A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examined the role of cannabinoids in combating fungal infections. The study found that cannabidiol (CBD) and other phytocannabinoids can decrease the fungi that cause deadly cryptococcosis in moth larvae. The study suggested that it can potentially minimize fungi that cause ringworm and other topical infections. The findings offer valuable insights into reducing fungal infections, which impact over one billion people globally, and sometimes fungal pathogens can be lethal.
The study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of five phytocannabinoids against several clinically relevant fungal pathogens and focused on the priority pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. The results demonstrate that CBD and specifically cannabidivarin (CBDV), exhibited broad activity against C. neoformans and other fungal pathogens like dermatophytes that cause common tinea, often associated with “athlete’s foot” and “jock itch.”
The research team found that both CBD and CBDV demonstrated fungicidal properties and prevented biofilm formation in C. neoformans. Phytocannabinoid treatment reduced factors that promote virulence and antifungal resistance. Some of these factors include reduced capsule size and disruption of mature biofilms. Proteomics analysis revealed an association between the antifungal activity of CBD and CBDV and destabilization of the membrane, alterations in ergosterol biosynthesis, and disruption of metabolic pathways. The researchers also observed an association with the selective involvement of mitochondrial-associated proteins.
The study also tested the CBD’s ability to topically clear a C. neoformans fungal infection in vivo using the Galleria mellonella burn wound model. The researchers noted significant survival improvement in the CBD-treated larvae.
This study illustrates the potential of phytocannabinoids as antifungal treatments and points to novel antifungal topical treatments. Additional studies would build on the findings of this study and many other studies that have also highlighted the potential effects of CBD's antifungal properties.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases