Australian scientists have developed an innovative phospholipid complex that dramatically improves the bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD), potentially transforming treatments for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers at the University of South Australia created a nanosized phospholipid complex that increases CBD's water solubility by up to six times and significantly enhances its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The breakthrough addresses one of the major limitations of CBD-based therapies: poor bioavailability when taken orally.
"Currently, only a small fraction of orally ingested CBD reaches the bloodstream, limiting its therapeutic effects," explained Professor Sanjay Garg, who led the research team. Their findings were recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Significant Improvements in Bioavailability
The research team identified the optimal phospholipid composition to form nanosized CBD-PLC (phospholipid complex) particles. In laboratory testing, the new formulation demonstrated remarkable improvements over conventional CBD:
- Dissolution rates increased from 0% to 67.1% within three hours
- Cellular uptake studies showed 32.7% higher permeability than unmodified CBD
- Enhanced absorption through the intestinal wall
These improvements could translate to more consistent therapeutic outcomes for patients using CBD to manage conditions like treatment-resistant epilepsy and muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
Enhanced Stability and Shelf Life
Another significant advantage of the new delivery system is its exceptional stability. Traditional CBD formulations degrade when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, reducing potency and shelf life.
Testing over 12 months showed that the CBD-PLC retained its performance under varied storage conditions and temperatures ranging from 4-40°C (39-104°F), making it a more reliable option for pharmaceutical applications.
Clinical Implications for Patients
The study's first author, UniSA PhD candidate Thabata Muta, emphasized the practical benefits for patients: "Improved bioavailability means that lower doses can achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially reducing side effects and making treatment more cost effective."
CBD has already demonstrated significant clinical potential. In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, the country's first cannabis-derived medicine, to help children with epilepsy reduce and sometimes stop their seizures. Outside the US, a CBD-based drug called Sativex is used to help patients with MS and those suffering from cancer-related pain.
Current Limitations of CBD Therapies
Despite its promising therapeutic properties, CBD's clinical applications have been limited by its poor water solubility and absorption in the human body. Previous attempts to improve bioavailability—including synthetic CBD production, self-emulsifying delivery systems, and encapsulation in gelatine matrix pellets—have resulted in only minor improvements.
The phospholipid complex approach represents a significant leap forward in addressing these limitations. By binding CBD to phosphorus-containing fat particles, the researchers effectively created a delivery system that capitalizes on previous observations that CBD is more effective when consumed with high-fat meals, but in a more practical and controlled manner.
Future Applications and Market Potential
The research team believes this innovation could extend beyond CBD, providing a blueprint for enhancing the absorption of other poorly water-soluble drugs.
With the global CBD market projected to grow from USD 7.59 billion in 2023 to USD 202.45 billion by 2032, the timing of this breakthrough is particularly significant. The team is now exploring opportunities for commercialization and clinical trials to validate their new formulation in human subjects.
If successful in clinical trials, this improved CBD formulation could benefit thousands of patients with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and potentially other conditions where CBD has shown therapeutic promise, including chronic pain, inflammation, and certain psychiatric disorders.
