Cannabinoids, the Blood–Brain Barrier, and Neurodegeneration: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Perspectives

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are a large and complex group of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and so on, which adversely affect the physical and mental health of millions of people globally. Unfortunately, these diseases currently have no cure; only symptomatic treatment is available. Therefore, there is still a growing interest in using cannabinoids to treat neurodegenerative diseases. This systematic review examines the interrelationship between cannabinoids, the blood–brain barrier, and neurodegeneration, and their mutual effects. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the endocannabinoid system at the neurovascular interface, the alterations and dysregulation of the ECS in neurodegenerative diseases, the interactions of phytocannabinoids with the blood–brain barrier, and their therapeutic potential in the context of neurodegeneration. The findings may facilitate the targeted application of cannabinoids to address multiple aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.