New research from the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience’s Centre for Superbug Solutions has demonstrated that non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including ones that can cause serious infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Limited data exists showing CBD’s ability to kill bacteria, but its potential as an antibiotic has yet to be fully explored.
Scientists from the University presented their findings on Saturday at ASM Microbe, the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology which was held June 20-24 in San Francisco, California.
The research was conducted in conjunction with Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Innovation Connections, and led by Dr. Mark Blaskovich.
“Given cannabidiol’s documented anti-inflammatory effects, existing safety data in humans, and potential for varied delivery routes, it is a promising new antibiotic worth further investigation,” says Dr. Blaskovich. “The combination of inherent antimicrobial activity and the potential to reduce damage caused by the inflammatory response to infections is particularly attractive.”
Researchers found CBD to be effective at killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including strains that can become resistant to antibiotic drugs such as vancomycin or daptomycin, and did not lose effectiveness over time.
Cannabidiol was also shown to be effective in disrupting biofilms, which can lead to infections that are difficult to treat.
