Phytocannabinoids in the Pharmacotherapy of Psoriasis

Abstract

Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds, the main source of which is Cannabis sativa L. Through direct action or interaction with G protein-coupled receptors, they affect ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and modify the effectiveness of transcription factor responsible for the biosynthesis of antioxidants which lead to oxidative stress and its consequences. Due to the modification of the redox balance and inflammation, phytocannabinoids are used in the treatment of various diseases, including autoimmune dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Psoriasis is one of the most common dermatoses, and one of unknown etiology. A disturbed redox balance with a shift towards the oxidation leads to oxidative stress, resulting in oxidative modifications, mainly of lipids and proteins, and prolonged activation of immune cells and increased generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in chronic inflammation. Given the biological activity of phytocannabinoids, they have become the focus of research as components of pharmacotherapy for psoriasis. Beneficial effects were shown by various representatives of phytocannabinoids, but the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on skin cells (in vitro and ex vivo) and on blood cells from patients with psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis has been most often evaluated in recent years.

Effects of combined cannabidiol (CBD) and hops (Humulus lupulus) terpene extract treatment on RAW 264.7 macrophage viability and inflammatory markers

“…This study aimed to explore the potential application of a combined formulation of cannabidiol and secondary metabolites from either C. sativa or H. lupulus extracts for long-term treatment of inflammatory diseases. CBD alone has already shown promising results in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory skin conditions [ 6 , 48 – 50 ], inflammatory bowel disease [ 51 ], type 1 diabetes [ 52 ], and osteoarthritis [ 53 ]. However, its therapeutic potential still requires further investigations to improve cellular availability and to further identify other phytochemicals that contribute to the previously mentioned “entourage effect”, which potentially strengthen its effect on cellular targets [ 54 , 55 ].…”

“…Cannabinoids are a group of lipophilic compounds that can be produced by the human body (“endocannabinoids”) and are also present in the plant Cannabis sativa (“phytocannabinoids”). They offer a promising alternative to the use of more aggressive treatments with common corticosteroids, as they modulate various biochemical pathways in the body, including those involved in inflammatory processes [ 4 – 6 ]. Notably, the non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) shows promising potential as an alternative treatment option, due to its high abundance in the cannabis plant, its extensive anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potency, and little to no side effects observed from either topical or systemic administration [ 7 – 12 ].…”

Cannabinoids for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review

“…Collectively, these data suggest that cannabinoids exert anti‐differentiative, anti‐proliferative or pro‐apoptotic effects on epidermal keratinocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner. In line with this, cannabinoids have been investigated as a potential treatment for Pso, a prototypical hyperproliferative skin disease 16,66–68 . Further studies are warranted to understand the exact mechanisms of actions of cannabinoids on human epidermis.…”

“…In line with this, cannabinoids have been investigated as a potential treatment for Pso, a prototypical hyperproliferative skin disease. 16,[66][67][68] Further studies are warranted to understand the exact mechanisms of actions of cannabinoids on human epidermis.…”

Stability, biofunctional, and antimicrobial characteristics of cannabidiol isolate for the design of topical formulations

“…11 CBD also has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative keratinocytes. 12 CBD is presented, in many instances, too enthusiastically as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-eczema, anti-psoriasis, and anti-itch ingredient. 4 However, the rapid advances present a unique challenge to the industry and formulators in identifying suitable and demonstrated indications in terms of efficacy and dosage for the responsible use of CBD as an active ingredient in topical product development.…”