The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for integumentary wound management

Exp Dermatol. 2021 Feb;30(2):201-211. doi: 10.1111/exd.14241. Epub 2020 Nov 27.

Abstract

The increasing legalization of Cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes in the United States has spurred renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids (CBs) for human disease. The skin has its own endocannabinoid system (eCS) which is a key regulator of various homeostatic processes, including those necessary for normal physiologic wound healing. Data on the use of CBs for wound healing are scarce. Compelling pre-clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of CBs to improve wound healing by modulating key molecular pathways is herein reviewed. These findings merit further exploration in basic science, translational and clinical studies.

Keywords: alternative medicine; endocannabinoid; inflammation; keratinocytes; microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / physiology
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Nitric Oxide