Please use this link to access this publication.
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, have significant disease burden worldwide. Although efficacious, the adverse effect profile of topical corticosteroids limits long-term use. As an alternative, cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects.
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a topical cannabinoid product using dermatitis mouse model.
Thirty-five mice were randomized into treatment groups. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate was used as an irritant on 1 ear with the contralateral ear serving as a control. Ear edema was calipered. The test product containing 0.9% cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide was compared with a potent topical corticosteroid.
Treatment with topical cannabinoid formulation reduced ear edema by 51.27% at 24 hours’ and 65.69% at 48 hours’ postapplication. Alternatively, mometasone reduced ear edema by 89.82% at 24 hours and 98.25% at 48 hours. Natural reduction (control) in ear edema was 26.32% at 24 hours and 44.21% at 48 hours. Both test groups resulted in significantly decreased edema when compared with baseline (P < 0.05), as well as compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05).
Significant reduction in ear edema, a marker for localized cutaneous inflammation, could be attributed to anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids. Although effects were less robust than topical corticosteroid use, cannabinoid formulations have therapeutic promise for dermatitis.
