Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effects of Cannabinoids: An Updated Review with Future Perspectives and Current Challenges

Abstract

The development of new antibiotics is urgently needed to combat the threat of bacterial resistance. New classes of compounds that have novel properties are urgently needed for the development of effective antimicrobial agents. The extract of Cannabis sativa L. has been used to treat multiple ailments since ancient times. Its bioactivity is largely attributed to the cannabinoids found in its plant. Researchers are currently searching for new anti-infective agents that can treat various infections. Although its phytocannabinoid ingredients have a wide range of medical benefits beyond the treatment of infections, they are primarily associated to psychotropic effects. Different cannabinoids have been demonstrated to be helpful against harmful bacteria, including Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, combination therapy involving the use of different antibiotics has shown synergism and broad-spectrum activity. The purpose of this review is to gather current data on the actions of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) extracts and its primary constituents such as terpenes and cannabinoids towards pathogens in order to determine their antimicrobial properties and cytotoxic effects together with current challenges and future perspectives in biomedical application.

Socratic Lectures 8

“…Despite the advancements made in identifying bacterial targets and developing new antimicrobial methods, more research is needed to understand the role of cannabinoids in treating various infections. Safety and toxicity concerns surrounding cannabis extract products have been alleviated using nonpsychotropic cannabinoids, which have been found to possess in vitro properties that can fight against bacterial infections (Saleemi et al, 2022). Overall, the available data suggests that cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds have promising in vitro antibacterial properties that warrant further exploration as potential antimicrobial agents against clinically significant bacteria.…”

“…Since Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have been a lifesaving treatment for bacterial infections around the world (Zaman et al, 2017;Saleemi et al, 2022). However, the overuse and misuse of these drugs have led to a growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant threat to global health.…”

“…However, the overuse and misuse of these drugs have led to a growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant threat to global health. The problem is caused by the increasing number of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRs) that are resistant to most antibiotics, taking place due to the lack of action and insufficient efforts to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance (Zaman et al, 2017;Saleemi et al, 2022). As more and more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, the options available to treat these infections are becoming increasingly limited.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this phenomenon as one of the most significant threats to global health. People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are particularly at risk of becoming infected with these resistant bacteria (Saleemi et al, 2022;World Health Organization, 2017). The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major concern for the development of new medical procedures and treatments.…”

Cannabinoid Molecules from Cannabis Sativa L. as a Promissing Solution for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

“…One promising area of study is the use of helper molecules, such as resistant breakers or antibiotic potentiators. These molecules work in combination with antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness and make them more efficient against resistant bacteria (Saleemi et al, 2022;Tyers and Wright, 2019). Helper molecules are non-antibiotic compounds that can be used in combination with antibiotics to improve their effectiveness.…”