Effect of intraperitoneal cannabidiol (CBD) injection on intestine microbiome profile in a mouse model

Cannabidiol (CBD) as an active ingredient is widely used in cosmetics, food, medical products, and dietary supplements. Recent studies suggest that CBD consumption may influence the gut microbiome, impacting overall health. The mechanism of CBD action on the intestinal microbiome may be linked to the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in the normalization of the functions of the immune system. Additionally, CBD may have a direct influence on the gut by interacting with the intestinal microflora, regulating intestinal permeability, modulating immune responses, and affecting the gut-brain axis communication through the vagal signaling pathway. A study was conducted to analyze how different doses of CBD injected intraperitoneal could alter the microbial composition of the duodenum contents in a mouse model. Obtained results suggest that the impact of CBD on the intestine microbiome may be dosage-dependent. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences compared to the control group in the 0.2 mg/kg CBD and 20 mg/kg CBD dose groups for the genera Campilobacteriota, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and, specifically in the 0.2 mg CBD group, Cyanobacteria. In contrast, the 10 mg CBD dose group showed no statistically significant differences relative to the control. The Firmicutes phylum had the highest relative abundance in all groups, wherein its share was lower in the CBD-treated groups than in the control group. Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Muribaculaceae, and Akkermansia were predominant, with Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group decreasing and Akkermansia increasing in relative abundance in CBD-treated groups. Of the genera that showed statistically significant differences between groups, most belonged to the phylum Firmicutes, including the dominant Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. These findings suggest that intraperitoneal CBD administration induces alterations in the duodenal microbiome, particularly affecting the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and the Akkermansia genera.