While cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise for treating conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease, oral use of the compound in clinical settings has been limited by its poor water solubility, low permeability, and chemical instability.
“For this reason, a number of different formulations have been explored, including the production of synthetic CBD, self-emulsifying delivery systems, and encapsulating CBD in gelatine matrix pellets, but all of them have only resulted in minor improvements in bioavailability,” lead author of the study, Sanjay Garg, Professor of Pharmaceutical Science at the University of South Australia, said in a press release.
In the current study, researchers developed a phospholipid complex (PLC)- a class of lipids containing phosphorus- to overcome hurdles in CBD drug delivery. They then identified the optimal PLC composition to form nanosized CBD-PLC particles with the aim of increasing CBD’s dissolution, stability, and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ultimately, formulation with PLC significantly improved drug release compared to pure CBD. Experiments also revealed that permeability was 32.7% higher for CBD-PLC than unmodified CBD, indicating higher absorption via the intestinal wall.
Whereas traditional CBD formulations degrade over time when exposed to heat, light or oxygen, CBD-PLC retained its performance for over 12 months when stored in various conditions, making it more reliable for pharmaceutical use.
“Improved bioavailability means that lower doses can achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially reducing side effects and making treatment more cost-effective,” said study author, Thabata Muta, PhD candidate at the University of South Australia, in a press release.
The researchers noted that their findings may pave the way for enhancing the absorption of other drugs with poor water solubility. They are currently exploring possibilities for commercialization and clinical trials to validate their formulation.
Sources: EurekAlert, International Journal of Molecular Sciences
