Mimicking CBD-Products to Solve a Molecular Mystery in Skin Health
(02/20/20) Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major ingredient found in Cannabis (aka hemp) which has attracted a great deal of attention and internet searches for its therapeutic potential across of myriad of conditions, including skin diseases. While CBD has demonstrated tremendous potential in a variety of wellness products used by humans, the mechanisms and targets of CBD’s activities remain a mystery. A recent study, broke new ground by exploring CBD and the skin. It has helped to shed light on its secrets that are helping keep our largest organ healthy. The study by Casares and colleagues demonstrates for the first time a biochemical target for CBD and provides a strong scientific rationale for its use as a treatment for some skin conditions.
Our largest organ is our skin, which serves as a protective barrier against the environment and is constantly exposed to challenges that lead to the generation of those pesky molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). When homeostatic regulation is functioning optimally, the body uses low levels of ROS as signaling molecules. When ROS levels increase above normal levels, they can wreak havoc on our systems, damaging our delicate molecular machinery, leading to chronic inflammation and lowering our defense against skin disease, skin disorders, and skin aging.
To create this new set of data on CBD and the skin, a research team treated mice with topically-applied CBD. The topical CBD was designed to mimic the range of concentrations found in commercially available CBD-based products (0.1-1%). The researchers found that in addition to being a wonderful anti-oxidant, CBD’s business with skin wasn’t limited to scavenging free radicals. It was supporting our body’s defenses, bolstering them by altering the activity of different genes and molecules involved with fighting ROS cascades.
To help our bodies counteract the harmful accumulation of ROS, we can support the skins battery of defense mechanisms, including antioxidant and detoxification systems. This means utilizing compounds and topicals that can affect the activity of important skin related genes such as the HMOX1, BACH1, and wound-repair keratins. It appears CBD targets BACH1, which sets the basis for the use of topical CBD for the treatment of different skin diseases including atopic dermatitis and keratin disorders. Additionally, BACH1 is an important target in cancer treatments, meaning this new data about CBD and BACH1, doesn’t just validate the cannabinoid’s role in keeping skin healthy, it opens to the door to new investigations and treatments for skin cancer.
By using a CBD-product that resembled an actual product in the market, this ultimately gave researchers a lot of bang for their science bucks by allowing them to solve a mystery and unlock potential new CBD treatment application.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
