Topical Use of Cannabis sativa L. Biochemicals

Léonid Mnekin,Lionel Ripoll

doi:10.3390/cosmetics8030085

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. plant is currently attracting increasing interest in cosmetics and dermatology. In this review, the biologically active compounds of hemp are discussed. Particularly the complex interactions of cannabinoids with the endocannabinoid system of the skin to treat various conditions (such as acne, allergic contact dermatitis, melanoma, and psoriasis) with clinical data. Moreover, the properties of some cannabinoids make them candidates as cosmetic actives for certain skin types. Hemp seed oil and its minor bioactive compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phytosterols are also discussed for their added value in cosmetic formulation.

Highlights

It has already been 6000 years that humans use Cannabis as food, fiber, and medicine [1]
The Cannabis sativa L. plant contains a diversity of bio-active compounds which are promising for topical application in dermatology [3] or as cosmetic ingredients [4,5]
AEA is synthesized by phospholipase D, 2-AG is synthesized by diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL), their degradation is mainly controlled by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) [32]

Summary

Introduction

It has already been 6000 years that humans use Cannabis as food, fiber, and medicine [1]. Cannabis has widely spread through the world [1] It is a predominantly dioecious species, with only male flowers or female flowers [2]. The Cannabis sativa L. plant contains a diversity of bio-active compounds which are promising for topical application in dermatology [3] or as cosmetic ingredients [4,5]. The leaves, stems, and bracts of the plants are covered by epidermal protuberances called trichomes [1]. The non-glandular trichomes are in the bracts, petioles, stipules, leaves, and stems and serve as a defense mechanism against abiotic and biotic stress. The glandular trichomes are responsible for the synthesis of cannabinoids, secondary metabolites, and terpenes in a viscous resin, as shown in Figure 1b [14]. Glandular trichomes, photography by Ethan Budd Russo, reproduced by permission of Wiley-VHCA

The Endocannabinoid System

Secondary Cannabinoid Target

Terpenes

The Entourage Effect

Findings

Conclusions