The Endocannabinoid System of the Skin: A Potential Approach for the Treatment of Skin Disorders

August 2018 in “ Biochemical pharmacology ”

Carmen del Río, Estrella Millán, Víctor García, Giovanni Appendino, Jim DeMesa, Eduardo Muñóz

endocannabinoid system ECS phytocannabinoids atopic dermatitis psoriasis scleroderma skin cancer receptors channels cannabinoids

Studysummary This review discusses the potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system for treating skin disorders and reports no new clinical results, highlighting the need for further research.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document reviewed the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining skin health and its involvement in various skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, and skin cancer. It highlighted that dysregulation of the ECS is linked to these conditions and suggested that targeting the ECS could offer new treatment avenues. The review emphasized that phytocannabinoids and their analogues can modulate ECS through various receptors and channels, and that a multi-target approach might be more effective than traditional single-target drug discovery methods.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Changes in the Sebaceous Gland in Patients with Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)

14 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that, in Japanese patients with androgenic alopecia, sebaceous glands exhibit increased multilobulation which may be significant in the condition's pathology.

research Neuroendocrinology of the Hair Follicle: Principles and Clinical Perspectives

98 citations , July 2014 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

This article discusses the role of human hair follicles in neuroendocrinology and suggests potential new therapeutic targets by examining how neuromediators influence hair growth, pigmentation, and stem cell biology in organ cultures.

research Endocannabinoids Limit Excessive Mast Cell Maturation And Activation In Human Skin

124 citations , January 2012 in “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology”

This study found that activation of cannabinoid 1 receptors in human scalp hair follicles may limit excessive mast cell activation and maturation, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for managing MC-dependent skin diseases.

research Sebaceous Gland Loss and Inflammation in Scarring Alopecia: A Potential Role in Pathogenesis

37 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study demonstrates that sebaceous gland loss is a common early feature in primary scarring alopecia and suggests that inflammation of sebaceous glands or ducts may contribute to follicular damage.

research The Hair Follicle as a Dynamic Mini-Organ

759 citations , February 2009 in “Current Biology”

This review summarizes fundamental concepts and recent advancements in hair follicle biology, including insights from mouse models into broader molecular and cellular processes relevant to regeneration and development.

research A Hot New Twist to Hair Biology: The Role of TRPV1 in Human Hair Growth Control

174 citations , April 2005 in “The American journal of pathology (Print)”

This study found that TRPV1 activation in human scalp hair follicles inhibited hair shaft elongation, suppressed proliferation, and induced apoptosis, suggesting TRPV1 as a potential target for managing hair growth and epithelial disorders.