A patient with severe, treatment-resistant pain from mast cell activation syndrome experienced an 87% reduction in pain interference after treatment with CBD oil and orphenadrine.
People with MCAS or chronic pain interested in CBD, and clinicians exploring novel approaches.
87% reduction in pain interference over 20 weeks
What the researchers found
A patient with widespread, severe, refractory MCAS pain was treated with orphenadrine and CBD oil. Pain severity reduced by 56% and pain interference by 87% at 20 weeks. CBD has recently been shown to suppress mast cell activation and degranulation.
Why it matters
MCAS causes chronic pain with no established treatment paradigm. This is the first reported case of using CBD's mast cell-suppressing properties specifically to target MCAS pain.
The numbers in context
Pain severity reduced by 56%. Pain interference reduced by 87% at 20 weeks.
How the study worked
Single case report documenting treatment response over 20 weeks with standardized pain scales.
What this study cannot tell us
Single case report. Cannot determine which component drove improvement. Natural disease fluctuation or placebo cannot be excluded.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: single case report with no control or blinding.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
If CBD's mast cell-suppressing properties can be confirmed in larger studies, it could offer a targeted treatment for a condition with limited options.
Questions still open
- Would CBD alone produce similar results?
- What CBD dosing is optimal for mast cell suppression?
- Could this approach help other mast cell conditions?
Common questions
Can CBD help with mast cell activation syndrome?
How does CBD affect mast cells?
Read the original research
A Treatment Approach for Severe Pain in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: A Case Report.
A&A practice, 19(12), e02115
Citation
Russo, Marc A; Santarelli, Danielle M. (2025). A Treatment Approach for Severe Pain in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: A Case Report.. A&A practice, 19(12), e02115. https://doi.org/10.1213/XAA.0000000000002115
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