What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: CBD, Inflammation, Cancer.

Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of ethnopharmacology on September 22, 2026.

Turmeric-cannabis extract shows laboratory anti-inflammatory activity

Standardized Curcuma longa-Cannabis sativa extract derived from a traditional Thai formulation for psoriasis: anti-inflammatory activity, keratinocyte modulation, and skin-targeted delivery.

Journal of ethnopharmacology • September 22, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This abstract-based study asked whether a standardized extract combining Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Cannabis sativa could show psoriasis-relevant anti-inflammatory activity and remain localized in skin. Researchers characterized the extract using HPLC markers—including curcuminoids, ar-turmerone, and CBD—and tested it in cultured RAW264.7 macrophages and TNF-α/IL-17A-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. They also evaluated delivery through porcine ear skin using Franz diffusion cells, comparing the combined extract with the individual plant extracts.

In these laboratory models, the combined extract reduced inflammatory markers and modulated psoriasis-associated genes. At 12.5 μg/mL, it inhibited nitric oxide production by 48.97% and PGE2 production by 91.15%. A cottonseed-oil formulation containing 20% DG produced the highest deposition of measured curcuminoids in skin, while no detectable markers reached the receptor compartment during 24 hours, suggesting preferential skin deposition under these ex vivo conditions.

However, the work used cultured cells and isolated porcine skin, not people with psoriasis. The abstract therefore cannot establish clinical effectiveness, safety, appropriate dosing, or whether the extract improves psoriasis in patients; these findings support further investigation of a localized formulation rather than a proven treatment.

💡 Key Findings

In cultured macrophages and keratinocytes, the standardized Curcuma longa–Cannabis sativa extract showed anti-inflammatory and psoriasis-relevant activity.

Good

70%

At 12.5 μg/mL, the extract reduced nitric oxide production by 48.97% and PGE2 production by 91.15% in the reported laboratory testing.

High

80%

In porcine ear skin, a cottonseed-oil formulation containing 20% DG produced the highest deposition of measured curcuminoids, with no detectable markers in the receptor compartment over 24 hours.

High

80%

The results indicate preferential skin deposition under ex vivo conditions, but do not establish efficacy or safety in people with psoriasis.

High

95%

📄 Original Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curcuma longa rhizomes and Cannabis sativa leaves are traditionally combined in Thai topical remedies using cottonseed oil. However, the pharmacological basis and dermal delivery of this combination remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated a standardized Thai CL-CS combined extract (CLCS) by integrating phytochemical characterization, psoriasis-relevant biological activities, and ex vivo skin deposition and permeation, with comparison to the single extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CLCS was standardized by validated HPLC using curcuminoids, ar-turmerone, and cannabidiol as markers. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in RAW264.7 macrophages, while psoriasis-relevant activity was assessed in TNF-α/IL-17A-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Skin deposition and permeation were evaluated using porcine ear skin and Franz diffusion cells. RESULTS: CLCS contained bisdemethoxycurcumin (18.79 ± 1.54 mg/g), demethoxycurcumin (12.89 ± 1.02 mg/g), curcumin (22.12 ± 1.62 mg/g), ar-turmerone (75.35 ± 3.94 mg/g), and cannabidiol (35.47 ± 2.39 mg/g). IC50 values were 41.22 ± 1.70 and 22.91 ± 0.51 μg/mL in HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells, respectively. At 12.5 μg/mL, CLCS inhibited NO and PGE2 production by 48.97 ± 0.88% and 91.15 ± 3.66%, respectively, and modulated psoriasis-associated genes. Cottonseed oil containing 20% DG achieved the highest skin deposition of BCM, DCM, and CM, with no detectable markers in the receptor compartment over 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized CLCS exhibited anti-inflammatory and psoriasis-relevant activities and preferential skin deposition, supporting its potential as a localized phytotherapeutic approach for psoriasis.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology
Published: September 22, 2026
PMID: 42772617
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.122428

Authors (4)

Piyaporn Thorajak Faculty of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University Ubon Ratchathani, 34000, Thailand; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. Electronic address: piyaporn.t@ubru.ac.th.
Jintana Junlatat Faculty of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University Ubon Ratchathani, 34000, Thailand. Electronic address: jintana.j.t@ubru.ac.th.
Tarapong Srisongkram Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
Sarunya Tuntiyasawasdikul Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand; Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. Electronic address: sarunyat@kku.ac.th.