Cannabinoids from C. sativa L.: Systematic Review on Potential Pharmacological Effects against Infectious Diseases Downstream and Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. has garnered attention as a potential source for new antimicrobial agents, particularly due to the increased prevalence of microbial resistance to conventional antimicrobials and the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This review, conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement, systematically analyzed the antimicrobial properties of C. sativa extracts and cannabinoids against various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Data were collected from the scientific literature (102 papers) and clinical trials (5 studies) from 2014 to June 2024. Findings revealed that cannabinoids, especially CBD, demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria like MRSA, Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, various Candida species, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV. Additionally, CBD showed efficacy against parasitic infections like Echinococcus granulosus and Leishmania species. These results suggest that cannabinoids may represent a new class of antimicrobial agents with unique and diverse mechanisms of action, potentially effective in broad-spectrum therapies. This study highlights the urgent need for further research and standardized clinical trials to validate these findings and to develop cannabinoid-based treatments. The antimicrobial properties of C. sativa align with WHO priorities and support global health initiatives, offering promising avenues for addressing antimicrobial resistance and improving public health outcomes.