According to the results of a new study, hemp seed oil may be an effective and safe treatment for localized skin infections in small animals, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers from the University of Milan, the University of Perugia, and the University of Copenhagen tested the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil against common skin pathogens found in veterinary dermatology. The pathogens included 120 strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, 48 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and 26 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa—all frequently associated with infections like otitis externa.
The hemp seed oil showed strong antibacterial activity against staphylococcal strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0.025% and 0.2% v/v. In contrast, P. aeruginosa was significantly more resistant, requiring over 0.4% v/v to inhibit growth. Methicillin-resistant strains of S. pseudintermedius were less susceptible than methicillin-sensitive strains, but when combined with gentamicin, the oil demonstrated synergy, reducing resistance levels below clinical thresholds.
Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were observed on mouse fibroblast cells at concentrations below 2%, suggesting the oil is safe for topical use.
The findings, published in The Veterinary Journal, point to hemp seed oil as a promising alternative or adjunct to traditional antibiotics for treating skin infections in pets, particularly those involving drug-resistant bacteria.
