Cannabidiol alleviates D-galactose-induced muscle tissue aging in mice by modulating oxidative stress and is associated with alterations in gut microbiota

Age-related muscle decline severely affects life quality. Oxidative stress is one of the important factors contributing to aging. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It exhibits no pharmacological toxicity at low doses and is therefore considered a potential anti-aging agent. However, it remains unclear whether CBD has effect on muscle tissue changes associated with aging. This study used a D-galactose-induced aging model to assess CBD's effects and mechanisms on muscle tissue in aging mice. The results showed CBD reduced β-galactosidase-positive cells, inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and oxidative stress. CBD also alleviated cell cycle arrest, modulates the DNA damage response, mitigated muscle aging, and it protects intestinal villi by regulating the mRNA levels of intestinal barrier genes. 16S rRNA sequencing showed CBD altered gut microbiota, enhancing bacterial network complexity and stability. Overall, CBD can delay aging by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the gut microbiota; however, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.