The effect of cannabinoids and anti-aging compounds on skin aging and rejuvenation

Abstract

Cannabis sativa/indica has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for over millennia. There are several approved medical indications for cannabis use in dermatological practice, including eczema, psoriasis, and severe pain. At the same time, there is a lack of scientific information about the anti-aging and rejuvenation properties of cannabinoids. We hypothesized that phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and nutrient signaling regulators (NSR), metformin, rapamycin, and triacetylresveratrol (TRSV), exert anti-aging and rejuvenating activity on skin fibroblasts. Results demonstrate that low doses of THC and CBD alone or combined with NSR lowered expression of senescence markers, stimulated ameliorative metabolic and functional activity, inhibited dermal aging processes, and positively affected the viability of skin fibroblasts. We found that TRSV alone or combined with THC/CBD might be a potential tool for enhancing regeneration and repair in injured tissues. The effectiveness of metformin or rapamycin alone or combined with phytocannabinoids was less effective.