A new study found that cannabidiol is active against bacteria resistant to other antibiotics. The new research opens the door to possible new therapeutic uses of CBD, a molecule already studied to treat anxiety and inflammation, and used in some forms of epilepsy.
CBD has proven to be effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety and improving concentration. Jim Nixon, the CEO of West Coast Ventures Corp. (OTC: WCVC), was sceptical at first, but was completely converted after seeing measurable changes in his son who suffered from multiple sclerosis. He also saw it as an opportunity in business, and introduced a CBD-infused menu in his casual dining franchise Illegal Burger, with a mission to educate people on the benefits of CBD.
The antibiotic properties of Cannabidiol
New research has found that CBD oil is active against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphyloccocus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are responsible for many serious infections.
In the study, cannabidiol appears to have demonstrated a potency similar to that of established antibiotics such as vancomycin or daptomycin.
The work was led by Dr. Mark Blaskovich of the Institute of Molecular Bioscience’s Centre for Superbug Solutions of the University of Queensland. The research was carried out in collaboration with Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a company that studies the topical use of cannabidiol for skin disorders.
In this new study a drug containing cannabidiol was used, and the most interesting aspect of the trial was that the drug maintained its activity against bacteria highly resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. Cannabidiol would in fact be able to destroy the biofilm produced by the bacteria, which makes it difficult to treat infections.
Furthermore, cannabidiol did not lose its efficacy in prolonged use, as is the case with other antibiotics.
Dr Blaskovich pointed out that:
“Given the documented anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol, existing data on human safety and potential use as an antibiotic, this molecule deserves further investigation. The combination of antimicrobial and inflammatory activity in infections makes cannabidiol particularly interesting.”
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid present in Cannabis sativa and is one of the main non-psychoactive compounds that can be extracted from the hemp plant.
Currently the administration of CBD is FDA approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy.
The use of CBD has already been studied for several diseases and disorders, including anxiety, pain and inflammation and today seems to have demonstrated an antibiotic action.
The new research was presented last June 23 at the ASM Microbe, the annual conference of the American Society for Microbiology.
