A recent study found the cannabidiol (CBD) may be a powerful new anti-biotic! The research was led by Dr. Mark Blaskovich at The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience's Centre for Superbug Solutions and found that CBD was surprisingly effective at killing a specific bacteria.
CBD was able to kill Gram-positive bacteria, which includes bacteria responsible for infections such as Staphyloccocus aureus (commonly known as "staph") and Streptococcus pneumoniae (commonly known as "strep"). CBD's strength in killing these bacteria was similar to that of established and commonly used antibiotics.
Benefits of CBD
Hemp extract, or CBD, has documented health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has also been shown to relieve chronic pain, reduce anxiety and depression, and relieve cancer symptoms (you can read more about these science-backed benefits of hemp extract here). Additionally, CBD has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of a form of epilepsy.
Given the documented benefits of CBD, the researchers deemed it necessary to test how CBD would react to bacteria. Not only was CBD able to kill the bacteria, it was also able to kill bacteria that had become resistant to other antibiotics, and it did not lose effectiveness after extended treatment (unlike other commonly used antibiotics).
The study scientists note that the findings are limited and further research is necessary. Lead scientist, Dr. Blaskovich stated, "Given cannabidiol's documented anti-inflammatory effects, existing safety data in humans, and potential for varied delivery routes, it is a promising new antibiotic worth further investigation."
To read more about the possibility of CBD as a powerful new antibiotic, you can learn more here.