Comparative Study on Cannabidiol-Loaded Solubilizing Systems for Improvement of Oral Bioavailability: Liposome and Cyclodextrin-Based Formulations.

Researchers developed a new way to deliver cannabidiol (CBD) to the body by encapsulating it in tiny fat-based particles called liposomes. The problem they were trying to solve is that CBD naturally doesn't dissolve well in water, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb when taken orally. This study compared two approaches: liposome-based CBD formulations and cyclodextrin-based formulations (another established delivery method). Using electron microscopy and chemical testing, they found that the liposomal particles were tiny (about 120 nanometers) and evenly shaped.

The key finding is that liposomal CBD performed dramatically better than plain CBD powder. Under conditions mimicking the digestive system, liposomal CBD dissolved eight times better than crystalline CBD. Even more impressively, when given orally to test subjects, the liposomal formulation resulted in 22 times more CBD entering the bloodstream compared to regular crystalline CBD, while the cyclodextrin formulation only achieved a 5-fold improvement. This suggests that encapsulating CBD in liposomes helps protect it from being broken down by the liver (first-pass metabolism) and allows it to be absorbed more efficiently through the intestines and lymphatic system.

These findings have practical implications for CBD products available to consumers. Current CBD products often have inconsistent absorption rates and effectiveness, partly because the body struggles to process the raw compound. Liposomal delivery systems could lead to more effective CBD products that require lower doses to achieve the same results, potentially reducing costs and improving consistency. However, this research is foundational work, and consumers may need to wait for pharmaceutical companies to commercialize these advanced delivery systems.