A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD, delivered using nanotechnology, provided neuroprotective effects in an animal model of retinal excitotoxicity.
Researchers from the University of Catania, University of Crete, University of Enna, and University of Campania, all in Italy, examined CBD’s effects in rats with retinal damage induced by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). When co-injected intravitreally with AMPA, CBD reduced retinal shrinkage and preserved amacrine cells. It also decreased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, including cleaved caspase-3, Iba-1, and nitrotyrosine-positive cells.
Due to CBD’s low solubility, the researchers developed a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation to enhance its ocular bioavailability. Among the tested formulations, CBD-NLC3 demonstrated optimal physicochemical properties and, when applied topically, successfully delivered CBD to the retina. A single administration resulted in a retinal concentration of 98 ± 25.9 ng/mg within 60 minutes.
The study suggests that this nanotechnology-based approach could improve CBD’s therapeutic potential for retinal degenerative diseases, supporting further preclinical and clinical research.
For the full study, click here.
