News
CBD capsules could treat Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders
Researchers have developed oral capsules that improved the delivery of CBD into the brain by up to 40-times.
Tiny capsules of CBD could help treat neurological disorders such Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis, say researchers.
A team from from Curtin University has developed tiny oral capsules that improved the delivery of CBD into the brain by up to 40-times.
The technology has the potential to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injuries.
The research, funded by Zelira Therapeutics saw the research team create tiny capsules containing cannabinoids which, when taken orally, were absorbed by the body faster and penetrated the brain quicker in mice models with neurological diseases, than when delivered in liquid form.
Lead researcher, associate professor Ryu Takechi from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) and the School of Population Health, said there has been a growing interest in the use of CBD to treat various neurological diseases, but there were limitations due to its poor absorption and sensitivity to light and stomach acid when consumed orally.
He commented: “With this new capsulated form, we were able to improve the brain delivery of CBD remarkably by 40 times in animal models and we were also able to protect the drug from oxidation and degradation by light, which helps extend product shelf-life.”
He added that the findings “may be helpful in supporting the clinical use of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of neurological disorders.”
Dr Oludare Odumosu, Zelira’s CEO said: “The new encapsulation technology significantly improves the efficiency with which cannabinoid-based drugs can be delivered into the brain and presents a game changing platform to improve the effectiveness of cannabinoid therapies for neurological disorders while reducing cost and enhancing safety.”
Takechi and his team are currently using the encapsulation technology to assess the efficacy of CBD to protect from and prevent cognitive decline in diabetes, with results expected to be reported later in the year.
Get the weekly briefing
A round-up of the latest science, regulation and developments across the UK and Europe — in your inbox every week.