Potential cytotoxic effect of cannabidiol against human glioblastoma cells in vitro

Introduction:
In addition to its antiepileptic and anti-inflammatory properties, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, also has potential anticancer properties.

Aim of the research:
Evaluation the effect of CBD on the cell viability of 2 human glioblastoma lines.

Material and methods:
LN18 and LN229 cell lines relative to the physiological primary oligodendrocyte line MO3.13 were included in the study. The cells were exposed to CBD at increasing doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 μM for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability after the planned incubation period was assessed using the commercial MTT test. Statistical calculations were evaluated with usage of Statistics Kingdom web application, and the IC₅₀ value was assessed with usage of Quest Graph™ IC₅₀ Calculator AAT Bioquest, Inc.

Results:
A dose-dependent cytotoxic activity of CBD was found in reducing the viability of each of the tested cell types. The cytotoxic effect was comparable after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The IC₅₀ value was the lowest for LN229 line cells and amounted to 8.9 μM and 8.8 μM after 24 and 48 h of incubation, respectively, and the highest for the MO3.13 line and amounted to 12.4 μM and 13.5 μM after 24 and 48 h of incubation, respectively.

Conclusion:
CBD exerts a cytotoxic effect against glioblastoma cells. However, the reduction of viability also of physiological cell line suggests that the observed effect may not be selective for glioblastoma.