A standardized cannabis extract significantly reduces inflammation in human skin cells—more effectively than CBD alone—according to a new study published in Pharmaceuticals.
Researchers from Università degli Studi di Milano in Italy and Linnea SA in Switzerland analyzed the effects of a Cannabis sativa extract (CSE) with 5% CBD and less than 0.2% THC on human keratinocytes exposed to the inflammatory agent TNFα. Keratinocytes, the primary cells in the epidermis, are key players in inflammatory skin responses, especially in conditions like psoriasis.
The extract was shown to be non-toxic at concentrations up to 50 μg/mL. It effectively suppressed IL-8 secretion and inhibited NF-κB activity—two critical markers of inflammation—through a dose-dependent mechanism. The researchers further fractionated the extract and found that the more lipophilic fractions, which contain cannabinoids and cannflavins, were the most effective in blocking inflammatory pathways. Among individual compounds tested, CBD emerged as one of the most potent agents, along with THC and cannabigerol (CBG).
“In conclusion, the results of this study on CSE underscore the significant role of CBD in exerting anti-inflammatory effects in human keratinocytes”, states the study. “However, to achieve superior inhibitory outcomes, it is crucial to consider not only the presence of other bioactive molecules but also their specific ratios in the extract.”
Researchers say “This highlights the importance of utilizing standardized extracts to obtain reproducible data, given the wide variability in the response to these compounds.”
