Category Archives: Psoriasis.

Cannabinoids for Dermatological Applications: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Evidence, and Emerging Nanotechnology-Enabled Delivery Strategies

Posted on by

Cannabinoids are being explored across a growing range of dermatological conditions because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pain-modulating effects. This review examines the evidence for cannabinoid-based approaches in acne, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, wound healing, and other skin disorders, while also highlighting emerging nanotechnology designed to improve topical delivery and skin penetration. The findings show that cannabinoids can act on multiple biological pathways relevant to skin health and that advanced delivery systems may make these compounds more effective and practical for dermatological treatment.

“Cannabinoids (CBs) derived from Cannabis sativa have attracted growing interest for dermatological applications due to their anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antifibrotic, and antipruritic properties. However, their clinical translation is significantly limited by physicochemical and pharmacokinetic challenges, including poor aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, instability, variable skin penetration, and inconsistent bioavailability.

At the molecular level, CBs modulate keratinocyte proliferation, sebocyte activity, fibroblast function, melanocyte balance, and immune signalling through CB1/CB2 receptors, TRP channels, and PPARγ pathways.

Evidence supports their potential in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic contact dermatitis, pruritus, scleroderma, and skin cancers. Clinical evidence remains preliminary: topical and oral formulations have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antifibrotic effects, with improvements in pruritus, lesion severity, and quality of life in early-phase studies. However, most trials are small, uncontrolled, and lack placebo comparators, limiting generalisability.

To overcome formulation barriers and enhance dermal delivery, advanced pharmaceutical strategies such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and transdermal systems have been investigated to improve stability, controlled release, and targeted skin deposition while minimising systemic exposure.

This review integrates mechanistic insights, clinical evidence, and emerging nanotechnology-enabled delivery approaches, emphasising rational formulation design and translational considerations necessary for advancing CBs toward standardised and clinically reliable dermatological therapeutics.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42076122

“In summary, cannabinoids represent a biologically plausible yet clinically evolving therapeutic class in dermatology. Advancing their role in patient care will depend on coordinated progress in mechanistic understanding, pharmaceutical design, and structured clinical validation.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/469

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in Skin Conditions

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Background: Dermatological disorders can have a negative impact on quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It has multiple molecular targets, many of which are expressed in the skin, and may have therapeutic potential in several skin conditions.

Aims: This review aims to provide an overview of preclinical and clinical studies of CBD in dermatological disorders.

Methods: Literature searches were conducted using databases including PubMed and Google Scholar using the search terms: (‘cannabidiol’ OR ‘CBD’) AND ‘skin’, ‘acne’, ‘psoriasis’, ‘dermatitis’, and ‘wound healing’. Studies were included if they were original research articles focused on CBD and skin conditions.

Results: Preclinical evidence suggests that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, while evidence for skin moisturizing properties suggests possible cosmetic benefits. To date, there is limited clinical evidence that CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis, as well as for cosmetic purposes including improving skin hydration, elasticity, and protection against skin aging.

Conclusions: There is some evidence indicating the therapeutic potential of CBD for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis, and possible utility for cosmetic purposes. Several clinical trials involving the topical application of CBD for skin conditions are currently ongoing, and the results of these trials will be important in determining the therapeutic potential of CBD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41178006/

“CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis, with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and potential anti-pruritic effects.”

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.70527

Cannabizetol, a Novel Cannabinoid: Chemical Synthesis, Anti-inflammatory Activity and Extraction from Cannabis sativa L

Posted on by

“We report the first isolation of a previously unknown cannabinoid, cannabizetol (CBGD, 7), from Cannabis sativa extracts, representing the third member of the rare class of methylene-bridged dimeric cannabinoids. The availability of a chemically synthesized standard was crucial for its unequivocal identification, thus confirming the natural occurrence of this new compound.

In addition to this structural discovery, we demonstrate that cannabizetol exhibits remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory activity, significantly higher than that observed for the known dimeric cannabinoid cannabitwinol (CBDD, 6).

These results highlight cannabizetol as a promising bioactive metabolite with potential dermatological applications. To further enable its study, we developed a continuous flow approach to optimize the preparation of these dimers, achieving a substantial reduction in reaction times.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40994228/

“Several cannabinoids have demonstrated biological activities, making Cannabis sativa particularly attractive as a source of potential medicinal active principles.”

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c00826

Beyond Cannabidiol: The Contribution of Cannabis sativa Phytocomplex to Skin Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Human Skin Keratinocytes

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Background:Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) has a long history of medicinal use. Its inflorescences contain bioactive compounds like non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD), which is well known for its anti-inflammatory potential in skin conditions such as psoriasis, and psychotropic Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Keratinocytes, the main cells in the epidermis, are crucial for regulating skin inflammation by producing mediators like IL-8 when stimulated by agents like TNFα. 

Methods: This study explores the anti-inflammatory effects of a standardized C. sativa extract (CSE) with 5% CBD and less than 0.2% THC in human keratinocytes challenged by TNFα. The aim of this study is to analyze the specific contributions of the main constituents of CSE to inflammatory responses in human keratinocytes by fractionating the extract and examining the effects of its individual components. 

Results: MTT assays showed that CSE was non-toxic to HaCaT cells up to 50 μg/mL. CSE inhibited NF-κB activity and reduced IL-8 secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, with mean IC50 values of 28.94 ± 10.40 μg/mL and 20.06 ± 2.78 μg/mL (mean ± SEM), respectively. Fractionation of CSE into four subfractions revealed that the more lipophilic fractions (A and B) were the most effective in inhibiting NF-κB, indicating that cannabinoids and cannflavins are key contributors. Pure CBD is one of the most active cannabinoids in reducing NF-κB-driven transcription (together with THC and cannabigerol), and due to its abundance in CSE, it is primarily responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity. 

Conclusions: This study highlights CBD’s significant role in reducing inflammation in human keratinocytes and underscores the need to consider the synergistic interactions of several molecules within C. sativa extracts for maximum efficacy. Standardized extracts are essential for reproducible results due to the variability in responses.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40430467/

“In conclusion, the results of this study on CSE underscore the significant role of CBD in exerting anti-inflammatory effects in human keratinocytes.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/5/647

Cannabidiol-loaded hydrogel microneedle patches inhibit TRIM14/TRAF3/ NF-κB axis for the treatment of psoriasis

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinized cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells that affects many patients worldwide. There is no cure for psoriasis, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Alterations in some TRIM family proteins have been demonstrated to be involved in the exacerbation of psoriasis, however, the molecular mechanism of TRIM14 in psoriasis is unknown.

Here, we show that TRIM14 is highly expressed in psoriasis patients and is closely associated with the progression of psoriasis. A possible mechanism is that TRIM14 binds to TRAF3 and mediates the autophagic degradation of TRAF3 through the selective autophagy receptor NDP52, activating the NF-κB pathway.

In addition, cannabidiol (CBD) can effectively inhibit the proliferation of keratinocytes, possibly by inhibiting the expression of TRIM14 and attenuating the continuous activation of the NF-κB pathway in psoriasis.

CBD-loaded hydrogel microneedle patches significantly improved the symptoms of keratoderma thickening, erythema and desquamation in psoriatic mice and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in psoriatic skin tissue and blood, as well as the spleen index compared with Tacrolimus cream (positive control).

In summary, TRIM14, which is highly expressed in psoriasis patients, may be a potential target and provide new ideas for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, the CBD hydrogel microneedle patch developed for TRIM14 has obvious therapeutic effects and provides a new option for future drug therapy for psoriasis patients.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39933682/

https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0141813025013741

Exploring the Biological Activity of Phytocannabinoid Formulations for Skin Health Care: A Special Focus on Molecular Pathways

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Recent advancements have highlighted the potential of cannabis and its phytocannabinoids (pCBs) in skin health applications.

These compounds, through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), show promise for skin health products. Their ability to regulate inflammation, oxidative stress and cell proliferation makes them useful in addressing skin problems such as inflammation, scarring, healing, acne and aging, positioning them as valuable tools for innovative skincare solutions.

In the present work, the cellular and molecular effects of proprietary pCB-based formulations on ECS modulation, inflammation and skin regeneration were investigated.

Using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and keratinocytes (HaCaT), the effect of formulations in both pre-treatment and treatment scenarios following exposure to stress-inducing agents was assessed. Key molecular markers were analyzed to tackle their efficacy in mitigating inflammation and promoting structural integrity and regeneration.

In vitro results showed that these formulations significantly reduced inflammation, promoted skin regeneration and improved structural functions. In vivo studies confirmed that the formulations were well-tolerated and led to noticeable improvements in skin health, including enhanced barrier function.

This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of pCB-based formulations for cosmeceutical applications. By combining molecular analysis with in vivo testing, this research provides new insights into the therapeutic potential of pCBs for managing various skin conditions.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684852/

“This study confirms the safety and efficacy of pCB-based formulations for skin applications, highlighting their potential to enhance regeneration and structural processes. The findings underscore the promise of cannabis-based products in cosmetics and dermatology, meeting the rising demand for natural, effective skincare solutions and shaping the future of modern skincare and therapeutic approaches.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/23/13142

Cannabis-Based Phytocannabinoids: Overview, Mechanism of Action, Therapeutic Application, Production, and Affecting Environmental Factors

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“This review provides an overview of cannabis-based phytocannabinoids, focusing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and production processes, along with the environmental factors that affect their quality and efficacy.

Phytocannabinoids such as THC (∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and CBC (cannabichromene) exhibit significant therapeutic potential in treating various physical and mental health conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, skin disorders, and anxiety.

The cultivation of cannabis plays a crucial role in determining cannabinoid profiles, with indoor cultivation offering more control and consistency than outdoor methods. Environmental factors such as light, water, temperature, humidity, nutrient management, CO2, and the drying method used are key to optimizing cannabinoid content in inflorescences.

This review outlines the need for broader data transfer between the health industry and technological production, especially in terms of what concentration and cannabinoid ratios are effective in treatment. Such data transfer would provide cultivators with information on what environmental parameters should be manipulated to obtain the required final product.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39457041/

“Phytocannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC, present broad therapeutic potential in a wide range of physical and mental conditions. They have shown efficacy in treating chronic pain, reducing seizure activity, slowing neurodegenerative processes, psoriasis, acne, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, and psychosis. Dose dependence was notable in most cases, and thus, this requires careful management.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/20/11258

The Potential Role of Cannabidiol in Cosmetic Dermatology: A Literature Review

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with multiple pharmacological properties. Cannabidiol has attracted growing attention in the cosmetic industry, with an increasing number of CBD-containing skincare products on the market in recent years.

The aim of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on the use of CBD for cosmetic purposes. Following an overview of CBD and the endocannabinoid system in the skin, we summarize pre-clinical and clinical studies that address the potential of CBD in cosmetic dermatology.

Available in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that CBD has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, anti-acne, wound-healing, and anti-aging properties. However, only a few clinical studies have been conducted on the use of CBD in the skin. In addition, there is a critical need to develop an efficient drug-delivery system for topical/transdermal application of CBD. Further research, including clinical and pharmacokinetic studies, are needed to fully evaluate the role of CBD in cosmetic dermatology.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39369127/

“Available evidence suggests that CBD has multiple beneficial properties in cosmetic dermatology, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Indeed, the skin is an ideal delivery route for CBD, enabling high local concentrations while minimizing systemic side effects. Given its highly lipophilic nature, delivering CBD through the stratum corneum into deeper skin layers requires specialized delivery systems, which are still under research and development.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-024-00891-y

Cannabidiol Alleviates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis by Inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 in a Mouse Model

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from Cannabis sativa, has shown efficacy in treating psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 1-3% of the global population; however, the mechanisms remain unclear.

This study investigated CBD’s effects on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in mice, which were divided into five groups: Control, IMQ, Clobetasol, 0.01% CBD, and 0.1% CBD. After inducing psoriasis with IMQ, clobetasol or CBD was applied. Psoriasis severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with histopathological changes examined via hematoxylin and eosin staining. Gene expression of inflammatory markers (Il1b, Il6, Il12b, Il17a, Il22, and Tnf) was analyzed by RT-PCR, while protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, P-STAT3, Janus kinase (JAK)2, and JAK3 were evaluated through western blot and immunohistochemistry.

The results demonstrated that CBD significantly reduced PASI scores, epidermal thickness, keratosis, hyperproliferation, and inflammation. Moreover, CBD inhibited the IL-23 receptor-mediated JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to the downregulation of Il1b, Il6, Il12b, Il17a, Il22, and Tnf expression.

These findings suggest that CBD effectively alleviates psoriasis-like symptoms in mice and may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for psoriasis by targeting the JAK2-STAT3 pathway.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39335596/

“Our results showed that CBD treatment markedly alleviated psoriasis symptoms in an IMQ-induced mouse model by targeting the JAK2–STAT3 signaling pathway. Therefore, CBD may have beneficial effects in treating psoriasis.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/9/2084

The Perspective of Cannabidiol in Psoriasis Therapy

Posted on by
pubmed logo

“Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. As an autoimmune disease, it can lead to itchy, painful, and scaly patches on the skin. Although various treatments, including topical creams, phototherapy, and systemic medications, are currently available, they may not always offer effective relief and can have side effects. Researchers have thus been exploring the potential benefits of non-psychoactive compounds such as CBD, found in Cannabis sativa plants, for treating psoriasis. CBD treatment may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, itching, abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes, and may increase hydration. This review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on the potential uses of CBD for psoriasis treatment.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38911997/

https://www.dovepress.com/the-perspective-of-cannabidiol-in-psoriasis-therapy-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-PTT