Medical cannabis dimethyl ether, ethanol and butane extracts inhibit the in vitro growth of bacteria and dermatophytes causing common skin diseases

Frontiers - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding

“Cannabis preparations are gaining popularity among patients with various skin diseases. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, dermatologists remain cautious about their prescriptions. So far, only a few studies have been published about the effects of high-potency cannabis extracts on microorganisms (especially dermatophytes) causing skin problems that affect more than 25% of the worldwide population. Even though, the high-potency cannabis extracts prepared by cold extraction are mostly composed of non-psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and only low amount of THC, their use in topical treatment can be stigmatized. The in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal activity of two high potent cannabis strains extracted by three solvents traditionally or currently used by cannabis users (ethanol; EtOH, butane; BUT, dimethyl ether; DME) was investigated by broth dilution method. The chemical profile of cannabis was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and gas chromatography with mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector. The extraction methods significantly influenced chemical profile of extracts. The yield of EtOH extracts contained less cannabinoids and terpenes compared to BUT and DME ones. Most of the extracts was predominantly (>60%) composed of various cannabinoids, especially THCA. All of them demonstrated activity against 18 of the 19 microorganisms tested. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extracts ranged from 4 to 256 μg/mL. In general, the bacteria were more susceptible to the extracts than dermatophytes. Due to the lower content of biologically active substances, the EtOH extracts were less effective against microorganisms. Cannabis extracts may be of value to treat dermatophytosis and other skin diseases caused by various microorganisms. Therefore, they could serve as an alternative or supportive treatment to commonly used antibiotics.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36204633/

“Our research brought new evidence that cannabis extracts may be of value to treat dermatophytosis and other skin diseases caused by various microorganisms and showed that cannabis could serve as an alternative or supportive treatment to commonly used antibiotics.”

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.953092/full

Terpenes and Cannabinoids in Supercritical CO 2 Extracts of Industrial Hemp Inflorescences: Optimization of Extraction, Antiradical and Antibacterial Activity

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“Natural products are increasingly in demand in dermatology and cosmetology. In the present study, highly valuable supercritical CO2 (sCO2) extracts rich in bioactive compounds with antiradical and antibacterial activity were obtained from the inflorescences of industrial hemp. Volatile compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while cannabinoids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). Extraction yields varied from 0.75 to 8.83%, depending on the pressure and temperature applied. The extract obtained at 320 bar and 40 °C with the highest content (305.8 µg mg-1) of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) showed the best antiradical properties. All tested extract concentrations from 10.42 µg mL-1 to 66.03 µg mL-1 possessed inhibitory activities against E. coliP. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and S. aureus. The sCO2 extract with the highest content of cannabidiol (CBD) and rich in α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, and limonene was the most effective. The optimal conditions for sCO2 extraction of cannabinoids and volatile terpenes from industrial hemp were determined. The temperature of 60 °C proved to be optimal for all responses studied, while the pressure showed a different effect depending on the compounds targeted. A low pressure of 131.2 bar was optimal for the extraction of monoterpenes, while extracts rich in sesquiterpenes were obtained at 319.7 bar. A high pressure of 284.78 bar was optimal for the extraction of CBD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36145338/

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/9/1117

The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases

ijms-logo“The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis, a balance in internal environment (temperature, mood, and immune system) and energy input and output in living, biological systems.

In addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS directly influences anxiety, feeding behaviour/appetite, emotional behaviour, depression, nervous functions, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, reward, cognition, learning, memory, pain sensation, fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and post-natal development.

The ECS is also involved in several pathophysiological diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the ECS has gained significant interest in medicine, research, and drug discovery and development.

The distribution of the components of the ECS system throughout the body, and the physiological/pathophysiological role of the ECS-signalling pathways in many diseases, all offer promising opportunities for the development of novel cannabinergic, cannabimimetic, and cannabinoid-based therapeutic drugs that genetically or pharmacologically modulate the ECS via inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or agonism or antagonism of the receptors of the ECS. This modulation results in the differential expression/activity of the components of the ECS that may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of diseases.

This manuscript in-depth review will investigate the potential of the ECS in the treatment of various diseases, and to put forth the suggestion that many of these secondary metabolites of Cannabis sativa L. (hereafter referred to as “C. sativa L.” or “medical cannabis”), may also have potential as lead compounds in the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals for a variety of diseases.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34502379/

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9472

 

“Cannabis sativa L. as a Natural Drug Meeting the Criteria of a Multitarget Approach to Treatment”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7830475/

Cannabidiol protects keratinocyte cell membranes following exposure to UVB and hydrogen peroxide

 Redox Biology“Keratinocytes, the major cell type of the epidermis, are particularly sensitive to environmental factors including exposure to sunlight and chemical agents. Since oxidative stress may arise as a result of these factors, compounds are actively sought that can act as protective agents.

Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis Sativa L., has gained increased interest due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and absence of psychoactive effects.

This prompted us to analyze the protective effects of CBD on keratinocytes exposed to UVB irradiation and hydrogen peroxide.

Together, these findings suggest that CBD could be a potential protective agent for keratinocytes against the harmful effects of irradiation and chemical environmental factors that cause oxidative stress.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32863232/

“CBD could be a potential keratinocytes protector against the harmful factors.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231720308181?via%3Dihub

Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Chronic Pruritus: A Review.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Home“Medical marijuana is becoming widely available to patients in the U.S. and with recreational marijuana now legalized in many states, patient interest is on the rise.

The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in skin homeostasis in addition to broader effects on neurogenic responses such as pruritus and nociception, inflammation, and immune reactions. There are numerous studies of in vitro and animal models that provide insight into the possible mechanisms of cannabinoid modulation on pruritus, with the most evidence behind neuronal modulation of both peripheral itch fibers and centrally-acting cannabinoid receptors.

In addition, human studies, while limited due to differences in cannabinoids used, disease models, and delivery method, have consistently shown significant reductions in both scratching and symptomatology in chronic pruritus. Clinical studies that have shown reduction in pruritus in several dermatologic (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asteatotic eczema, prurigo nodularis, allergic contact dermatitis) and systemic (uremic pruritus, cholestatic pruritus) diseases.

These preliminary human studies warrant controlled trials to confirm the benefit of cannabinoids for treatment of pruritus and to standardize treatment regimens and indications. In patients who have refractory chronic pruritus after standard therapies, cannabinoid formulations may be considered as an adjuvant therapy where it is legal.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31987788

https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(20)30120-1/pdf

Cannabis sativa L. extract and cannabidiol inhibit in vitro mediators of skin inflammation and wound injury.

Publication cover image“The present study investigates the potential effect of a Cannabis sativa L. ethanolic extract standardized in cannabidiol as antiinflammatory agent in the skin. The extract inhibited the release of mediators of inflammation involved in wound healing and inflammatory processes occurring in the skin. Cannabis extract and cannabidiol showed different effects on the release of interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor, which are both mediators whose genes are dependent on NF-κB. Our findings provide new insights into the potential effect of Cannabis extracts against inflammation-based skin diseases.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31250491

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6400

“The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/

“The endocannabinoid system of the skin. A potential approach for the treatment of skin disorders” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295218303484

Cannabinoid system in the skin – a possible target for future therapies in dermatology.”   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19664006

“Extracts of the hemp plant cannabis are traditionally used as a popular remedy against inflammation.” https://medicalxpress.com/news/2007-06-cannabinoids-human-body-anti-inflammatory-effect.html

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Dermatology

Skin Therapy Letter

“Cannabinoids have demonstrated utility in the management of cancer, obesity, and neurologic disease. More recently, their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties have been identified for the treatment of several dermatologic conditions.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30517778

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Dermatology

Cannabinoids in dermatology: a scoping review.

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“The therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids are an increasingly conspicuous topic as de-criminalization and legalization of these products continues to expand.

A limited number of cannabinoid compounds have been approved for a specific set of conditions. However, the current role of cannabinoids for the treatment of dermatologic conditions remains to be defined.

We conducted a review of the current literature to determine the applications of cannabinoids for the therapy of various skin diseases.

After conducting our analysis, we found that cannabinoid products have the potential to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne vulgaris, allergic contact dermatitis, asteatotic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Kaposi sarcoma, pruritus, psoriasis, skin cancer, and the cutaneous manifestations of systemic sclerosis. However, the majority of available data on these compounds are pre-clinical and there is a corresponding lack of high-quality randomized, controlled trials that evaluate their effects.

Cannabinoids have shown some initial promise as therapy for a variety of skin diseases. However, there is a requirement for thorough pre-clinical research and large-scale, randomized, controlled trials before cannabinoids can be considered safe and effective treatments for these conditions.”

“The endocannabinoid system of the skin. A potential approach for the treatment of skin disorders”  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295218303484

The endocannabinoid system of the skin. A potential approach for the treatment of skin disorders.

Biochemical Pharmacology

“The skin is the largest organ of the body and has a complex and very active structure that contributes to homeostasis and provides the first line defense against injury and infection.

In the past few years it has become evident that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a relevant role in healthy and diseased skin.

Specifically, we review how the dysregulation of ECS has been associated to dermatological disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma and skin cancer. Therefore, the druggability of the ECS could open new research avenues for the treatment of the pathologies mentioned.

Numerous studies have reported that phytocannabinoids and their biological analogues modulate a complex network pharmacology involved in the modulation of ECS, focusing on classical cannabinoid receptors, transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs).

The combined targeting of several end-points seems critical to provide better chances of therapeutically success, in sharp contrast to the one-disease-one-target dogma that permeates current drug discovery campaigns.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30138623

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295218303484

Can marijuana help eczema?

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“A medical doctor and researchers in the cannabis industry explain the science behind cannabis as a potential treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Weed cream. THC lotion. CBD salve. They go by many names, and there is a lot of interest and hope in the dermatological community that marijuana—or cannabis—may provide an alternate treatment pathway for a variety of skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis (AD).

Cannabinoids represent an exciting prospect for the future of AD therapy. With measurable anti-itch, anti-pain, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, the effect of cannabinoids in patients with AD has already begun to be demonstrated.”  https://nationaleczema.org/can-marijuana-help/

Can marijuana help eczema?

“Cannabis could help cure eczema by controlling bacteria that causes skin condition. Research from the National Eczema Association indicates cannabis may help relieve some skin conditions. CANNABIS might be able to solve some eczema problems as research indicates it could take away the itch that comes with the skin condition.” https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6432805/cannabis-help-treat-cure-eczema/