Compare the Best CBD for Leishmaniasis in 2022

How CBD May Help With Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical countries where the proliferation of female phlebotomine sand flies (or sandflies) is high⁽¹⁾.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a sand fly (or sandfly) infected with the Leishmania parasite acts as a carrier of the disease⁽²⁾. 

Infected sand flies transfer the parasite to humans through a bite, causing leishmaniasis.

This disease may cause lesions on the skin due to the fly bite. These wounds can slowly grow and eventually become an ulcer or an open sore⁽³⁾.

The lesions may take approximately 3 to 18 months to heal. For individuals with a healthy immune system and antibodies, the wounds may disappear on their own eventually. However, lesions that do not heal may lead to serious health problems⁽⁴⁾.

Other symptoms of leishmaniasis include cough, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort⁽⁵⁾.

Research has shown that CBD may contain therapeutic properties that may help manage inflammation, pain, and itchiness (pruritus)⁽⁶⁾.

CBD may interact with the ECS or endocannabinoid system that is present throughout the body, such as in the immune system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system⁽⁷⁾.

The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2, that bind with CBD. 

CB1 receptors regulate the body’s pain sensations, whereas CB2 receptors play a role in anti-inflammatory responses⁽⁸⁾. 

Aside from the cannabinoid receptors, the ECS comprises enzymes and endocannabinoids, which are naturally-occurring chemical substances in the body.

Moreover, research has shown that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines⁽⁹⁾.

Cytokines are proteins that influence the growth of cells that aid the body’s inflammation and immune response. Thus, the study suggests CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Further research is needed on CBD’s potential benefits on leishmaniasis. 

However, the studies mentioned above have shown that the compound may contain analgesic (anti-pain), anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic effects⁽¹⁰⁾. 

These properties may be advantageous for individuals trying to manage symptoms of medical conditions like leishmaniasis.

Benefits of Using CBD for Leishmaniasis

A 2020 study has indicated that the topical application of CBD may offer therapeutic benefits for skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis⁽¹¹⁾.  

Individuals with psoriasis and leishmaniasis may experience skin lesions^(12-13).

A study published in the journal Molecules investigated the effects of topical CBD on pediatric patients suffering from a rare skin disorder, epidermolysis bullosa⁽¹⁴⁾.

Epidermolysis bullosa may cause the skin to form blisters.  

The respondents were given CBD topicals in cream, oil, and spray for symptom relief. Researchers noted that CBD may have reduced pain and the formation of blisters, promoting rapid wound healing without any adverse effects⁽¹⁵⁾. 

According to a study from the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD may contain therapeutic properties that may relieve nausea and vomiting of individuals undergoing chemotherapy⁽¹⁶⁾.

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms linked to leishmaniasis⁽¹⁷⁾.

Full-spectrum CBD oil possesses a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Terpenes are the naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that provide distinctive aromas and flavors⁽¹⁹⁾.

One of the terpenes in cannabis plants is pinene. They are classified as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. The alpha variant is naturally abundant in cannabis⁽²⁰⁾.

A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology examined the impact of Syzygium cumini essential oil and its primary component, α-pinene, on leishmania in mice and in vitro⁽²¹⁾.

Syzygium cumini, commonly called “jambolão” in Brazil, is a plant that is widely used in folk medicine to counteract leishmaniasis, inflammation, ulcers, and diabetes⁽²²⁾. 

The research concluded that Syzygium cumini, along with alpha-pinene, contains antimicrobial properties against bacteria and parasites such as leishmania. In addition, the plant has significant anti-leishmanial activity⁽²³⁾.

The previously mentioned studies highlight the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol and pinene, an essential oil found in cannabis. 

These benefits may result in a high interest in public health due to cannabis plants’ potential to help alleviate symptoms of leishmaniasis.

How to Use CBD Oil for Leishmaniasis

CBD Topicals

If the infection is on the skin, using a topical CBD product is advisable. 

CBD topicals such as creams and salves are applied directly to an affected area for localized relief from pain, inflammation, and itching⁽²⁴⁾.

Topically applied cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream. CB2 receptors located on the skin instead absorb the cannabinoids, providing pain relief and reducing inflammation⁽²⁵⁾.

CBD Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures are applied sublingually or under the tongue using a dropper. The compound directly enters the bloodstream through the mucous membranes⁽²⁶⁾.

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles such as CBD supplements and gummies allow CBD to pass through the digestive tract before it enters the bloodstream.

CBD Vapes

Vaping or inhaling CBD is considered the quickest method of getting CBD into the system⁽²⁷⁾.

However, this method may cause potential health risks like lung disease, so caution should be exercised⁽²⁸⁾.

CBD’s efficacy may depend on an individual’s weight, metabolism, and diet.

Consulting with a physician or a healthcare professional may help you decide what kind of CBD products you may use for your medical issue. 

How to Choose a CBD Product for Leishmaniasis

Pertinent factors to consider when looking for the best CBD oil to fit your needs include the following: 

Types of CBD Extracts

Full-spectrum CBD oil has all the compounds of the cannabis plant like essential oils, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes⁽²⁹⁾.

Flavonoids are plant chemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits⁽³⁰⁾. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil also has less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration.

THC is an active compound of cannabis plants with psychoactive properties or induces a euphoric high⁽³¹⁾.

Combining all the mentioned compounds may produce an “entourage effect.” 

The entourage effect is defined as a phenomenon wherein the synthesis of different cannabis compounds may enhance their medicinal benefits⁽³²⁾. 

A study from Frontiers in Plant Science suggested that the entourage effect in full-spectrum hemp extracts may produce better health benefits than pure CBD⁽³³⁾.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains similar cannabinoids and compounds as full-spectrum, with the exception of THC. 

Lastly, CBD isolates are a pure form of cannabidiol.  

Third-Party Lab Testing

Third-party labs should inspect CBD products for any contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals, which may cause detrimental effects to consumers. 

CBD brands should display their products’ COA (certificate of analysis) on their websites. Test results from third-party laboratories show the CBD product’s exact contents. 

Consumers should ensure that the COAs match the CBD product label before purchasing them. 

How Much CBD to Take for Leishmaniasis

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA has not authorized the use of CBD as a treatment for any medical condition⁽³⁴⁾. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for leishmaniasis. 

Research has suggested that humans are able to tolerate as much as 1,500mg of CBD every day⁽³⁵⁾.

Additionally, as a general rule, individuals without any CBD experience should start with low doses, slowly increasing the amount if they do not feel any significant side effects⁽³⁶⁾.

Nevertheless, talking to healthcare professionals with a background in cannabis use and dosing is highly recommended. These experts can advise on the proper CBD dosage for leishmaniasis. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Leishmaniasis?

There are no clinical trials that determine how long it takes for a user to feel the effects of CBD for leishmaniasis.

CBD’s onset time may differ depending on factors such as the individual’s weight, CBD potency, and administration method. 

CBD tinctures, due to the compound’s direct entry into the bloodstream, may take 15 to 30 minutes before taking effect⁽³⁷⁾. CBD topicals also have the same onset time⁽³⁸⁾.

On the other hand, CBD edibles may have a slower onset time of 30 to 90 minutes⁽³⁹⁾. 

CBD inhalation through the use of vape pens provides the quickest onset time. It generally takes 15 to 30 minutes before individuals feel the compound’s effects⁽⁴⁰⁾.

However, vaping may lead to severe pulmonary disease or lung irritation⁽⁴¹⁾, so caution is advised.

How Long Will CBD Help With Leishmaniasis?

How long the effects of CBD remain in the system usually depends on how often you take CBD and how much of the compound you take. 

CBD, when applied topically, generally lasts in the body for approximately two to four hours⁽⁴²⁾. 

Meanwhile, edibles like CBD gummies may linger in the body for six to eight hours. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Leishmaniasis

There are no present studies on CBD’s potential risk factors and side effects when used for leishmaniasis.

However, taking the compound may lead to mild side effects like diarrhea, dry mouth, and fatigue⁽⁴³⁾.

CBD products may also come with a grapefruit warning, meaning they should not be taken with grapefruit. CBD may act as an inhibitor of the effects of the following drugs⁽⁴⁴⁾.

• Antibiotics
• Analgesics 
• Blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol medications

The interaction and inhibition of effects between grapefruit and the medication may vary in severity, depending on the amount of ingested grapefruit, the drugs’ composition, and the user’s health condition⁽⁴⁵⁾.

It is highly encouraged to confer with your physician before using any CBD product for leishmaniasis or any medical condition you may have. These professionals can give you advice on any possible drug-to-drug interactions. 

Legality of CBD

The only CBD-derived drug approved by the FDA is Epidiolex⁽⁴⁶⁾. This medication is prescribed by physicians to treat seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy in children, Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). 

Recently, this medicine has been prescribed to manage seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)⁽⁴⁷⁾.

The Farm Bill in 2018 has federally legalized the use of cannabis derivatives as long as they have less than 0.3% THC⁽⁴⁸⁾.

The bill has changed the definition of marijuana, reclassifying the leaves, buds, and seeds of a cannabis plant as hemp, as long as they contain very little THC.

Meanwhile, marijuana is naturally high in THC content. Marijuana used to alleviate symptoms caused by certain medical conditions is called medical marijuana or medical cannabis.

Make sure to verify state laws and legislations regarding the use of CBD to avoid any potential legal repercussions. 

Overview of Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan parasitic disease spread through the bite of infected sand flies. This disease has the most incidence in tropical and sub-tropical countries⁽⁴⁹⁾.

The CDC considers leishmaniasis as a neglected tropical disease or an NTD, a disease that has outbreaks in developing countries where medical care is limited⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

The most typical forms of the disease are cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes sores on the skin, and visceral leishmaniasis, which affects numerous internal organs like the liver, spleen, and bone marrow⁽⁵¹⁾.

The incubation period of leishmaniasis ranges from two to eight weeks, and the symptoms may go away on their own if an infected individual has a healthy immune system⁽⁵²⁾.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Symptoms

Some people may be asymptomatic or have no symptoms or signs when infected. Other individuals may develop sores or lesions on their skin, which start as bumps and end up as ulcers⁽⁵³⁾. 

Visceral Leishmaniasis Symptoms

Symptoms include weight loss, fever, and inflammation of the spleen and liver. Individuals may also have thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), anemia (low red blood cell), and leukopenia (low white blood cell)⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Alternative Treatment for Leishmaniasis 

Treatment for leishmaniasis depends on the Leishmania strain and the geographic location of the infection. 

The treatment plan is usually to accelerate the healing of the skin lesions and reduce the risk of the infection’s relapse.

Some medications include liposomal amphotericin B, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole which are orally administered antifungal medications⁽⁵⁵⁾.