A new study published in the Journal of Proteomics explores the antibacterial properties of cannabidiol (CBD), revealing its potential as an alternative to traditional antibiotics.
The research focused on Bacillus licheniformis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium, using bacterial inhibition assays, label-free proteomics, and metabolomics to analyze CBD’s effects.
The findings indicate that CBD causes significant structural damage to bacterial cell walls and membranes, leading to widespread changes in protein and metabolite expression. The study identified 437, 120, and 195 differentially expressed proteins in B. licheniformis, S. aureus, and E. faecium, respectively, along with disruptions in metabolic pathways crucial to bacterial survival.
While CBD’s antibacterial action shares similarities with agents like penicillin and cephalosporins, it operates through a distinct mode of action that alters biosynthetic and metabolic processes.
The research was conducted by scientists from Hunan Normal University and the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA. They emphasize the need for antibiotic alternatives, particularly in food safety applications, as CBD has demonstrated strong antibacterial effects without promoting bacterial resistance.
“This study provides valuable insights into the antibacterial mechanism of CBD, supporting its potential development as an antibiotic alternative and its application in food safety”, concludes researchers.
