A newly published study has found that an oral cannabinoid formulation was more effective than the prescription drug pregabalin in alleviating chronic neuropathic pain in an animal model, while also reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Researchers from Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, and the University of Delhi evaluated four cannabinoid formulations (F1 to F4) in a rat model of chronic sciatic nerve injury. The study, published in the journal Neurological Research, aimed to explore the therapeutic potential and mechanisms behind these formulations.
The 21-day study involved 35 male Wistar rats divided into seven groups. All groups except the control underwent a sciatic nerve ligation procedure to simulate chronic pain. The cannabinoid formulations, dissolved in MCT oil, were administered orally at varying concentrations (F1: 500 mg to F4: 3000 mg), with pregabalin serving as the reference drug.
By day 22, the researchers assessed pain sensitivity, nerve function, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. One formulation—F2, administered at 1000 mg—stood out. Rats receiving F2 showed significantly improved sensory nerve conduction velocity and longer pain response latencies compared to the vehicle and pregabalin groups. F2 also reduced levels of inflammatory marker TNF-α and oxidative stress marker MDA, while increasing antioxidant indicators GSH and CAT.
The benefits of F2 were diminished when CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists were introduced, confirming that its effects were mediated through cannabinoid receptor activity.
The authors conclude that the F2 formulation, through a combination of cannabinoid receptor activation and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, could represent a promising oral therapy for managing chronic neuropathic pain.
