Medical Cannabis Mechanisms in Skin Healing; A Systematic Review of the Literature
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Katilyn Sookoo
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biotechnology/Molecular Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Rana Zeine
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Cannabinoid treatment for various skin disorders has been shown to have anti-
inflammatory, antipruritic, and analgesic effects in numerous studies. Stimulating receptors in
the endocannabinoid system including CB1 and CB2 have multiple cellular and molecular
effects. The purpose of this project is to systematically review the efficacy of medical cannabis
for relief of dermatological conditions including pruritus, psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Furthermore, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids in skin healing are
explored in experimental models and cell lines.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted via literature search through PubMed,
EBSCOhost, and ProQuest databases at Kean University Nancy Thompson Library. Search
terms were “cannabinoids,” “medical cannabis,” “endocannabinoid system,” with the Boolean
operator “and” “psoriasis,” “dermatology,” “skin diseases,” and “wound healing” to identify
studies in the last five years that discussed the effects and mechanisms of cannabinoids in skin
conditions. Data was extracted by two reviewers.
RESULTS: 295 articles were retrieved and 17 of those studies were included in this review. 12
of these studies were literature reviews.
Effects on fibroblasts included downregulation TGF-β induced fibroblast activation by treatment
with CB1 antagonist AM251 which inhibited fibroblast receptors, SMA-ɑ, collagen deposition,
dermal fibrosis, and scarring (Correia-Sá et al. 2021).
Effects on keratinocytes included reduction of UV induced membrane damage by treatment with
a combination of CBD and CBG which prevented increased levels of phosphatidylinositol and
sialic acid while reducing the activity of sphingomyelinase in UV irradiated keratinocytes,
demonstrating protective effects against skin damage (Wronski et al. 2023). In another study,
CBD treatment also down regulated apoptosis in UVB-treated psoriasis keratinocyte cell lines as
measured by P53 and P38 expression (Wojcik et al. 2021). Another study using treatment of
CBG, CBG, THCV and CBGA in human keratinocytes demonstrated upregulated CB1 and CB2
activation, TRPV1 channel simulation, FAAH and MAGL activity, all of which are responsible
for skin homeostasis and reduced inflammation (Tortolani et al. 2022).
Effects on acne vulgaris pathogenesis included inhibition of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly
Propionibacterium acnes) bacterial growth and anti-inflammatory effects on U937 monocytic
cells by treatment with CBD which reduced IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8 proinflammatory
cytokines. Therapeutic effects demonstrated by testing on 30 patients included reductions in the
number of acne lesions by 32% at 28 days, 38% at 42 days, and 71% at 56 days (Cohen at
al.2023).