Effects of cannabis oil in oxidative stress and cytokine gene expression in canine atopic dermatitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) affects up to 15% of the canine population and is highly relevant in small animal clinical practice. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in skin homeostasis, and its dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain dermatopathies. Considering the challenges of CAD treatment and emerging evidence of Cannabis benefits, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of broad-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD)-rich Cannabis oil in dogs with CAD. Dogs were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving oral Cannabis oil or to a control group receiving olive oil for 60 days. The study assessed treatment efficacy by measuring mRNA expression of interleukins IL-6, IL-10, and IL-31, as well as oxidative stress markers in blood samples collected before and after treatment. Despite the theoretical background supporting cannabinoid use in dermatology, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. Thus, oral administration of broad-spectrum CBD-rich Cannabis oil at 2.5mg/kg twice daily did not effectively reduce the gene expression of inflammatory and pruritogenic interleukins, nor did it enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 or oxidative stress markers, compared to placebo. Further research is needed to clarify the potential role of cannabinoids in CAD management.