Study Examines CBD-Probiotic Delivery Using a Double Emulsion Gel
Summarize
Lithuanian researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a novel double emulsion gel system to deliver encapsulated CBD (cannabidiol) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 24624, a probiotic found in the gut, mouth, and fermented foods. During a 6-week period, a mixture of oil, wax, and emulsion gel containing CBD and the probiotic was assessed in an in vitro (outside the body) human intestinal model. The results showed the formulation increased gut bacteria that support gut health and eliminated some potentially harmful bacteria.
An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that would not normally mix together. The emulsion was necessary to carry and release CBD and probiotics. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 24624 is a “good” bacterium that helps with the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. It also helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria by preventing the accumulation of pathogenic (bad) bacteria.
CBD bioavailability is increased when consumed with fats. The emulsion developed for this study is fat-containing, so it improves CBD’s release in the intestine. Fats aid CBD absorption by delaying stomach emptying and promoting bile secretion.
The colon chambers of the human intestinal model (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) were filled with gut bacteria obtained from a healthy donor. The CBD-probiotic blend was added twice a day with digestive enzymes. The researchers then collected samples from the gut lining and the liquid contents.
The treatment produced several positive effects.
- It increased the bacteria in the gut lining that promote butyrate production. Butyrate is a naturally occurring fatty acid in the body that is associated with immune support.
- The treatment increased a group of bacteria called Clostridiaceae, which also produce butyrate.
- Some harmful bacteria disappeared, which may protect the gut barrier.
The double-gel emulsion successfully released the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 24624, a significant finding. The recommendation is to conduct further research into how CBD functions in the human gut through molecular mechanisms.
The researchers wrote,
“Findings suggest that double emulsion gel can be employed for the delivery of probiotics and CBD to the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, an innovative CBD-probiotic formulation can modulate gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, suggesting its potential as a functional food innovation for intestinal health.”
The next step is to conduct in vivo research. The formula developed for this study builds on prior studies that developed a formulation technique that demonstrated the ability to protect probiotics under harsh gastric conditions. This study offers hope that people with gastrointestinal disorders may find relief with a CBD-based therapeutic agent like the one tested in this study.
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