Review: cannabidiol may be beneficial for oral mucositis

(HealthDay)—Cannabidiol could be beneficial for the treatment of oral mucositis, although data on its use in dentistry are scarce, according to a review published online Feb. 12 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

L.F. Cuba, from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the etiopathogenesis of oral mucositis and the activity of cannabidiol to consider its use for prevention and treatment of oral mucositis.

The researchers found evidence that oxidative stress control could prevent and relieve oral mucositis. Cannabidiol was found to be safe to use and demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, although the data were limited.

"The literature on the use of cannabidiol in dentistry is still scarce. Studies investigating the use of cannabidiol in oral mucositis and other oxidative stress-mediated side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the oral mucosa should be encouraged," the authors write.