Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol and Beta-Caryophyllene Alone or Combined in an In Vitro Inflammation Model

Abstract

Cannabis contains over 500 different compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive constituent, whereas beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is one of most the well-known terpenoids of Cannabis sativa. In recent years, there has been an emerging idea that the beneficial activities of these compounds are greater when they are combined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD and BCP using the in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. The vitality of the cells was quantified using LDH and MTT assays. The levels of the following pro-inflammatory proteins and genes were quantified: IL-1β, COX-2, and phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-p65) through Western blotting (WB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). When present in the incubation medium, CBD and BCP reduced the increased levels of pro-inflammatory proteins (IL-1β, COX-2, and p-NF-kB) induced by LPS. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD were blocked by a PPARγ antagonist, whereas a CB2 antagonist was able to revert the effects of BCP. Selected concentrations of CBD and BCP were able to revert the increases in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), and these effects were significant when the drugs were used in combination. Our results suggest that CBD and BCP work in concert to produce a major anti-inflammatory effect with good safety profiles.

Cheungsam Seed Husk Extract Reduces Skin Inflammation through Regulation of Inflammatory Mediator in TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced HaCaT Cells

“…C. sativa has been used as a folk remedy for a long time and has effects of anticancer, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-insomnia [ 38 ]. In previous studies, C. sativa extract significantly reduced the levels of intracellular ROS and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines expression and NF- B activation in HaCaT cells [ 30 , 31 ]. In particular, CBD, a major cannabinoid, improved psoriasis and alleviated skin damage, and the topical administration of CBD ointment improved the patient’s atopic dermatitis [ 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Studies on improving skin inflammation using seeds and seed husk of medicinal plants, including Swietenia macrophylla , Nelumbo nucifera and Cornus officinalis , have been reported in previous studies [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Additionally, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of C. sativa have been reported in human keratinocytes [ 30 , 31 ]. Despite many studies on C. sativa , most studies focused on the leaves and flowers of cannabis, with no studies on the seed husk [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”