Study reveals powers of minor cannabinoids for skin problems

A new study suggests that some of the lesser-known cannabinoids produced by Cannabis - namely THCV, CBDV, CBC, CBM or CBN - could help treat dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.

«The results of this study suggest that minor cannabinoids hold therapeutic promise in the management of dermatological disease,» says the study, published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Molecules.

«Incorporating minor cannabinoids into dermatological therapies could offer patients new treatment options and improve their overall well-being.»

To reach these conclusions, Polish researchers Emilia Kwiecień and Dorota Kowalczuk reviewed existing literature published in scientific journals and found that minor cannabinoids «exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-itch properties.» Some studies «have reported their efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and pruritus», the authors note.

Certain minor cannabinoids appear to be particularly suited to the treatment of specific diseases. «The CBDV, cannabinoid, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can be used to relieve skin symptoms such as itching and swelling in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD),» write the authors, for example. The cannabinoid, «thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may also have a curative effect on acne lesions».

«Other recently discovered cannabinoids, such as CBM and the CBE, They have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential,» continues the study. «They represent a new alternative for conducting scientific research into specific diseases. Similarly, CBC, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, could have a beneficial impact on the treatment of acne, psoriasis and Alzheimer's disease.»

THCV, meanwhile, «has many promising properties in the fight against acne», as it can help regulate sebum production. It also «has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help relieve inflammation and fight the bacteria responsible for acne development».

In all, the researchers identified possible therapeutic applications for the minor cannabinoids CBDV (cannabidivarin) and CBDP (cannabidiforol), CBC (cannabichromene), THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol), as well as the more recently discovered cannabinoids CBM (cannabimovone) and CBE (cannabielsoine).

These effects are thought to be due to the interaction of cannabinoids with the endocannabinoid system of the body, «a central regulatory system responsible for maintaining the health and proper functioning of almost all organisms», explain the study authors. «A growing body of evidence suggests that endocannabinoid signaling plays a crucial role in regulating biological processes in the skin. Many skin functions, such as immune response, cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, are at least partially regulated by the endocannabinoid system, and suppression of skin inflammation is one of its most important functions.»

The topical applications of cannabinoids could even help mitigate the effects of aging, according to the study.

The authors stress that further research is needed on minor cannabinoids «to confirm their efficacy and safety», but acknowledge that there are still obstacles to progress.

«The impact on the nervous system, issues relating to product quality and regulation, as well as ethical and legal aspects, including those concerning legality, require careful consideration,» they write. «Therefore, despite promising therapeutic prospects, the use of cannabinoids, particularly minor cannabinoids, requires further research, regulation and a balanced approach to ensure benefits while minimizing potential health and social risks.»