The growing trend of cannabidiol in skincare products

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

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.

Photodegradation of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-THC in cannabis plant material

Δ9-THC, the psychotropic cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa L., for many years has been the focus of all the pharmacological attention as the main promising principle of the plant. Recently, however, cannabidiol (CBD) has brought a sudden change in the scenario, exponentially increasing the interest in pharmacology as the main non-psychotropic cannabinoid with potential therapeutic, cosmetical and clinical applications. Although the reactivity of CBD and Δ9-THC has been considered, little attention has been paid to the possible photodegradation of these cannabinoids in the vegetal matrix and the data available in the literature are, in some cases, contradictory. The aim of the present work is to provide a characterization of the photochemical behaviour of CBD and Δ9-THC in three cannabis chemotypes, namely I (Δ9-THC 2.50%w/w), II (CBD:Δ9-THC 5.82%w/w:3.19%w/w) and III (CBD 3.02%w/w).

Stability, biofunctional, and antimicrobial characteristics of cannabidiol isolate for the design of topical formulations

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a high-value natural compound of Cannabis Sativa plant. It is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid, attracting significant attention as a multifunctional active ingredient for topical applications. Although it is demonstrated that CBD can be used for specific dermatological ailments, reliable data on functionalities are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the structural stability, biofunctionality, and antimicrobial characteristics of CBD isolate to assist in the design of various topical formulations. The stability of CBD in solid and solubilized states was assessed to establish storage and formulation conditions. The performance of CBD solubilized in organic and aqueous media was evaluated for free radical scavenging, tyrosinase, and collagenase enzyme inhibition, which showed good prospects for the ingredient. The antimicrobial activity of solubilized CBD was evaluated against Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa), Gram-positive bacterial strains (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, C. acnes), and fungal strains (C. albicans, M. furfur) using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Due to the presence of surfactants in CBD aqueous solution, it displayed a lack of antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms. CBD solubilized in an organic medium showed no activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains but higher activity against tested Gram-positive bacterial and fungal strains.

Development of an UHPLC-MS/MS method to determine cutaneous biodistribution of cannabidiol after topical application of cannabidiol gel assisted by iontophoresis

Cannabidiol has potential for use in skin disease therapy, so it is important to know the cutaneous biodistribution of cannabidiol after topical application of cannabidiol formulations. However, currently existing quantification methods for the investigation of cannabidiol skin distribution are not optimal. This study aimed to establish a method for the determination of cannabidiol in skin samples by UHPLC-MS/MS. A BEH C18 (50.0 × 2.1 mm, 2.5 μm) column was used; the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid (70:30, v/v), the flow rate was 0.2 μl·min-1 and the column temperature was 30°C. Positive-ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring detection was used to quantify cannabidiol (m/z 315.1 → 193.1) while diphenhydramine (m/z 256.3 → 167.08) served as the internal standard. Good linearity was shown in the range of 1-200 ng·ml-1 for cannabidiol with correlation coefficients of >0.999. The LLOQ was 1 ng·ml-1 . The intra-day and inter-day RSDs of cannabidiol were all <2%. A cryo-sectioning technique combined with the UHPLC-MS/MS method was used to successfully determine cannabidiol levels in a series of very thin skin layers.

In vitro, ex vivo, and clinical evaluation of anti-aging gel containing EPA and CBD

BACKGROUND

Skin aging manifestation, such as coarse wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation, and rough-textured appearance, is a multifactorial process that can be exacerbated by air pollution, smoking, poor nutrition, and sun exposure. Exposure to UV radiation is considered the primary cause of extrinsic skin aging and accounts for about 80% of facial aging. Extrinsic skin aging signs can be reduced with demo-cosmetic formulations. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been previously suggested as potent active dermatological ingredients.

AIMS

The objective of the current research was to evaluate the compatibility of both agents in the prevention and treatment of skin aging. First, the impact of both agents was assessed using standard photoaging models of UV-induced damage, both in vitro (HaCaT cells) and ex vivo (human skin organ culture). Then, a clinical validation study (n = 33) was performed using an optimized topical cream formulation tested at different time points (up to Day 56).

RESULTS

EPA was found to potentiate the protective effects of CBD by reducing the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), two primary inflammatory agents associated with photoaging. In addition, a qualitative histological examination signaled that applying the cream may result in an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling following UV radiation. This was also evidenced clinically by a reduction of crow's feet wrinkle area and volume, as well as a reduction of fine line wrinkle volume as measured by the AEVA system. The well-established age-dependent subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) was also reduced by 8.8%. Additional clinical results showed significantly reduced red spots area and count, and an increase in skin hydration and elasticity by 31.2% and 25.6% following 56 days of cream application, respectively. These impressive clinical results correlated with high satisfaction ratings by the study participants.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the results show a profound anti-aging impact of the developed formulation and strengthen the beneficial derm-cosmetic properties of CBD-based products.

Therapeutic potentials of cannabidiol: Focus on the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that does not create psychoactive activities, has been identified as having a multitude of therapeutic benefits. This study delves into the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, safety and toxicity, pharmacological effects, and most importantly, the association between the therapeutic potential of CBD and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. The relationship between Nrf2 and CBD is closely linked to certain proteins that are associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions, cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions. Specifically, Nrf2 is connected to the initiation and progression of diverse health issues, including nephrotoxicity, bladder-related diseases, oral mucositis, cancers, obesity, myocardial injury and angiogenesis, skin-related inflammations, psychotic disorders, neuropathic pain, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, neuroinflammation, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. The association between CBD and Nrf2 is a zone of great interest in the medical field, as it has the potential to significantly impact the treatment and prevention of wide-ranging health conditions. Additional investigation is necessary to entirely apprehend the mechanisms underlying this crucial interplay and to develop effective therapeutic interventions.

The role of cannabidiol in aging

Aging is usually considered a key risk factor associated with multiple diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Furthermore, the burden of age-related diseases has become a global challenge. It is of great significance to search for drugs to extend lifespan and healthspan. Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural nontoxic phytocannabinoid, has been regarded as a potential candidate drug for antiaging. An increasing number of studies have suggested that CBD could benefit healthy longevity. Herein, we summarized the effect of CBD on aging and analyzed the possible mechanism. All these conclusions may provide a perspective for further study of CBD on aging.

Fluoropolymer Functionalization of Organ-on-Chip Platform Increases Detection Sensitivity for Cannabinoids

Microfluidic technology is applied across various research areas including organ-on-chip (OOC) systems. The main material used for microfluidics is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone elastomer material that is biocompatible, transparent, and easy to use for OOC systems with well-defined microstructures. However, PDMS-based OOC systems can absorb hydrophobic and small molecules, making it difficult and erroneous to make quantitative analytical assessments for such compounds. In this paper, we explore the use of a synthetic fluoropolymer, poly(4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon™ AF 2400), with excellent "non-stick" properties to functionalize OOC systems. Cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), are classes of hydrophobic compounds with a great potential for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, and cancer. By using CBD as a testing compound, we examined and systematically quantified CBD absorption into PDMS by means of an LC-MS/MS analysis. In comparison to the unmodified PDMS microchannels, an increase of approximately 30× in the CBD signal was detected with the fluoropolymer surface modification after 3 h of static incubation. Under perfusion conditions, we observed an increase of nearly 15× in the CBD signals from the surface-modified microchannels than from the unmodified microchannels. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that fluoropolymer-modified microchannels are compatible for culturing hCMEC/D3 endothelial cells and for CBD perfusion experiments.

Trace determination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cosmetic products by stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

An analytical method for the determination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at trace level in cosmetics is presented. As psychoactive compound, the presence of THC in consumer products should be avoided. However, it might be unintentionally present in cannabidiol-rich or hemp-based products by contamination or isomerization of cannabidiol. Due to the low concentrations expected, a sensitive and selective method is necessary for the analytical control of these products. In this sense, the presented method is based on stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction (SBSDME) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In this work, a magnetic composite made of CoFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles embedded in a commercial reverse-phase polymer (Strata™-X-RP) was employed as magnetic sorbent material taking advantage of its affinity to the target analyte. Under the optimized conditions, the method was validated and showed good analytical features in terms of linearity (at least up to 10 ng mL^-1), limits of detection and quantification (2.2 and 7.2 ng g^-1, respectively) and repeatability (RSD <10%). Moreover, relative recoveries between 99 and 109% were obtained, showing matrix effects were negligible using deuterated THC (THC-D₃) as surrogate. This new approach was successfully applied to ten commercially-available cosmetic samples of different matrices, thus showing it is suitable for the analytical control of THC in cosmetic products. The proposed methodology overcomes some of the drawbacks of the previous works with the same purpose, such as the higher limits of detection, time-consuming procedures, and consumption of large volumes of organic solvents.

Terpenes and Cannabinoids in Supercritical CO2 Extracts of Industrial Hemp Inflorescences: Optimization of Extraction, Antiradical and Antibacterial Activity

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. coli, P. 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.

Case Report: Cannabidiol-Induced Skin Rash: A Case Series and Key Recommendations

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic constituent of the Cannabis plant, with potential therapeutic properties for many physical and neuropsychiatric conditions. Isolated CBD has been suggested to have favorable safety and tolerability. Although CBD-related rash is described, few case reports are well documented in the literature, and usually, CBD was used concomitantly with other medications. Thus, we report four women who presented a skin rash after ongoing CBD use. Other causes of these skin rashes were ruled out after conducting an extensive viral and serological detection panel, and three patients had their lesions biopsied. Two patients were re-exposed to the vehicle (MCT) without developing a new skin rash. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of this potential adverse effect of CBD use.

Cannabis use among patients with cutaneous lymphoma: A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patterns of cannabis use in patients with cutaneous lymphoma (CL), as well as the association between cannabis use and itch specifically.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey created in partnership with the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation (CLF).

SETTING

The online survey was distributed electronically via email to the CLF listserv and links posted to social media over a 2-week period. Main Outcome Measures Respondents were classified as current cannabis users, prior users, and never users. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess itching severity, improvement of itch, and interest in learning about cannabis.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patient responses (61% female, mean age 59y) were included in analysis. The majority had mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome (74%; 88/119) and early stage (IA-IIA) disease (56%; 48/86). Mean VAS itch score was 3.2 + 2.8 for the cohort. Over half (55%; 60/110) reported ever having used cannabis, with 22% (24/110) endorsing current cannabis use. Common methods of cannabis use were smoking (54%) and vaporizing (46%). 25% (6/24) of current users reported using cannabis specifically to treat itch; these respondents noted that cannabis resulted in moderate improvement of itching (mean 6.6/10). There was strong interest in learning more about cannabis and cancer, and most desired this information from their CL doctor/nurse.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabis use is common among patients with CL, and patients report improvement of itching as a result of using cannabis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the risks and benefits of cannabis use in this patient population.

Consumer interest in topical cannabidiol: An examination of online search trends from 2015 to 2019

Cannabinoids represent a diverse group of pharmacologic compounds that have recently grown in popularity for its use in medicine. One of the cannabinoids of the Cannabis plant is cannabidiol (CBD), which is a compound known to regulate physiologic processes. Despite limited high-quality clinical evidence, topical CBD-containing products are frequently marketed to consumers as possessing antiinflammatory, hydrating, moisturizing, and wrinkle-reducing properties. Here, we explored the trends in consumer interest for topical CBD products by querying a popular online search engine database from 2015 to 2019 to offer valuable insights.

Establishment of Detection Methods for Five Cannabinoids in Hemp Cosmetics Based on HPLC

A simultaneously HPLC detection method for cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydro-cannabinolic acid (THCA) in 3 kinds of cosmetics matrix containing hemp leaf extract was developed. The extraction and HPLC conditions were optimized, and a methodological verification was also carried out. The results showed that this method had a good linear relationship in the range of 0.25 - 50 μg/mL with LOD values for 5 cannabinoids all between 0.10 - 0.25 μg/g. The recovery rates of 5 cannabinoids in 3 different cosmetics matrixes were between 90.1 - 108.5%, and the RSD values were all below 4.4%. These results indicated that this method had the advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity, and good accuracy. Through the testing of 6 kinds of hemp cosmetics, it was found that such cosmetics had uneven quality. The establishment of this method can lay a methodological foundation for establishing relevant testing method standards.

Cannabis and the skin

The public and health care providers are increasingly curious about the potential medical benefits of Cannabis. In vitro and in vivo studies of Cannabis have suggested it has favorable effects on regulating pain, pruritus, and inflammation, making it a potentially attractive therapeutic agent for many dermatologic conditions. The body of literature reporting on the role of cannabinoids in dermatology is in its infancy but growing. We review the current research, possible cutaneous adverse effects, and future directions for cannabinoids and their use in skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, pruritus, dermatitis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus erythematous, epidermolysis bullosa, pain, and wound healing.

HPLC Method for Separation of Cannabidiol Hemp Seed Oil with Skin Lipids and Tandem HRMS Technology for Characterization of a Chemical Marker

Cannabidiol (CBD) hemp seed oil is a commercial raw material with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that has been formulated into body wash and skin care products. The biggest analytical challenge is how to simultaneously quantify CBD and hemp seed oil as they deposited on the skin surface. CBD is easily separated and quantified from skin surface extracts via a HPLC-mass spectrometry methodology. However, the structural skeleton of triacylglycerides (TAGs) in hemp seed oil is same as those from the skin surface sebum. The strong hydrophobicity with subtle structural difference challenges their separation. In this project, a new reverse phase HPLC-high resolution mass spectrometry methodology was developed with a strong mobile phase normal propanol. The separated hemp seed oil TAGs in the chromatogram were identified and characterized using data-dependent acquisition (DDA) technology. Based on the daughter ion characterization, the separated peak with an ammonium adduct at 890.7226 [M + NH4]+ was confirmed as the parent ion of glycerol with three omega-3 fatty acid chains. This is the first time TAG structure with direct HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry technology has been elucidated without a hydrolysis reaction. The confirmed TAG structure with an ammonium adduct at 890.7226 ± 0.0020 can be used as a representative chemical marker for the hemp seed oil quantification.

Cannabidiol Decreases Metalloproteinase Activity and Normalizes Angiogenesis Factor Expression in UVB-Irradiated Keratinocytes from Psoriatic Patients

The development of psoriasis is associated with the consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation leading to metabolic changes locally, in the skin cells, and systemically, in the blood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on the basal plasma/keratinocyte levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and angiogenesis factors, as well as to evaluate the effect of CBD on these parameters in keratinocytes isolated from psoriatic/healthy individuals with and without in vitro irradiation by UVB. A quantitative chemiluminescent method of detection based on an ELISA protocol and zymography technique was used during analysis. It was shown that activity levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in PsA plasma were higher than in PsV. Changes in the proteolytic activity were accompanied by an increase in markers of angiogenesis (angiopoietin-2, HGF, VEGF, TNFα, PDGF, FGF), where in the specific case of angiopoietin-2 and TNFα, the overexpression in PsV was significantly stronger than in PsA. CBD application to keratinocytes partially restored levels of MMP-1/2/3/7 and TIMP-1/2 (in an effect which was particularly enhanced by UVB irradiation), as well as levels of the examined angiogenic factors except TNFα (levels of which were increased in psoriatic keratinocytes and decreased in healthy keratinocytes). Presented results indicate that CBD may be suggested as an antiangiogenic factor that reduces the proinflammatory action of UVB in psoriatic keratinocytes and partially has a protective effect for healthy keratinocytes.

UV induced changes in proteome of rats plasma are reversed by dermally applied cannabidiol

UV radiation is known to induce a multiple changes in the metabolism of skin-building cells, what can affect the functioning not only neighboring cells, but also, following signal transduction releasing into the blood vessels, the entire body. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the proteomic disturbances occurred in plasma of chronically UVA/UVB irradiated rats and define the effect on these changes of skin topically applied cannabidiol (CBD). Obtained results showed significant changes in the expression of numerous anti-inflammatory and signaling proteins including: NFκB inhibitor, 14-3-3 protein, protein kinase C, keratin, and protein S100 after UV irradiation and CBD treatment. Moreover, the effects of UVA and UVB were manifested by increased level of lipid peroxidation products-protein adducts formation. CBD partially prevented all of these changes, but in a various degree depending on the UV radiation type. Moreover, topical treatment with CBD resulted in the penetration of CBD into the blood and, as a consequence, in direct modifications to the plasma protein structure by creating CBD adducts with molecules, such as proline-rich protein 30, transcription factor 19, or N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase, what significantly changed the activity of these proteins. In conclusion, it may be suggested that CBD applied topically may be an effective compound against systemic UV-induced oxidative stress, but its effectiveness requires careful analysis of CBD's effects on other tissues of the living organism.

Diabetes and Cannabinoid CB1 receptor deficiency promote similar early onset aging-like changes in the skin

BACKGROUND

The cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1R) is a major regulator of metabolism, growth and inflammation. Yet, its potential role in the skin is not well understood. Our aim was to evaluate the role of CB1R in aging-like diabetic skin changes by using a CB1R knockout mouse model.

METHODS

We evaluated several signals of skin aging in wild-type control (WT), WT streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice (WT DM), CB1R knockout (CB1RKO) and CB1RKO DM mice. We quantified markers of inflammation, angiogenesis, antioxidant enzymes and collagen content. Moreover, we evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and macrophage phenotype, M1 and M2.

RESULTS

CB1R expression is decreased in the skin of WT DM mice and collagen levels are decreased in the skin of WT DM, CB1RKO and CB1RKO DM mice. Additionally, the absence of CB1R correlated with higher expression of pro-inflammatory markers, also evident in WT DM or CB1RKO DM mice. Moreover, the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and ROS levels were significantly elevated but in the diabetic WT and the CB1RKO mice, consistent with a significant decrease in the antioxidant capacity of the skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that CB1R deficiency in the skin may lead to accelerated skin aging due to the increased production of ROS, a decrease in the antioxidant defenses and a higher pro-inflammatory environment. A significant decrease in the CB1R expression may be a significant contributing factor to the early aging-like changes in diabetes.

Cannabinoids for skin diseases and hair regrowth

The use of cannabis for skin diseases and hair regrowth is at the preliminary stage.

LEGALIZATION

Many countries have approved cannabis for medical use; however, four countries Canada, Uruguay, South Africa, and Georgia have legalized it for both medical and recreational purposes.

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

The endocannabinoid system may maintain skin homeostasis; two notable endocannabinoids include 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA).

ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION AND PHARMACOKINETICS

Topical cannabinoids can avoid the first-pass metabolism and reduce respiratory side effects; however, the high hydrophobicity of cannabinoids may hinder percutaneous absorption.

SKIN DISORDERS AND HAIR GROWTH

Human clinical studies suggest that cannabinoids may be used in eczema, acne, pruritus, and systemic sclerosis treatment. Cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance hair growth via multiple mechanisms.

SAFETY

Topical cannabis may cause mild side effects such as pruritus, burning, erythema, and stinging; they are relatively safer than inhalation and oral cannabis. Cannabis use may be associated with allergic symptoms and reduced immune response to live vaccination.

CANNABINOIDS IN PRACTICE

Despite growing interest, dermatologists should be cautious prescribing cannabinoids due to insufficient clinical data on both efficacy and safety.

Tolerability profile of topical cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide: a compilation of single-centre randomized evaluator-blinded clinical and in vitro studies in normal skin

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of studies have investigated the adverse effect profile of oral cannabinoids; however, few studies have provided sufficient data on the tolerability of topical cannabinoids in human participants.

AIM

To assess the tolerability profile of several commercial topical formulations containing cannabidiol (CBD) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on the skin of healthy human participants.

METHODS

Three human clinical trials and one in vitro study were conducted. The potential for skin irritation, sensitization and phototoxicity of several products, were assessed via patch testing on healthy human skin. The products assessed included two formulations containing CBD and PEA, one containing hemp seed oil and four concentrations of CBD alone. Ocular toxicity was tested using a traditional hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane model with three CBD, PEA and hemp seed oil formulations.

RESULTS

There was no irritation or sensitization of the products evident via patch testing on healthy participants. Additionally, mild phototoxicity of a hemp seed oil product was found at the 48-h time point compared with the negative control. The in vitro experiment demonstrated comparable effects of cannabinoid products with historically nonirritating products.

CONCLUSION

These specific formulations of CBD- and PEA-containing products are nonirritating and nonsensitizing in healthy adults, and further encourage similar research assessing their long-term safety and efficacy in human participants with dermatological diseases. There are some limitations to the study: (i) external validity may be limited as formulations from a single manufacturer were used for this study, while vast heterogeneity exists across unregulated, commercial CBD products on the market; and (ii) products were assessed only on normal, nondiseased human skin, and therefore extrapolation to those with dermatological diseases cannot be assumed.

A Rapid and Sensitive Method for the Determination of Cannabidiol in Cosmetic Products by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid with proven pharmacological properties that is also used in the cosmetic industry for its sebostatic and antioxidant activities, being considered a new anti-aging ally. An analytical method is proposed for the determination of CBD in cosmetic products by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, after leaching the CBD from the cosmetic matrix with ethanol. Low instrumental limits of detection (0.22 ng mL−1) and quantification (0.74 ng mL−1) allow the determination of CBD at trace levels without needing preconcentration, whereas the wide linearity of the method allows the determination of CBD in more concentrated samples without high dilution. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of six cosmetic products and a raw material. The proposed method is suitable for the quality control of cosmetic products containing CBD, being able to quickly and easily determine this compound, ensuring that its concentration in the finished product is the desired one.

Purified Cannabidiol isolate does not inhibit active caspase-1 release in NLRP inflammasome-mediated UVB or ATP-activated keratinocytes or appear to reduce key inflammatory cytokines in UVB-irradiate keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Cannabidiol is a plant-derived cannabinoid that has been suggested to have several human health benefits including potential anti-inflammatory effects. It is now common to find various forms of Cannabidiol, most often referred to as CBD, in nutritional supplements and topical treatments. The mechanisms by which CBD can influence inflammatory pathways in the body, and more particularly in the skin, are presently still unclear. It is known that CBD will bind to cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in the body and recent work has shown that in keratinocytes, CBD can regulate inflammation through transcriptional regulation involving the NFƙβ nuclear pathways. The fact that CBD operates through the NFƙβ pathways suggests that, perhaps, the molecule may influence the expression of active caspase-1 through NLRP inflammasome-mediated pathways.

METHODS

Recently, work has published demonstrating that Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEKs) can be activated by UVB and ATP to express active caspase-1 via NLRP inflammasome-mediated pathways. There was a strong interest to see whether highly purified Cannabidiol Isolate (>99% purity) might function to control release of active caspase-1 by testing of NHEKs using the previously described models. In addition, NHEKs expression of non-NLRP inflammasome-induced inflammation markers including IL-6, IL-8 and PGE₂ was examined in UVB-activated NHEKs.

RESULTS

It was found that purified Cannabidiol Isolate did not influence active caspase-1 release in either UVB or ATP-activated NHEKs suggesting the molecule does not influence the NLRP inflammasome pathways. In addition, it was surprisingly found that the Cannabidiol Isolate did not impact the expression of additional UVB-activated non-NLRP inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Data presented suggest that if Cannabidiol functions as an anti-inflammatory, it does so through pathways not associated with either the NLRP inflammasome-mediated expression of caspase-1 or through the more commonly known expression of interleukin or prostaglandin inflammatory pathways.

The Effect of Cannabidiol on UV-Induced Changes in Intracellular Signaling of 3D-Cultured Skin Keratinocytes

Human epidermal keratinocytes are constantly exposed to UV radiation. As a result, there is a significant need for safe and effective compounds to protect skin cells against this environmental damage. This study aimed to analyze the effect of phytocannabinoid-cannabinoid (CBD)-on the proteome of UVA/B irradiated keratinocytes. The keratinocytes were cultured in a three-dimensional (3D) system, designed to mimic epidermal conditions closely. The obtained results indicate that CBD protected against the harmful effects of UVA/B radiation. CBD decreased the expression of proinflammatory proteins, including TNFα/NFκB and IκBKB complex and decreased the expression of proteins involved in de novo protein biosynthesis, which are increased in UVA/B-irradiated cells. Additionally, CBD enhanced the UV-induced expression of 20S proteasome subunits. CBD also protected protein structures from 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-binding induced by UV radiation, which primarily affects antioxidant enzymes. CBD-through its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity and regulation of protein biosynthesis and degradation-protects skin cells against UVA/B-induced changes. In the future, its long-term use in epidermal cells should be investigated.

The Differences in the Proteome Profile of Cannabidiol-Treated Skin Fibroblasts following UVA or UVB Irradiation in 2D and 3D Cell Cultures

Cannabidiol (CBD), as the only phytocannabinoid that has no psychoactive effect, has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and thus might be suggested as a cytoprotective compound against UV-induced metabolic changes in skin cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the level of protective CBD activity by evaluating the proteomic profile of 2D and 3D cultured skin fibroblasts models following exposure to UVA and UVB radiation. The CBD cytoprotective effect against UV-induced damage in 2D and 3D cultured fibroblasts were different. The main alterations focus on the range of cell reaction and involved different proteins associated with various molecular functions. In the 2D cultured cells, following UV radiation, the major changes were associated with proteins involved in antioxidant response and inflammation, while, in the 3D cultured fibroblasts, CBD action against UV induced changes were mainly associated with the activation of signalling pathways. Therefore, the knowledge of the CBD action in a multilayer skin cells model allowed for the prediction of changes in cell-cell interactions and skin cell metabolism. Knowledge about the lower protective effect of CBD in 3D cultured fibroblasts should be taken into account during the design of UV light protection.