Study: CBD-Rich Cannabis Extract Outperforms Hydrocortisone in Reducing Skin Inflammation

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.