Randomized Controlled Trial Finds CBD May Reduce Anxiety and Perceived Effort in Runners
A clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients finds that a single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) can help runners feel calmer and slightly reduce perceived effort during a short-distance run, without affecting performance or causing gastrointestinal issues. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Northern Colorado and used a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Twelve recreational runners, including four men and eight women with an average age of about 25.5 years, participated in two separate testing sessions. In one session, participants received 300 milligrams of CBD, while in the other they received a placebo. The order of treatments was randomized, and each participant served as their own control.
On each testing day, participants consumed either CBD or placebo capsules and then rested quietly for two hours. Researchers assessed anxiety levels using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, along with resting blood pressure, heart rate, blood lactate, and heart rate variability. Participants then completed a 2-mile treadmill run as fast as possible, with heart rate, perceived exertion, and blood lactate measured during and after the run. Gastrointestinal symptoms were also evaluated immediately afterward.
Compared with the placebo condition, participants reported significantly greater feelings of calm and relaxation after taking CBD, with increases of 21% and 22%, respectively. During the run, those who received CBD experienced an 8% reduction in perceived exertion at the one-mile mark. Despite this change in how hard the run felt, there was no significant difference in overall run time between the CBD and placebo conditions.
The researchers found no meaningful differences between treatments in blood pressure, heart rate variability, or gastrointestinal symptoms. The findings suggest that an acute dose of CBD taken before exercise may help reduce anxiety and perceived effort during shorter runs, without impairing performance or causing unwanted side effects.
The study concludes by stating:
Based on these research findings, we concluded that C. sativa DCM extract possesses the potential to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), while exhibiting minimal cytotoxic effect on normal skin cells Hs27. The anti-proliferative effects of C. sativa DCM are mainly attributed to the modulation of key molecular pathways, including the inhibition of SOD activity and GSH level, as well as the suppression of MMP-1, MMP-9, and TGF-β in both cancer cell lines. In addition, C. sativa DCM promotes apoptosis in these cell lines by increasing the expression of p53, caspase-8 and -9, while suppressing the expression of Nrf2. Given these conclusive findings, the presence of bioactive phytochemicals in C. sativa DCM can be considered as a potential source of anti-cancer agents. To fully validate its therapeutic potential, further empirical research, using in vivo models and clinical studies, is needed to support the results obtained in this study.