Cannabinoids and Their Receptors in Skin Diseases

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 20;24(22):16523. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216523.

Abstract

The therapeutic application of cannabinoids has gained traction in recent years. Cannabinoids interact with the human endocannabinoid system in the skin. A large body of research indicates that cannabinoids could hold promise for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, pruritus, hair disorders, and skin cancer. However, most of the available data are at the preclinical stage. Comprehensive, large-scale, randomized, controlled clinical trials have not yet been fully conducted. In this article, we describe new findings in cannabinoid research and point out promising future research areas.

Keywords: acne; atopic dermatitis; cannabidiol (CBD); cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R); cannabinoids; eczema; endocannabinoids; hair growth; psoriasis; skin aging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids* / pharmacology
  • Cannabinoids* / therapeutic use
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Humans
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Skin
  • Skin Diseases* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.