According to a new study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, CBD-rich cannabis extract may be more effective than hydrocortisone in reducing inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Warsaw and the Polish Academy of Sciences, the study highlights CBD’s potential as a promising alternative to traditional steroid treatments.
The researchers induced dermatitis in rats using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and compared the effects of a 2% CBD ointment with a 1% hydrocortisone ointment. The results showed that the CBD extract had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect, particularly in reducing skin swelling (edema). Interestingly, while hydrocortisone reduced scratching behavior, the CBD ointment did not alleviate itching.
According to the study’s abstract:
Application of the ointment containing eCBD resulted in attenuation of DNCB-induced inflammation. Interestingly, an anti-edematous effect was more pronounced in rats treated with the eCBD than in rats treated with 1% hydrocortisone ointment. However, eCBD did not reduce the frequency of DNCB-induced scratching, while there was a visible antipruritic effect of 1% hydrocortisone application. Histopathological analysis revealed that both eCBD and 1% hydrocortisone ointments significantly decreased mast cell count compared with the Vaseline control group. Furthermore, treatment with an ointment containing eCBD resulted in a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood.
The study concludes that “topically administered eCBD had a stronger anti-edematous effect than glucocorticosteroid and differently affected hematological parameters,” suggesting that CBD may offer a novel therapeutic approach for treating inflammatory skin conditions like AD.
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