Cannabidiol and curcumin-based nanomedicines in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Despite the high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), there is no viable therapy or way to prevent their progression. Medicinal plants and bio-active compounds have been found to have therapeutic benefits and are being used as monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy. Cannabidiol (CBD) and curcumin have been widely assessed as anti-inflammatory compounds in vitro and in vivo. However, limited solubility, poor tissue absorption, quick metabolism, and systemic clearance of curcumin pose restrictions to its use as an anti-inflammatory medication. Research in recent years has shown some encouraging results on the potential of nanocurcumin technology as a disease-modifying treatment for RA. Curcumin Nano formulation has addressed some of the key drawbacks of curcumin-based medicine delivery. Furthermore, CBD has been considered in recent years for its potential to reduce pain and inflammation in inflammatory diseases. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the roles of nanocurcumin and CBD in reducing inflammation and modulating immunity, with the hope of using these two plant-derived compounds as therapeutic agents in RA and OA treatment. According to the results of these studies, CBD and nanocurcumin could be considered as therapeutic agents to improve the symptoms of RA and OA patients, especially by attenuating pain and joint stiffness. However, data on the long-term efficacy and safety of these components' use are still lacking, and more clinical trial studies are needed.