Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a new cannabis formula that improves the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This innovative solution addresses the common issue of CBD’s poor water solubility and absorption in the human body, which has limited its clinical applications.
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, known for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Historically, only a small fraction of orally ingested CBD reaches the bloodstream, which restricts its therapeutic effects. Researchers have created a phospholipid complex, a type of lipid that contains phosphorus, that can increase CBD’s solubility by up to six times and enhance its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg highlighted that this breakthrough, detailed in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, could lead to more consistent and effective results for patients using lower doses of oral CBD medications. Previously explored formulations, including synthetic CBD and self-emulsifying delivery systems, only achieved minor improvements in bioavailability.
The research team identified the optimal phospholipid composition to create nanosized CBD-PLC particles. This new formula significantly improved the dissolution rates of CBD from 0% to 67.1% within three hours, demonstrating a major enhancement in drug release. Furthermore, in cellular uptake studies, CBD-PLC showed 32.7% higher permeability than unmodified CBD, indicating better absorption through the intestinal wall.
Another important benefit of this delivery system is its stability. Traditional CBD formulations can degrade over time when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, which diminishes their potency and shelf life. However, testing over a 12-month period revealed that CBD-PLC maintained its effectiveness under various storage conditions, making it a more reliable option for pharmaceutical use.
