Inflammatory skin conditions, such as Atopic Dermatitis, can become a significant burden on those affected and leading to several associated symptoms. Atopic Dermatitis or Atopic Eczema is believed to affect between 2.1% and 4.9% of the global adult population, with prevalence in the child population believed to be even higher.
The current first-line therapies used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema – usually corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors – are generally efficacious, however, are commonly associated with significant adverse effects which may limit long-term use. In recent years, however, cannabinoids are increasingly being explored as an alternative option, thanks to evidence of their anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects.
Atopic Dermatitis and Medical Cannabis
Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting inflammatory skin disorder, which is characterised by eczematous skin lesions, intense pruritis (itching), xerosis (dry skin), cutaneous hypersensitivity (exaggerated or inappropriate immune response), and lichenification. There is an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that the anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory properties of some cannabinoids (compounds produced by the cannabis plant) may be useful in reducing a number of these symptoms.
One study demonstrated that the common cannabinoid, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), resulted in significant improvement of swelling in a cannabinoid-deficient mouse model of contact allergy. Another study showed a reduction in cutaneous inflammation via an endocannabinoid pathway using topical fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors resulting in improvement to AD-like symptoms. Inhibition of FAAH increases endocannabinoids available, suggesting a potential mechanism of action for cannabinoid receptor agonists to produce similar results.
A more recent study took a closer look at cannabidiol (CBD) as a topical preparation, for its potential anti-inflammatory effects in a dermatitis mouse model, showing significant reduction in swelling, a surrogate marker for inflammation.
Design and Methods of the Study
For this study, researchers used a topical formulation of CBD in combination with palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – with both ingredients being considered active ingredients of interest in this context. The topical was produced to Good Manufacturing Practice standards and is commercially available to customers. For comparison to standard treatment, researchers also used topical corticosteroid.
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is traditionally used to study various forms of inflammatory skin disorders such as AD, allergic contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. In this study, TPA-induced ear oedema (swelling) was utilised as the chosen model of skin inflammation.
A total of 35 male Swiss Webster mice were divided into four treatment groups. Group 1 was treated on the ear with TPA vehicle and received no further treatment, serving as a control group; group 2 mice were exposed to TPA and served as a control group for TPA treatment; group 3 mice were exposed to TPA and subsequently treated with topical corticosteroid. Finally, group 4 mice were exposed to TPA and subsequently treated with the test product containing CBD (0.9%) and PEA.
Results of the study
Preparations were applied only to the left ear of each mouse, with the right ear left untreated throughout. Prior to TPA application, the researchers measured/callipered the ears of each mouse and repeated this for the left and right ear of each mouse at 8, 24, and 48 hours to maximum ear swelling potential to assess the efficacy of a topical corticosteroid and CBD/PEA treatments. This was achieved at the 8-hour calliper of the TPA control group (group 2).
Mice that were treated with a topical corticosteroid ointment showed a significant reduction in the difference between the left and right ear calliper, from maximum edema, after 8-, 24-, and 48-hours post-challenge period. In comparison, test product containing CBD (0.9%) and PEA yielded a smaller, yet still significant, reduction in the difference in ear calliper.
When compared to the TPA control group (group 2), treatment with CBD and PEA and treatment with a topical corticosteroid both resulted in a significant difference in mean change in ear calliper at 24 and 48 hours.
Natural reduction in ear oedema in the TPA animals was 26.32% at 24 hours and 44.21% at 48 hours. In comparison, treatment with a topical corticosteroid reduced ear oedema by 89.82% at 24 hours and 98.25% at 48 hours. Further, treatment with CBD and PEA reduced ear 0edema by 51.27% at 24 hours and 65.69% at 48 hours.
Conclusions
This study showed that treatment with a topical formulation of CBD and PEA can produce a significant reduction of cutaneous oedema. Given these results, the researchers suggest that CBD/PEA may be of clinical utility for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.
Past research has demonstrated that CBD has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effects of the compound may act independently of primary CBRs. One study has previously suggested that THC and CBD modulate the immune system by a decrease in TH17 phenotypes, decreased production of IL-17, and decreased expression of IL-6 gene, the latter being a key component in chronic inflammation and TH17 activation. Importantly, TH17 and IL-17 are gaining recognition as important components in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis.
The researchers conclude that the findings of this study are consistent with previous in-vivo and clinical studies supporting the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids. Furthermore, CBD/PEA preparations may offer a promising option for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. Further research in this area, as well as to assess the long-term safety, efficacy, and adverse effects of cannabinoids in this setting.
