Beta-Caryophyllene - A Novel Adjunct Treatment For Bacterial Cystitis in Mice

Abstract

Bacterial cystitis (BC) belongs to the family of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and represents one of the most common types of infections. BC occurs when uropathogenic bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli (UPEC), enters the bladder. While these infections are typically manageable with antibiotic therapy, painful symptoms may persist. Beta-caryophyllene (BCP), is found in plants such as Cannabis sativa and has well described local anesthetic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, the latter mediated through interactions with the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R). In a murine model of BC, BCP treatment significantly reduced bacterial growth, demonstrated analgesic effects, and reduced bladder inflammation. In vitro experiments in UPEC-infected bone marrow derived macrophages and bladder epithelial cells further demonstrated the antibacterial activity of BCP. Our results suggest that BCP has potential as a novel adjunct treatment for the management of BC as it is able to reduce bacterial growth, pain and inflammation in experimental BC.