Study: CBD Reduced Incision-Related Wound Pain in Preclinical Model, Altered Endocannabinoid Activity in Brain and Spinal Cord

New research published in the peer-reviewed journal Pharmaceuticals and conducted by researchers from the University of Galway found that cannabidiol (CBD) may reduce pain associated with surgical-type wounds. Using male Sprague-Dawley rats, researchers created a small incision on the dorsum (back) to model wound-related pain, a condition that remains common and often poorly managed in clinical settings. Mechanical pain sensitivity was measured over several days using standardized von Frey tests on both the wound site and the hind paws to assess primary and secondary hypersensitivity.

By the eighth day after surgery, rats were given a single dose of CBD at 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg. The researchers found that the lowest dose, 3 mg/kg, partially reduced mechanical hypersensitivity directly at the wound site. This effect was site-specific and dose-dependent, as higher doses did not produce the same benefit, and CBD had no measurable effect on secondary hypersensitivity in the hind paws.

In addition to behavioral pain responses, the team analyzed levels of endocannabinoids and related compounds in the blood and specific brain regions. While overall levels of endocannabinoids were not significantly changed by CBD, notable regional differences were observed. Rats receiving the 3 mg/kg dose had lower levels of 2-AG in the contralateral amygdala and higher levels of anandamide (AEA) in the contralateral lumbar spinal cord compared to the injured side.

According to the researchers, these findings suggest that CBD may produce antinociceptive effects in incision-related wound pain through localized and region-specific interactions within the endocannabinoid system, rather than broad systemic changes.

The study concludes that CBD shows measurable pain-reducing effects in this model of wound-related pain and warrants further investigation into its mechanisms of action. Researchers also note that other phytocannabinoids should be evaluated in similar models to determine whether they offer comparable or enhanced effects.