A new study shows that topical CBD may help fight specific infections

CBD is widely available for topical use in various forms like creams, ointments, oils, balms, shampoo, eye cream, and much more. Topical use of CBD is not just for recreational activities, as there are many health benefits associated with such use. A new study shows that topical CBD creams, oils, may even help suppress bacterial growth, thus help manage certain skin conditions.

This finding is vital, considering that many infections are chronic and resistant to various antimicrobial agents. An Idea that CBD may have antimicrobial activity is not new, and some of the early evidence comes from clinical trials carried out in the middle of the last century. Early studies demonstrated that CBD is especially good for suppressing gram-positive bacteria. Although, it does not seem to have much activity against the gram-negative bacteria.

Science knows that gram-positive bacterial like various strains of streptococci and staphylococcus are commonly implicated in skin infections. Even worse, many of these strains have developed resistance towards commonly used antibiotics.

CBD seems to effectively suppress highly virulent and multi-drug resistant infections like S. aureus, C. difficile, and even various strains of beta-hemolytic streptococci.

CBD does not seem to be much active against different strains of yeast like Candida albicans. Further, quite like earlier studies, the latest research confirmed that CBD generally has no activity against gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and so on.

However, there were some surprises in the latest study, as it demonstrated that CBD is active against some gram-negative bacteria like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N. meningitides, Moraxella catarrhalis.

Researchers have still not fully understood how CBD kills these pathogens. It appears that one of the ways in which it works is by disrupting the cell wall of these bacteria.

Further, they found that CBD may also be effective against the so-called biofilm-forming bacteria. Microbial biofilm is often the cause of poorly healing ulcers, and wounds.

So, what does it mean for those looking for CBD products for topical use like massage oil, cream, or balm? To begin with, it is vital to understand that although there is no doubt that CBD may suppress the growth of specific pathogens, however, its clinical importance is yet not evident. CBD is not a medication to treat infectious diseases. Nevertheless, these latest findings say that topical CBD may help with dermal infections and other related conditions when used along with other measures.

Researchers are already studying the role of CBD in managing acne. In many cases, it may help maintain its remission. Similarly, regular use of CBD topical products may help prevent minor skin infections. However, CBD cannot be expected to help manage more severe dermal conditions.

There are many ongoing clinical trials regarding the use of CBD for fighting various infections, particularly infectious diseases of the skin. It is quite possible that in future we may see some of the CBD based medications approved for the purpose.

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