The world of bacteria is constantly in flux. There are always new strains of bacteria emerging and mutating, making it difficult for the immune system to keep up. Scientists and medical professionals are constantly searching for new ways to fight bacteria, and one of the most promising recent discoveries is cannabidiol (CBD).
But does CBD really kill bacteria? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question. We will explore how CBD kills bacteria, the types of bacteria it is effective against, and even suggest some of the best CBD products for fighting bacteria. Read on!
Key Takeaways
- CBD is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid linked to having multiple therapeutic properties.
- CBD may effectively kill some types of bacteria, good and bad, through a process called bactericidal activity.
- CBD should not be your first choice to combat bacteria, and you should always consult with a certified professional before taking CBD for antibacterial purposes.
What is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is one of over 100 different cannabinoids that are present in cannabis and hemp. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not produce a “high” or alter your state of mind when you use it. CBD enjoys a wide range of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting better sleep. One area that is particularly exciting for CBD research is its antimicrobial traits. CBD has been shown to be effective in killing various bacteria, including some resistant to antibiotics. As a potential antibacterial agent, CBD could be a game-changer in the fight against some of the most dangerous superbugs.How Does CBD Kill Bacteria?
CBD works to kill bacteria by interacting with their cell membranes. It causes the breakdown of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the bacterium's death. This process is known as “bactericidal activity.” When CBD comes into contact with bacteria, it causes a change in the permeability of the cell membrane. This allows vital molecules and nutrients to escape the bacterium, ultimately leading to its death. CBD also works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. This is known as “bacteriostatic activity.” CBD can help control infection and stop it from spreading by preventing bacteria from reproducing.Types of Bacteria That CBD Kills
CBD has been shown to be effective in killing a variety of different bacteria. This includes both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are responsible for some of the most serious infections, including strep throat, MRSA, and pneumonia. Gram-negative bacteria are also dangerous and can cause conditions like meningitis, sepsis, and food poisoning. CBD has been shown to be effective in killing both of these types of bacteria. This is significant because many antibiotics are only effective against one type or the other. Additionally, some bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. This means that we need new and innovative ways to fight these superbugs. CBD has been shown to destroy bacteria that prove resistant to antibiotics like methicillin, vancomycin, and erythromycin. According to this 2021 research study, small doses of CBD were able to kill gram-positive bacteria that had become resistant to other antibiotics. This includes:- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): This is a type of staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics. It can cause several serious health problems, including pneumonia, sepsis, and blood poisoning. The study found that CBD was effective in killing MRSA.
- Clostridioidez difficile: This type of bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. It is often resistant to antibiotics. The study found that CBD was effective in killing this superbug.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae: This type of bacteria can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
- Acinetobacter baumannii: This is a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, sepsis, and blood poisoning.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae: This bacteria can cause gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility.
- Moraxella catarrhalis: This type of bacteria can cause ear infections, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
- Neisseria meningitides: This type of bacteria can cause meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord.
- Legionella pneumophila: This type of bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia.
Does CBD Oil Kill Bacteria?
CBD oil has many potential benefits. It shows promise in treating conditions such as IBS and has also been shown to be an effective post-workout supplement to help with muscle recovery. However, one of its most intriguing potential benefits is its ability to kill bacteria. CBD oil kills bacteria by targeting the cell wall. The cell wall is a tough barrier that protects bacteria from the outside world. It is made up of a substance called peptidoglycan. CBD oil breaks down the peptidoglycan in the cell wall, which causes the bacteria to rupture and die. This makes CBD oil a potential treatment for bacterial infections.Does CBD Oil Kill Good Bacteria?
CBD oil does not discriminate between good and bad bacteria. It will kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut. Some of these bacteria are beneficial, while others can cause infections. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. CBD oil can disrupt this balance, killing both good and bad bacteria. This can lead to side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is, therefore, important to speak to a doctor before taking CBD oil if you have a bacterial infection. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment. Also, it is important to take a probiotic supplement when taking CBD oil. Probiotics replenish the good bacteria in the gut that are killed by CBD oil. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the good bacteria in your gut. The live microorganisms in probiotics compete with the bad bacteria in your gut for space and food. This helps to reduce the number of bad bacteria in your stomach. They also produce substances that kill bad bacteria. These substances include lactic acid and acetic acid. Therefore, when you take CBD gummies to help you focus, you should also take a probiotic supplement to help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut.Why Does The Anti-Bacterial Property Of CBD Matter?
According to the CDC, over 2.8 million people develop antibiotic-resistant infections annually. Out of these, over 35,000 lose their lives to these infections. Bacterial resistance is a major global health threat. As bacteria become resistant to existing antibiotics, we need to find new ways to kill them. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics in several ways. One way is by mutating their DNA so the antibiotic cannot bind to it. By doing this, the bacteria can continue to multiply and cause infections. Another way bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics is by passing on resistance genes to other bacteria. This means that even if the antibiotic kills some of the bacteria, the resistant strains will continue to multiply. CBD could be a new and innovative way to fight these superbugs. Since it targets the cell walls, it is less likely that bacteria will develop resistance to it. To better understand the anti-bacterial properties of CBD matter, look at the statistics from the CDC 2019 report dubbed Antibiotic Resistance Threat in the United States:- Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for over 900,000 hospitalizations, and 3,600 deaths, annually.
- Neisseria gonorrhea infects over half a million people every year.
- MRSA results in an estimated 323,700 hospitalizations and 10,600 deaths each year.
- 223,900 people are hospitalized every year due to Clostridioidez difficile, and over 12,000 people die from it.