Efficacy and Safety of Topical 5% Cannabidiol Plus Myrcene for the Treatment of Vestibulodynia: A Multi-Centric Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vestibulodynia is the prevalent form of vulvodynia, causing burning, irritation, rawness, and dyspareunia sensations. This sensory abnormality suggests sensitization to neuropathic pain. Methods: This was a randomized double-blind trial involving patients who applied a 5% cannabidiol gel with myrcene or a placebo to their vulvar vestibule for 60 days, assessing changes in dyspareunia, pain, and vestibular cotton swab test scores on a 0–10-point VAS scale. Results: This study enrolled 40 women, with 20 in the active treatment group and 20 in the placebo group. All symptoms improved in both groups, but the active treatment group showed a greater reduction in VAS scores for pain and swab tests. However, dyspareunia improved significantly more in the active treatment group. Conclusions: Cannabidiol’s positive effects on vestibulodynia patients can be attributed to its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. It desensitizes transient vanilloid receptor potential channels subtype 1, which are found in peripheral C-fiber nociceptors and mast cells. The results also suggest that myrcene, a terpene found in cannabis, can inhibit peripheral sensitization exerted by cannabidiol.