, implantation, and lactation—and the possible consequences of cannabinoid exposure for fertility. In addition, we focus on the involvement of the ECS and cannabinoids in breast cancer, highlighting emerging evidence on their dual role in tumor progression and therapy. These insights emphasize the need for further research to better define the therapeutic potential and risks associated with cannabinoid use in reproductive health and breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Cannabinoids: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Applications)
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