The antibacterial and antibiofilm role of cannabidiol against periodontopathogenic bacteria.

Aims: Bacterial resistance and systemic risks associated with periodontitis underscore the need for novel antimicrobial agents. Cannabis sativa is a promising source of antimicrobial molecules, and cannabidiol (CBD) attracts significant interest. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of CBD against periodontopathogens, and assessed its toxicity in vivo model.

Methods and results: Antibacterial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Biofilm inhibition was determined the minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm (MICB50). Toxicity was assessed using Caeonorhabditis elegans. The periodontopathogens tested were Actinomyces naeslundii (ATCC 19039), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (ATCC 27337), Veillonella parvula (ATCC 17745), Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 10953), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 43717). CBD exhibited antibacterial effects with MICs of 0.39 to 3.12 µg ml-1 and MICB50 of 0.39 µg ml-1 to 1.56 µg ml-1 against biofilms, without toxicity below 375 µg ml-1.

Conclusion: The results suggest that CBD is a non-toxic product with antibacterial and antibiofilm potential, exhibiting promise as a therapeutic alternative for oral diseases.