What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Cancer.

Where was this research published?

Published in Archives of biochemistry and biophysics on February 1, 2026.

Innovative CBD delivery method shows promise for colon cancer treatment

Development and In vitro kinetic evaluation of PEG-chitosan biohybrid micelles loading CBD with bile acid/quercetin as surface modifiers for colon cancer therapy.

Archives of biochemistry and biophysics • February 1, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

Researchers have developed an innovative approach to potentially improve cannabidiol (CBD) treatment for colon cancer by creating advanced biohybrid micelles - microscopic drug delivery vehicles that can more effectively target cancer cells. The study focuses on a novel method of encapsulating CBD with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chitosan, using bile acid and quercetin as surface modifiers to enhance drug delivery and effectiveness.

The experimental results demonstrated promising anticancer potential, with the biohybrid micelles showing significant impact on multiple colon cancer cell lines. Key findings include 77.3% encapsulation efficiency and dose-dependent reduction of cancer cell survival. The micelles were particularly effective in triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death) by increasing caspase-3/7 activity and modifying important protein expressions that control cell survival mechanisms.

This groundbreaking research represents a significant step forward in cannabis-based cancer therapy, offering a more targeted and potentially less harmful approach to delivering CBD as a potential anticancer treatment. By improving drug delivery mechanisms, the study opens new pathways for reducing side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, potentially bringing researchers closer to more effective colon cancer treatments using cannabinoid-based interventions.

📄 Original Abstract

Treatment for colon cancer is an intricate endeavor that demands innovative strategies for increasing the efficacy while lowering mortality and adverse effects. This study investigates the viability of delivering CBD to colon cancer cells by employing biohybrid micelles for oral delivery. These micelles are made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chitosan with bile acid and quercetin on the surface to synergistically increase CBD's anticancer benefits at lower doses and with fewer adverse effects. Chitosan's mucoadhesion and penetration facilitate PEG controlled release. The morphology, crystalline nature, stability, encapsulation efficiency (EE = 77.3 % ± 2 %), and composition of the biohybrid micelles are examined by using SEM, TEM, XRD, HPLC, FTIR, and TGA. IC50 values in μM (HCT116: 9.871 ± 0.244, HT29: 17.110 ± 2.515, Caco-2: 20.023 ± 2.685), colon cancer cell lines showed treatment with these micelles reduced cell survival in a dose-dependent manner relative to free CBD. Apoptosis investigations revealed increased caspase-3/7 activity by biohybrid micelles along with upregulation of Bax expression and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression confirmed by ELISA. Efficiency of component release from biohybrid micelles at varying pH levels is assessed after 72 h at pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 (n ≥ 3). Drug release rates: Bile acid surpasses quercetin, which exceeds CBD (p < 0.05). This innovative drug delivery technique improves CBD colon cancer treatment by combining controlled release with quercetin synergy, laying a foundation for clinical trials.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Archives of biochemistry and biophysics
Published: February 1, 2026
PMID: 41429356
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2025.110711

Authors (4)

Qurat Ul Ain Haidery State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China.
Bo Han Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China.
Xingyuan Ma State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China. Electronic address: maxy@ecust.edu.cn.
Wenyun Zheng Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China. Electronic address: zwy@ecust.edu.cn.