Research recently published on Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the primary components found in cannabis plants, indicates it could provide effective treatment against vaginal infections.
This report addresses Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria found naturally within vagina but which can become out-of-balance with other microbes and cause vaginosis when out of balance with other microbes. Laboratory tests conducted with CBD showed antibacterial and antioxidant effects which weakened G. vaginalis while simultaneously eliminating communities known as biofilms formed around it.
“Our study demonstrated that CBD displayed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against G. vaginalis clinical isolates,” according to a recently released paper, making it a possible treatment option for treating Vaginosis caused by this bacteria.
This month’s special issue of Antibiotics magazine on “Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity by Natural Compounds,” written by four-person team from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center also in Jerusalem was dedicated to this subject matter.
“CBD proved particularly effective against G. vaginalis biofilm formation by simultaneously decreasing metabolic activity and biofilm biomass,” authors noted, noting its “key role” for successful treatment of vaginitis caused by this bacteria.
“CBD exhibits antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Gram-variable G. vaginalis, an opportunistic pathogen associated with bacterial vaginosis.”
G. vaginalis may not be the sole agent responsible for vaginosis, according to this paper, but in our tests of 30 species it proved “most prevalent and virulent.” Our research team noted their investigation appears to be the first into CBD’s effects on this specific bacteria strain.
While these findings are encouraging, one key limitation of their research was its in vitro nature – that is, studying its effect on bacteria cultured in a petri dish instead of living organisms.
“Further investigations should investigate the in vivo efficacy and possible animal model toxicity of CBD before conducting human clinical trials in the future,” writes their paper.
This new study adds to a growing body of research indicating cannabinoids might have antibacterial applications.
Last year, for instance, one review concluded that cannabis oil can aid the healing of skin wounds; finding “promising benefits,” yet further optimizing product formulation is necessary for maximum effect.
Researchers from universities in India and Thailand published a joint report analyzing cannabis oil’s ability to decrease so-called reactive oxygen species (ROS). According to researchers, these chemicals play a central role in wound development by leading to cell and tissue damage; further, cannabis oil’s antioxidative properties help heal wounds faster while simultaneously decreasing ROS production during wound healing processes.
Cannabis’ antibacterial and analgesic properties help reduce microbial load while minimising complications associated with chronic wounds, furthering healing efficacy. The authors of a separate study noted this as well: “These two properties make cannabis even more effective at improving healing efficacy than ever.”
Months earlier, another review stated that “the complex interaction of phytocannabinoids with biological systems offers hope for novel treatment approaches,” opening up new possibilities in cannabis-based medicines.
CBG and CBN compounds were specifically highlighted for having antibacterial effects and stated their “antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make them suitable candidates to combat antibiotic resistance by modulating inflammation pathways.”
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Photo Courtesy of Mike Latimer.
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