Study: Novel Starch-Based Delivery System Dramatically Boosts CBD Absorption, Shows Anti-Cancer Effects in Lung Cells
- Researchers developed CBD-loaded microspheres using porous starch, increasing CBD’s water solubility by nearly 16 times compared to standard formulations.
- The porous starch formulation enhanced CBD release rates by 2.6 times in gastric conditions and over 4.4 times in intestinal conditions, indicating improved bioavailability.
- CBD encapsulated in starch inhibited lung cancer (A549) cell growth by more than 52%, linked to mitochondrial disruption and gene expression changes affecting cancer progression.
- The study found that CBD was stabilized in an amorphous form within the starch, improving thermal stability and potential use in functional food and nutraceutical products.
New research published in the Journal of Future Foods finds that a starch-based delivery system may significantly improve how cannabidiol (CBD) is absorbed by the body, while also demonstrating notable anti-cancer activity in lung cancer cells. Researchers developed CBD-loaded microspheres using porous starch, a food-grade material designed to enhance stability and absorption. One of the primary challenges with cannabidiol (CBD) is its poor water solubility, which limits how much of it the body can effectively use. This study found that encapsulating CBD in porous starch increased its water solubility by nearly 16 times compared to standard formulations.
The improved formulation also led to a much faster and more efficient release of CBD. In simulated gastric conditions, release rates were about 2.6 times higher, while intestinal release increased by more than 4.4 times. These findings suggest the compound could become significantly more bioavailable when consumed, potentially improving its effectiveness in therapeutic applications.
In addition to improved delivery, the study examined CBD’s effects on A549 lung cancer cells. The results showed that the CBD-starch formulation inhibited cancer cell growth by over 52% at a concentration of 50 micrograms per milliliter. Researchers found this effect was linked to disruptions in mitochondrial function and changes in gene expression, including increased activity of the PPARG gene and decreased expression of several genes associated with cancer progression.
The study also noted that CBD was stabilized in an amorphous form within the starch structure, improving its thermal stability and making it more suitable for use in functional food products.
While the findings are limited to laboratory conditions, researchers say the results provide a foundation for developing more effective CBD-based products, particularly in the food and nutraceutical space, where improved absorption remains a key challenge.