Herbal extract and dietary combination for long-term skin condition management
A natural intervention combining specific cannabis/hemp-derived terpenes with herbal extracts and dietary modifications to reduce inflammation and address chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Validated on 3D tissue models showing downregulation of pro-inflammatory and keratinocyte differentiation genes.
Overview
This solution offers a natural, non-cannabinoid intervention for managing chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It combines specific terpene components derived from cannabis/hemp extracts with complementary herbal extracts and dietary interventions (such as intermittent fasting or calorie restriction) to achieve long-term anti-inflammatory and skin-rejuvenating effects. The approach targets the underlying gene expression patterns associated with skin pathology, offering an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical treatments.
Technical specifications
- Screening library: Approximately 400 cannabis/hemp extracts evaluated for anti-inflammatory potential across multiple epithelial cell and 3D tissue models (EpiDerm, EpiDermFT, EpiOral, EpiIntestinal, EpiAirway).
- Active identification: About two dozen extracts (~5%) demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity, with individual non-cannabinoid components identified that can reconstitute up to 80% of the whole extract's effect in both pre- and post-treatment of inflamed skin.
- Mechanism of action: Significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and genes involved in keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, as demonstrated in 3D psoriasis tissue models.
- Formulation strategy: Combinations of terpenes in specific ratios, paired with herbal extracts and dietary interventions, designed to potentiate anti-aging and anti-inflammatory outcomes.
- Regulatory status: Active components are non-cannabinoids and not subject to cannabinoid regulatory restrictions.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an advanced preclinical stage. Extensive in vitro screening has been completed across multiple 3D tissue models, with demonstrated efficacy in downregulating disease-relevant gene expression in psoriasis models. Prior work has shown that dietary interventions (serum starvation) can potentiate the effects of cannabis-derived molecules in combination with standard treatments (cisplatin) in colon cancer models, supporting the feasibility of the dietary combination approach. Next steps include tailoring formulations to specific skin conditions identified by partners, validating gene regulation changes through bioinformatics and 3D tissue models, and confirming the potentiating effect of dietary interventions on the topical/oral formulations.
About University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is a mid‑sized public comprehensive research university based in Lethbridge, Alberta, with an additional campus in Calgary. Science Commons concentrates shared core facilities—such as the Central Analytical Facility and Microscopy—available to external partners on a fee‑for‑use basis, enabling co‑located, instrument‑rich collaboration. A well‑established co‑operative education program connects employers with student talent through structured work terms. The university sits within southern Alberta’s agri‑food ecosystem, near one of Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada’s largest research centres in Lethbridge, supporting applied partnerships. Research is backed by Canada’s Tri‑agency and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, with technology transfer supported by a University‑Industry Liaison Office.
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