ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF CANNABIS ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ATCC25923, STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS UA159, STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES CLINICAL STAIN

Abstract

Background: Resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs is a growing challenge, highlighting the need for novel compounds. Cannabis, historically used for medical purposes, is being studied for antimicrobial potential. While many studies have noted its effects, further investigation is required to evaluate Cannabidiol (CBD) specifically on oral bacteria.
Aim: To evaluate CBD’s ability to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Methodology: CBD (Merck, 1 mg/mL in methanol) was diluted to 5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL. Test strains were obtained from Chulalongkorn University and Prof. Jintakorn Kuvatanasuchati. Antimicrobial activity was assessed via disk diffusion using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) as control. MIC and MBC were determined by broth dilution.
Results: CBD showed dose-dependent inhibition, with zones from 8.6 to 16.6 mm. S. pyogenes was most susceptible, with similar inhibition to CHX at 20 μg/mL (P = 0.96). S. aureus and S. mutans showed smaller zones than CHX (P < 0.05). MICs were 5, 2.5, and 2.5 μg/mL; MBC was 5 μg/mL for all.
Conclusion: CBD exhibits antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. mutans, and S. pyogenes, particularly effective against S. pyogenes.