Medical Cannabis accelerates skin healing; Systematic review of the literature
Yaritza Cabrera
Co-Presenters: Jeffrey Chavez
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology
Faculty Research Mentor: Rana Zeine
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Treatment of skin cancer, skin wounds, autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, and other hypersensitivity dermatological conditions may potentially benefit from medical cannabis. Cannabinoids and cannabimimetic compounds are actively being investigated for their anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and analgesic effects. The purpose of this project is to systematically review the efficacy of cannabinoids and cannabimimetic plant extracts for treating pruritus, scaling, eczema, acne, ulcerations, keloids, and neoplastic lesions in animal models, in vitro cell lines, and humans.METHODS: A systematic review was conducted via literature search through PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest databases at Kean University Nancy Thompson Library.RESULTS: Twenty-one peer-reviewed articles were retrieved in the English language published in the last 3 years. All of the papers were experimental studies. There is strong evidence in support of a role for medical cannabis in enhancing skin healing and inhibiting tumor growth.CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of medical cannabis and related products in human skin, and clinical trials are needed to test their potential in dermatology practice.Keywords: cannabis, skin, rosacea, psychological stress.