University of South Australia researchers have developed an innovative solution to increase the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) to treat symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests that patients could achieve more consistent and effective results with lower doses of oral CBD if the solution includes a phospholipid complex.
Poor water solubility, low gastrointestinal permeability, and chemical instability limit the effectiveness of traditional CBD solutions. In such solutions, only a small amount of orally ingested CBD reaches the bloodstream, and consequently, therapeutic effects are limited. The research team used a CBD–phospholipid complex (CBD-PLC) containing a class of lipids (fats) that contain phosphorus to create CBD-PLC, which significantly increases the solubility of CBD and facilitates its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
The research team discovered the optimal phospholipid composition to form nano-sized CBD-PLC particles. The researchers found that CBD-PLC increased dissolution rates from 0% to 67.1% within three hours. The study indicated enhanced release rates for CBD-PLC 44.7% at 2 hours and 67.1% at 3 hours, while pure CBD rates were 0% for pure CBD and 7.2% for a physical mixture. The novel CBD-PLC delivery system provides greater stability than traditional CBD formulations, which tend to degrade when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen over time. The phospholipid complex helps sustain the formulation’s potency and shelf life.
The research team conducted testing over 12 months and found that CBD-PLC demonstrated consistent performance under various storage conditions. The researchers believe CBD-PLC offers more reliable pharmaceutical applications than conventional CBD formulations. Study author and PhD candidate Thabata Muta says the study has significant implications for CBD-based therapeutics. Muta stated, “Improved bioavailability means that lower doses can achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially reducing side effects and making treatment more cost-effective.” In addition, this approach can be used to optimize the effectiveness of other water-soluble medications. The team plans to explore opportunities for commercialization and pursue clinical trials to validate their new formulation.
Source: Eureka News Alert, International Journal of Molecular Sciences