Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of Cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa L. Obtained Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Cannabidiol Extract-based Cream

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of a cannabidiol (CBD) extract obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) from <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. and a cream containing the extract. Methods: The CBD extract was quantitatively analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. We used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cell model of inflammation to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of the CBD extract by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of a cream containing the CBD extract by measuring interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) levels induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in KeraSkin^TM, a human skin model. The cytotoxicity of the CBD and CBD-containing cream was assessed by MTT assay in each model. Results: The average purity of the CBD extracted and refined by SFE was 99.40%. The CBD extract and CBD cream showed concentration-dependent inhibition of inflammation. At 4 μg/mL, NO production in the RAW 264.7 cell model was significantly decreased by 64.98% compared with the negative control. IL-1α production induced by SDS in the KeraSkin^TM model decreased by 54.17% in the group treated with cream containing 0.4% CBD compared with the negative control and 22.09% compared with the positive control groups. Conclusion: The medicinal use of CBD is attracting interest in Korea. Our study confirmed its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and effectiveness in a cream product. Should additional research confirm its safety and efficacy, CBD is expected to replace existing anti-inflammatory ingredients.