Resident Physician University of Florida Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Our facial plastic patients have noted experiences with this ointment to treat surgical wounds. No study to date has been conducted to evaluate topical CBD effects on wound healing.
Objective: Evaluate the effects of topical CBD on wound healing in a mouse model.
Design: Prospective, randomized, single blinded study in an animal model.
Methods: The study included twenty mice. Each mouse received two wounds; one wound treated with saline, while the other wound was treated with Retinol ointment or CBD ointment, daily. On day seven, all wounds were evaluated via photographs for gross analysis, and biopsy from the original wound was taken for histological analysis of inflammatory response. On Day fourteen, all wounds were photographed for gross analysis and punch biopsy from the original wound were taken for histological analysis to evaluate collagen deposition.
Results: Primary outcomes were gross wound healing analysis on day seven and fourteen & macrophage and collagen deposition via histological analysis on day seven and fourteen, respectively. Day seven and fourteen gross scores did not show statistically significant differences. Histology evaluating inflammatory changes did not show a significant difference. Histology of collagen makeup for wounds treated with retinol showed a significant decrease of collagen fibers, while CBD treated wounds did not.
Conclusion: Our study shows that CBD and Vit A do not enhance wound healing in mice and adds to the body of data showing retinol may impede collagen synthesis in unimpaired wounds.