Nanoformulations as a strategy to overcome the delivery limitations of cannabinoids

Abstract

Medical cannabis has received significant interest in recent years due to its promising benefits in the management of pain, anxiety, depression and neurological and movement disorders. Specifically, the major phytocannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant such as (À) trans-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have been shown to be responsible for the pharmacological and therapeutic properties.Recently, these phytocannabinoids have also attracted special attention in cancer treatment due to their well-known palliative benefits in chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, pain and loss of appetite along with their anticancer activities. Despite the enormous pharmacological benefits, the low aqueous solubility, high instability (susceptibility to extensive first pass metabolism) and poor systemic bioavailability restrict their utilization at clinical perspective. Therefore, drug delivery strategies based on nanotechnology are emerging to improve pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of cannabinoids as well as enhance their targeted delivery. Here, we critically review the nano-formulation systems engineered for overcoming the delivery limitations of native phytocannabinoids including polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles (lipid nano capsules (LNCs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanoemulsions (NE) and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS)), ethosomes and cyclodextrins as well as their therapeutic applications.

Microencapsulation for Pharmaceutical Applications: A Review

“…Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound from the Cannabis plant that contributes both to cannabis' bad reputation as a recreational stimulant and to its effectiveness as an API. 94 As an API, THC is used to decrease emesis, stimulate appetite for treating HIV-induced anorexia, and ]. However, CBD is an oily solid at room temperature and therefore is difficult to handle and to effectively administer to subjects at a controlled dose.…”

“…A few encapsulation technologies, such as nano emulsions, ethosomes, lipid nanocapsules (LNC), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), self-emulsifying delivery systems (SEDDS), and cyclodextrins (CDs) have been developed for their distinct pharmaceutical and therapeutic benefits. 94 Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is the most widely used API in the world and is also routinely administered to prevent secondary myocardial infarction and stroke. 95 Its versatile functions have been represented by its wide therapeutic applications, such as acute inflammation and pain, fever, heart attacks and stroke, cardiovascular diseases, cancer especially colorectal, thrombosis, diabetes, angina, thromboprophylaxis in orthopedic surgery, pericarditis, Alzheimer's disease, and pregnancy complications.…”

“…Encapsulating CBD in nanocarriers prevents its degradation and improves its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. A few encapsulation technologies, such as nano emulsions, ethosomes, lipid nanocapsules (LNC), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), self-emulsifying delivery systems (SEDDS), and cyclodextrins (CDs) have been developed for their distinct pharmaceutical and therapeutic benefits …”

How Biodegradable Polymers Can be Effective Drug Delivery Systems for Cannabinoids? Prospectives and Challenges

“… 2 Given the limitations of cannabinoids, innovative drug delivery strategies that protect these compounds from oxidation, while increasing their potency and bioavailability, are required. 26 …”

Analyzing The Risks, Benefits, and Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis And Cannabinoids in Tumor Therapy - A Review

“…In addition to its impact on conventional cancer treatments, nanotechnology plays a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability and thermodynamic longevity of cannabis. This interdisciplinary field brings together experts from various disciplines, including physicists, chemists, engineers, IT professionals, computer scientists, mathematicians, material scientists, and biologists (Reddy, T. S., 2023).…”