The effect of cannabinoids on wound healing: A review
Aniruddha C Parikh 1, Christopher S Jeffery 2, Zainab Sandhu 1, Benjamin P Brownlee 1, Lurdes Queimado 1 3 4, Mark M Mims 1
- 1Departments of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA.
- 2Departments of General Surgery The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA.
- 3Departments of Cell Biology The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA.
- 4Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA.
Affiliationer
Background and aims: Cannabis and its various derivatives are commonly used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is an important component of wound healing and the effect of cannabinoids on wound healing has become a recent topic of investigation. The objective of this article is to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize the effects of cannabinoids on wound healing of the skin and to guide future avenues of research.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to evaluate the effects of cannabinoids on cutaneous wound healing.
Results: Cannabinoids appear to improve skin wound healing through a variety of mechanisms. This is supported through a variety of in vitro and animal studies. Animal studies suggest application of cannabinoids may improve the healing of postsurgical and chronic wounds. There are few human studies which evaluate the effects of cannabinoids on wound healing and many of these are case series and observational studies. They do suggest cannabinoids may have some benefit. However, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from them.
Conclusion: While further human studies are needed, topical application of cannabinoids may be a potential therapeutic option for postsurgical and chronic wounds.
