Recent research suggests that certain cannabinoids could be useful in fighting fungal infections.
Every year, fungi kills millions around the globe. World Health Organization “Critical Priority Groups” include Cryptococcus neonformans, Candida anauris Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans because of their disease burdens and resistance to traditional antifungal drugs.
Researchers from Australia’s Macquarie University evaluated the antifungal activity of several cannabinoids against various fungal pathogens, with a focus on Cryptococcus neoformans.
C. neoformans infection starts in the lungs, and can then spread to the brain (cryptococcal meningitis)Â and other parts of the body. Infected brains are often fatal, if untreated. More than 180,000 people die each year from cryptococcal meningitis.
Researchers found that cannabidiol and Cannabidivarin, both of which are derived from hemp (CBD) and Cannabidivarin as well), had broad-spectrum activity against dermatophytes (fungus pathogens), including those causing tinea. Skin, nail, hair and eye infections are caused by a group fungi called Dermatophytes.
Further investigation has revealed that CBDV and CBD disrupt biofilms, change the morphology of fungal cells, impact metabolic pathways, and affect membrane integrity.
The disruption of biofilms is critical because they can be associated with resistance to drugs in many fungi. Their formation, when it comes to C.neoformans, is also crucial for the fungus’ survival and ability to colonize and survive an immune response.
This is the summary of author’s statement:
The in vitro as well as in vivo efficacy in antifungal treatment of CBDV and CBD was established by this study. This highlights the ability of phytocannabinoids in meeting the urgent need for new and effective treatments for fungal infection.
‘In vitro’ refers to a process taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism; while ‘in vivo’ refers to work performed in a whole, living organism.
The researchers concluded that:
The combination of the proven efficacy and safety of CBDV and CBD as antifungal agents makes these two compounds a valuable resource for future therapeutic intervention.
Peer reviewed research has been published In the journal PLOS neglected tropical diseases.