In recent years, the field of nanotechnology has sparked transformative advancements in drug delivery systems, positioning nanosystems as a promising solution to enhance the therapeutic potential and stability of various bioactive compounds.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last 10 years, you have probably heard of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, something that has gained significant attention for its therapeutic properties.
Researchers are diligently exploring ways to maximize CBD’s clinical benefits, addressing challenges related to its bioavailability, stability, and controlled release, particularly for transdermal applications.
The Potential of Cannabidiol in Addressing Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Chronic inflammatory diseases, notably arthritis, present substantial economic burdens and profound personal and social consequences.
Affecting approximately 528 million people globally, arthritis is projected to increase due to rising obesity rates and injury incidences.
Conventional treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and corticosteroids, often entail significant side effects such as gastrointestinal complications, cardiovascular diseases, hepatotoxicity, physical dependence, and immunosuppression.
These drawbacks underscore the necessity for innovative treatments.
Cannabis, particularly its phytocannabinoids like Delta 9-THC and CBD, has a rich history in traditional medicine.
However, the psychotropic effects of THC limit its therapeutic use, shifting the focus to CBD due to its safe profile, low abuse potential, and wide range of benefits, including antioxidative, anticonvulsive, analgesic, antitumorigenic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Despite its therapeutic promise, CBD faces challenges related to its mode of administration, necessitating the development of new strategies to improve its bioavailability and effectiveness.
Cannabinoids. The Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of CBD
Cannabinoids, which include endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids, interact with cannabinoid receptors to produce various physiological effects.
CBD, specifically, exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, ion channels, and nuclear receptors.
The endocannabinoid system is vital for central nervous system development, synaptic flexibility, and responses to harmful stimuli. It consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids such as 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and anandamide, and the enzymes that produce, transport, and break them down.
Cannabinoid receptors type 1, mainly found in the central nervous system, regulate movement, thinking, and memory. Cannabinoid receptors type 2, located in peripheral nerve endings and immune cells, control immune cell activation and inflammation.
Cannabidiol influences the endocannabinoid system both directly and indirectly.
Innovative Approaches to CBD Administration
While oral, sublingual, and inhalation routes of CBD administration offer therapeutic benefits, they face limitations related to bioavailability and patient compliance.
Transdermal delivery emerges as a viable alternative, bypassing issues associated with other routes and offering high bioavailability, steady plasma levels, and localized effects, thereby reducing side effects and required dosages.
Enhancing Transdermal Delivery
Transdermal drug delivery requires overcoming the skin’s barrier properties, primarily the stratum corneum.
Strategies to enhance transdermal CBD delivery include the use of chemical penetration enhancers, physical permeation enhancers, and encapsulation in lipidic or polymeric delivery systems.
Recent studies highlight various formulations, such as ethosomes, carbomers, transcutol, cellulose-based cryogels, chitosan hydrogels, and organosilica nanoparticles, demonstrating improved CBD delivery and therapeutic efficacy in managing inflammatory pain.
Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Numerous studies validate the therapeutic potential of transdermal CBD.
For instance, ethosomal formulations and carbopol gels have shown significant anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of arthritis and carrageenan-induced paw inflammation.
Also, novel delivery systems like nanoemulsions within chitosan hydrogels and alginate-based hydrogels enriched with Zinc ion exhibit promising results in wound healing and neuroprotection.
The Future of Transdermal CBD in Pain Management
The exploration of transdermal CBD for managing acute inflammatory pain represents a significant advancement in therapeutic approaches.
By addressing challenges related to bioavailability and stability, innovative delivery systems enhance CBD’s efficacy, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
As research progresses, the development of optimized transdermal formulations holds the potential to revolutionize pain management, providing patients with safer and more effective options for alleviating chronic inflammatory conditions.
