Low-Dose CBD Combined with Standard IBD Drugs Enhances Treatment Without Added Toxicity in Mice

In both acute and chronic colitis mouse models, combining low-dose CBD with olsalazine (50 mg/kg) or cyclosporine (2.5-5 mg/kg) significantly reduced disease activity index, MPO activity, and inflammatory cytokines while restoring colon length and GLP-1 levels. CBD monotherapy alone was inconclusive, but combinations were superior. No liver or kidney toxicity observed.

DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis models in mice. Tested CBD (10 mg/kg) alone and in combination with olsalazine or cyclosporine. Assessed DAI, colon morphology, cytokines, chemokines, MPO, systemic inflammatory markers, GLP-1, hematology, and plasma biochemistry.

Current IBD treatments often have limited long-term efficacy and significant side effects. If CBD can enhance standard treatments at low doses without adding toxicity, it could meaningfully improve patient outcomes.

This study supports a practical clinical approach: rather than relying on CBD as a standalone treatment (where evidence is inconclusive), using it as an adjunct to existing medications could enhance efficacy while keeping doses of both components low enough to minimize side effects.

Mouse colitis model does not perfectly recapitulate human IBD. CBD dosing in mice may not translate directly to human doses. Short-term safety assessment — long-term toxicity unknown. Specific drug interactions not fully characterized.