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The Cannabinoids Effect on Bone Formation and Bone Healing

Current Osteoporosis Reports volume 18, pages 433–438 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Here, we overview the latest findings from studies investigating the skeletal endocannabinoid (EC) system and its involvement in bone formation and resorption.

Recent Findings

The endocannabinoid system consists of endogenous ligands, receptors, and enzymes. The main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are expressed in bone and regulate bone homeostasis in rodents and humans. CBD treatment was shown to enhance fracture healing in rats. Recent studies in mice indicate that strain, age, and sex differences dictate the skeletal outcome of the EC activation.

Summary

CBD treatment was shown to enhance bone healing, but needs validation in clinical trials. While research shows that EC activity protects against bone loss, studies on CB1 and CB2 agonists in bone regeneration models are lacking. Whether modulating the EC system would affect bone repair remains therefore an open question worth investigating.

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  1. Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Bitya Raphael-Mizrahi & Yankel Gabet

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  1. Bitya Raphael-Mizrahi
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Raphael-Mizrahi, B., Gabet, Y. The Cannabinoids Effect on Bone Formation and Bone Healing. Curr Osteoporos Rep 18, 433–438 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-020-00607-1

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