Effect of hemp seed oil on accelerating wound healing: Evaluation of wound size reduction, epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization in murine models

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“Essential oils have gained interest in wound management, with prior studies exploring combinations of hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa) and other oils. However, single-oil strategies may offer simpler formulation, reducing the risk of interactions while preserving therapeutic benefits.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of hemp seed oil on accelerating wound healing, focusing on wound size reduction, epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization in murine models.

An in vivo with a post-test-only control group was conducted using 36 male Mus musculus mice (3-4 months, 150-250 grams) which were divided into three groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC, treated with chloramphenicol ointment twice daily), and treatment group (TG, treated with hemp seed oil 400,000 mg/mL twice daily). Mice were euthanized on day 3, 7, 14, and 21 for wound healing assessment, including macroscopic evaluation (visual observation, wound size, and wound healing rate) and microscopic evaluation (epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization).

The present study found that the TG group demonstrated smaller wound sizes on day 14 (p < 0.001) and day 21 (p < 0.001). This group also enhanced wound healing rates observed on day 14 (p < 0.001) and day 21 (p = 0.001) compared to PC and NC groups. Epithelialization was significantly higher in the TG group compared to PC and NC groups on day 14 (p = 0.007), while granulation tissue formation showed significant improvement on day 3 (p = 0.045), day 14 (p = 0.028), and day 21 (p = 0.003). Additionally, TG group showed significantly greater new blood vessel formation on day 21 (p = 0.001) compared to the PC and NC groups.

In conclusion, hemp seed oil demonstrated significant potential in accelerating wound healing processes suggesting a superior effect compared to chloramphenicol ointment. Therefore, hemp seed oil may serve as a promising natural and cost-effective adjunct for wound management.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40352225/

In Vivo and In Vitro Crosstalk Among CBD, Aβ, and Endocannabinoid System Enzymes and Receptors

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“Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic compound derived from Cannabis sativa, has garnered attention as a potential therapeutic agent for various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Despite growing interest, additional research is required to clarify the specific mechanisms by which CBD influences the pathological accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) associated with AD. Moreover, the interactions between CBD and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), both in the presence and absence of Aβ expression, remain a subject of active investigation.

Elucidating these mechanisms may provide valuable insights for advancing both our understanding and the development of targeted interventions in neurodegenerative disease management. Using a multifaceted approach that integrates pharmacological interventions, immunofluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, and biochemical assays, we examined the effects of CBD on Aβ40 and Aβ42. Additionally, we analyzed the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 1(CB1 receptor) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the presence or absence of Aβ expression, uncovering the intricate regulatory mechanisms of CBD.

Our findings indicate a nuanced response to CBD; while it may produce side effects in non-pathological cells, it demonstrates an ability to induce autophagy and apoptosis in Aβ-expressing cells via the activation of the Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 B(LC3B) and Caspase-3 pathways. Furthermore, our investigation into faah-1 involvement highlighted its role in alleviating pharyngeal dysfunction and counteracting weight loss in Aβ-expressing Caenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans) strains. These insights advance our understanding of CBD’s therapeutic potential in addressing neurodegenerative pathologies.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40350019/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299925004741?via%3Dihub

Cannabidiol-loaded-injectable depot formulation for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: design, development, in-vitro and in-ovo evaluation of its anticancer activity

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“Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an invasive and difficult-to-treat carcinoma that represents 15-20 % of breast malignancies and is frequently diagnosed in younger women. Chemotherapy is the mainstay treatment approach.

Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has shown a potential anticancer activity in TNBC, enhancing the effect of conventional antineoplastics.

This research aims to develop in situ forming implants (ISFIs) as a long-acting depot formulation of CBD with potential application in TNBC. This formulation is intended to be administered in the tumor site during neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic regimens, allowing a controlled CBD release. ISFIs were elaborated with 100 mg of polycaprolactone (PCL) and 2.5 mg (2.5-CB-ISFI), 5 mg (5-CB-ISFI) or 10 mg (10-CB-ISFI) of CBD dissolved in 400 µL of NMP. All the formulations exhibited a controlled drug release for around two months. 10-CB-ISFI formulation with the highest CBD content and the most suitable CBD release profile was selected for biological studies.

This formulation inhibited the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells and exerted an antiangiogenic effect in ovo. Interestingly, the antiangiogenic activity of 10-CB-ISFI was higher compared with CBD in solution administered at the same concentration, showing vascular inhibition percentages of around 80 % and 60 %, respectively.

Finally, this formulation reduced the growth of MDA-MB-231-derived tumors developed in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. The single administration of 10-CB-ISFI exhibited a similar antitumor efficacy to the daily administration of CBD in solution (≈60 % tumor growth inhibition).

Therefore, the injectable depot formulation of CBD developed in this work showed a promising utility in TNBC treatment.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40349999/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517325005472?via%3Dihub

Optimization of the Extraction Process and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Different Polar Parts of the Ethanol Extracts of Cannabis sativa L

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“The total flavonoids of Cannabis sativa L. were selected as the research object, and the extraction process of C. sativa L. was optimized on the basis of a single factor experiment utilizing a five-factor, three-level response surface method. Subsequently, the vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the flavonoids were evaluated.

The optimized extraction conditions were as follows: ratio of liquid to solid, 24.69:1 mL/g; soaking time, 102.12 min; extraction time, 165.96 min; ethanol concentration, 46.59%; extraction temperature, 86.87 °C. The extraction rate of C. sativa L. flavonoids (CSF) was found to be 5.51 ± 0.04 mg/g. The extraction of crude flavonoid (i.e., flavonoids extracted under the optimal extraction process) was conducted using four solvents, resulting in five C. sativa L. flavonoid extracts (petroleum ether, CSFp; n-butanol, CSFb; ethyl acetate, CSFe; aqueous phase, CSFw; and crude flavonoid, CSF). CSF contains 10 flavonoid components.

In vitro, all five CSF samples demonstrated good total reducing power, effective scavenging capacity against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals, and pronounced inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to evaluate the five CSF samples in terms of antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

The results indicated that petroleum-ether-extracted C. sativa L. flavonoids (CSFp) exhibited the most pronounced antibacterial and antioxidant effects.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40352509/

“Cannabis sativa L. is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mulberry family. It has been demonstrated that the plant contains a variety of physiologically active substances, including antibacterial, antithrombotic, antiallergic, and analgesic properties.”

“The results demonstrate that flavonoids present in C. sativa L. possess significant potential for utilization in both medical and industrial applications.”

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.4c10986

Quantitative and qualitative imaging in marijuana users and smokers

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“Objective: To evaluate the effect of marijuana use compared to cigarette smoking on imaging findings in the lungs.

Methods: By searching the electronic medical record, we identified patients who were marijuana users who never smoked; current smokers; and non-marijuana never smokers, who underwent chest CT in our healthcare system in 2019. We generated a random sample of 100 marijuana users as well as 100 each age- and sex-matched controls from the current smoker and never-smoker groups. Patients with extensive airspace disease on CT were excluded. Quantitative CT analysis was performed to measure total lung volume (TLV). A thoracic radiologist reviewed chest CTs in a blinded fashion for the presence of emphysema, centrilobular ground glass opacities, mosaic attenuation, bronchial wall thickening, and coronary calcification.

Results: Our study included 285 participants, comprising 89 non-smokers, 97 smokers, and 99 marijuana users. Despite propensity score matching, the marijuana user group was slightly younger than the smokers and non-smokers (mean age 59 versus 62 and 64 years, respectively, p = 0.04), with similar sex distribution across all groups. TLV was higher in smokers than marijuana users and non-smokers (p<.01 for both).

By visual analysis, 62 % of smokers had emphysema versus 4 % of marijuana users (p<.001). Additionally, centrilobular ground glass opacities were more prevalent in smokers (15 %) than in marijuana users (2 %) (p = 0.0008). No significant difference was noted in the occurrence of mosaic attenuation between smokers and marijuana users. In terms of coronary artery calcification, more smokers had moderate to severe coronary artery calcifications compared to marijuana users (43 % versus 25 %, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: While emphysema and hyperinflation were common in smokers, they were rare in marijuana users.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40318925/

“Visual assessment revealed a significantly higher prevalence of emphysema in smokers (62 %) compared to marijuana users”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0363018825000738

Effects of legal access versus illegal market cannabis on use and mental health: A randomized controlled trial

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“Aims: We measured the effects of public health-oriented cannabis access compared with the illegal market on cannabis use and related mental health outcomes in adult cannabis users.

Design: This was a two-arm, parallel group, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Follow-up outcome measurement took place after 6 months.

Setting: The study was conducted in Basel-Stadt, Switzerland.

Participants: A total of 378 adult (aged ≥18 years) cannabis users were enrolled and randomized between August 2022 and March 2023, although only 374 users who completed baseline measures could be included.

Intervention and comparator: Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group with public health-oriented recreational cannabis access in pharmacies (regulated cannabis products, safer use information, voluntary counseling, no advertisement; 189/188) or the illegal market control group (continued illicit cannabis sourcing; 189/186).

Measurements: The primary outcome was self-reported severity of cannabis misuse after 6 months, as measured by the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test – Revised (range 0-32). Secondary outcomes involved depressive, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms, cannabis consumption amount, alcohol, and drug use.

Findings: Ten participants were not followed (2.7%). Primary analysis included those with complete data (182 vs. 182). There was some evidence of a difference in cannabis misuse between the legal cannabis intervention group (mean [M] = 10.1) and the illegal market control group (M = 10.9; β = -0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.4 to 0.0, P = 0.052). These results were supported by an intention-to-treat multiple imputation analysis (n = 374). Additional sub-group analysis by whether the participant used other drugs or not suggested that any reduction in cannabis misuse was confined to those in the legal cannabis intervention group who used other drugs (PInteraction < 0.001). We found no statistically significant changes in any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions: Public health-oriented recreational cannabis access may decrease cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, especially among those using other drugs.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40289676/

“Our results indicate that public health-oriented RCL could be an effective policy model to make cannabis safer without increasing cannabis use and cannabis-related harms.”

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70080

“Cannabis study finds legalization reduces problematic consumption, especially among those using other drugs”

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-cannabis-legalization-problematic-consumption-drugs.html

“Researchers uncover causal evidence that cannabis legalization reduces problematic consumption”

Researchers uncover causal evidence that cannabis legalization reduces problematic consumption

“Legal Cannabis Linked to Less Problematic Use, Better Mental Health”

Legal Cannabis Linked to Less Problematic Use, Better Mental Health

Cannabinol improves exemestane efficacy in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer models: a comparative study with cannabidiol

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“Cannabinoids have been used as anti-emetic agents in cancer. However, multiple studies suggest that cannabinoids present important anti-tumor actions as well.

Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most diagnosed breast cancer subtype, and despite the success of endocrine therapy, endocrine resistance development is a major challenge, demanding the discovery or implementation of alternative therapeutic approaches.

In line with this, and following our previous work, the benefits of combining the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used in the clinic, anastrozole (Ana), letrozole (Let), and exemestane (Exe), with cannabinol (CBN) were evaluated. Experiments were performed in MCF-7aro cells and spheroids to assess activity against specific molecular targets and underlying mechanisms of action.

Among the three AIs studied, only the combination of CBN with Exe induced a significant beneficial impact on viability and growth of ER+ breast cancer cells and spheroids.

Our results demonstrated that this combination was more effective than Exe in preventing the expression of aromatase and in modulating ERα and androgen receptor (AR) activity.

In fact, the results revealed that CBN can prevent de novo synthesis of aromatase, surpass Exe’s weak estrogen-like effect, and avoid the unfavorable overexpression of AR. By comparing these two therapeutic strategies, as well as the previously studied combination of Exe plus cannabidiol (CBD), differential transcriptome profiles were detected, which may help to better understand the mechanism of action of cannabinoids and disclose their full potential in breast cancer treatment.

In conclusion, this study strengthens the hypothesis that cannabinoids are important anti-cancer agents with attractive co-adjuvant properties.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40345424/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299925004662?via%3Dihub

Oral cannabinoid formulation elevates sensory nerve conduction velocity and mitigates oxidative stress to alleviate neuropathic pain in rats

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“Background and aim: Use of potent painkillers like opiates are limited by their abuse potential and adverse physiological effects necessitating new therapeutics for pain management. This study assessed the efficacy of oral cannabinoid formulations (F1-F4) in alleviating chronic neuropathic pain (CP) and investigated their mechanisms through thermal algesia, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV).

Experimental procedures: A 21-day rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve was used to evaluate the effects of oral cannabinoid formulations (F1: 500 mg, F2: 1000 mg, F3: 2000 mg, F4: 3000 mg) in MCT oil, with pregabalin as the reference. Male Wistar rats (35) were divided equally into seven groups, with all except the Sham group undergoing sciatic nerve ligation and receiving different formulations.On day 22, behavioral (hot plate, tail flick) and electrophysiological (sensory nerve conduction velocity, SNCV) assessments were performed. SNCV was also measured in the presence of CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists. Additionally, blood-based markers of inflammation (TNF-α) and oxidative stress (MDA, GSH and CAT) were analysed.

Results and conclusions: The vehicle group exhibited significant hyperalgesia (p <0.005), reduced sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) (p <0.005) and elevated MDA and TNF-α levels, along with decreased GSH and CAT levels in both serum and sciatic nerve tissue.Among the formulations, F2 significantly improved pain latency and SNCV (p <0.005) compared to the vehicle group and outperformed F1, F3, F4 and pregabalin (p <0.05). Its effects were mediated through CB1 and CB2 receptor agonism while simultaneously reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for neuropathic pain management.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40336142/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01616412.2025.2500112

A novel antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carboxymethylcellulose/chitosan hydrogel loaded with cannabidiol promotes the healing of radiation-combined wound skin injury in the 60Co γ-irradiated mice

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“Background: Combined radiation and wound skin injury (RW) are frequently observed in patients undergoing tumor surgery plus radiotherapy, and but specific treatment is lacking. Chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are commonly used to prepare hydrogel with good biocompatibility and low toxicity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has presented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.

Methods: CMC, CS, and CBD were used and designed for three types of hydrogels (CMC/CS2/CBD, CMC/CS3/CBD, CMC/CS4/CBD) with different ratios of CMC and CS based on previous report and our preliminary experiments. The CMC/CS/CBD hydrogel was synthesized using electrostatic interaction without chemical crosslinking, characterized via fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and tested for mechanical properties, swelling behavior, biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility. 60Co γ irradiation (5 Gy, 0.62 Gy/min) combined with 1 cm circular trauma was applied to establish RW mice model. Topical applications of CMC/CS3, CMC/CS2/CBD, CMC/CS3/CBD were used to treat RW injury once a day for 10 consecutive days. The mice were euthanized 7, 14, 21 days after radiation, and samples were collected.

Results: FT-IR confirmed the successful formation of a polyelectrolyte network. The CMC/CS3/CBD hydrogel exhibited optimal mechanical strength, rapid gelation, high swelling capacity, and excellent biocompatibility. Both CMC/CS2/CBD and CMC/CS3/CBD hydrogels effectively improved RW injury 7, 14, 21 days after radiation. Reduced inflammation and increased collagen production were observed the two groups. The significant increased expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-22, IL-17A, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CC motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11 in the RW group was greatly inhibited after treatment with CMC/CS3/CBD hydrogel. Transcriptome analysis revealed the hydrogel’s impact on lipid metabolism and epithelial differentiation pathways.

Conclusions: By integrating CBD into a CMC/CS-based hydrogel without using toxic crosslinkers, this study provides a novel, biomaterial-based, biocompatible approach for RW injury. These findings pave the way for future clinical application of CMC/CS3/CBD hydrogel in RW injury.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40318533/

“We developed an injectable CMC/CS/CBD hydrogel for the treatment of RW injuries. The hydrogel was fabricated via electrostatic self-assembly, eliminating the need for toxic chemical crosslinkers, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. Our work firstly integrated CBD into a hydrogel matrix specifically for RW treatment, and confirmed its ability to suppress inflammation and regulate macrophage polarization.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711325004283?via%3Dihub

Efficacy of a Neuroimmune Therapy Including Pineal Methoxyindoles, Angiotensin 1-7, and Endocannabinoids in Cancer, Autoimmune, and Neurodegenerative Diseases

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“Purpose: Recent advancements in psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunology indicate that numerous noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) originate from disruptions in the cytokine immune network, resulting in chronic inflammatory responses. This persistent low-degree inflammation is attributed to deficiencies in crucial endogenous anti-inflammatory neuroendocrine systems, including the pineal gland, the endocannabinoid system, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 / angiotensin 1-7 axis.

The administration of pineal methoxyindoles (melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine), cannabinoids, and angiotensin 1-7 may entail potential therapeutic benefits for NCDs, particularly for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Patients and methods: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a neuroimmune regimen comprising melatonin (100 mg/day at night), 5-methoxytryptamine (30 mg in the early afternoon), angiotensin 1-7 (0.5 mg twice daily), and cannabidiol (20 mg twice daily) in 306 patients with NCDs, including advanced cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

Results: The neuroimmune regimen successfully halted cancer progression in 68% of cancer patients, who also reported improvements in mood, sleep, and relief from anxiety, pain, and fatigue. In patients with autoimmune diseases, the treatment effectively controlled the disease process, remarkable in cases of multiple sclerosis. Additionally, positive outcomes were observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials are required to assess this therapeutic approach for NCDs that includes endogenous neuroendocrine molecules regulating immune responses in an anti-inflammatory manner.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40330271/

“This study highlights the potential of leveraging endogenous molecules to treat NCDs by modulating cell proliferation, inflammation, immune responses, metabolism, and neurological functions. The findings suggest that a neuroimmune regimen incorporating melatonin, angiotensin 1–7, and other bioactive compounds could offer a low-cost, minimally toxic therapeutic approach.”

https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-of-a-neuroimmune-therapy-including-pineal-methoxyindoles-angi-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA