Cannabinoids as Multi-Target Agents: Exploring Bhang in Pain, Inflammation, and Mood Disorders

A customary Indian concoction produced from the foliage of Cannabis sativa, bhang has been traditionally employed in Ayurveda for its mind-altering and medicinal benefits. Contemporary scientific discoveries have affirmed numerous ancestral uses by uncovering that the plant-based cannabinoids in bhang—chiefly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)—act as strong influencers of the body’s endocannabinoid regulatory network. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions by interacting with multiple molecular targets, including CB1 and CB2 receptors, TRP channels, serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors, GABA-A receptors, and PPAR-γ nuclear receptors. This polypharmacology underlies their potential for treating complex disorders such as chronic pain, systemic inflammation, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the “entourage effect”—a synergistic interaction among cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—further enhances the therapeutic efficacy and safety of whole-plant formulations like bhang. This review integrates traditional Ayurvedic insights with modern pharmacological evidence, emphasizing the multi-target mechanisms of cannabinoids and their implications in integrative medicine. It also discusses current challenges, including regulatory barriers, variability in formulation, and the need for clinical standardization. By exploring both the molecular and clinical landscape, this paper advocates for the repositioning of bhang-based therapies within evidence-based healthcare systems.