Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has shown potential in reducing the permeability of the human gastrointestinal tract and may be beneficial in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers from the University of Nottingham conducted a study where participants were given CBD and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a molecule with similar properties to endocannabinoids, to examine their effects on inflammation-induced hyperpermeability in the colon.
The gastrointestinal tract acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing the absorption of water and nutrients while blocking harmful substances such as bacteria and lipopolysaccharides. Inflammation of the gut can disrupt this process, leading to conditions like IBD. The most common symptoms of IBD include stomach pains, cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, and extreme tiredness.
The researchers hypothesized that CBD and PEA would reduce inflammation-induced hyperpermeability in the human gut due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Their recent study, published in Plos One, involved a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the potential of CBD and PEA in modulating intestinal permeability in humans.
During the trial, participants were induced with a temporary state of gut permeability using oral aspirin. The concentrations of lactulose and mannitol in their urine were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) at regular intervals over a 6-hour period.
The results showed that participants who received the placebo experienced an increase in urinary concentrations of mannitol and lactulose two hours after administration. Participants who received both CBD and aspirin also showed an increase in urinary lactulose and mannitol content. However, their lactulose to mannitol ratio (LMR) was lower than that of the placebo group.
In healthy individuals, D-mannitol is absorbed steadily by the small intestine, while lactulose can only be absorbed during episodes of inflammation. Therefore, comparing the ratios of these sugars in urine samples can provide insights into gut permeability during inflammation. The decrease in LMR observed in the CBD and aspirin group suggests a reduction in gut hyperpermeability when inflammation is treated with CBD.
Similarly, participants who received PEA and aspirin showed an increase in urinary lactulose concentrations but not mannitol concentrations, indicating a lower increase compared to the placebo group. Notably, some participants who received PEA and aspirin had undetectable mannitol levels, making it impossible to calculate their LMR. However, for the other participants, there was a significant decrease in LMR similar to the CBD and aspirin group.
This study is the first to show that CBD and PEA can reduce intestinal permeability in vivo and may have potential use in treating IBD and related conditions. However, the researchers acknowledge several limitations, including the reliance on aspirin as a simulation of gut inflammation and the exclusion of participants with undetectable mannitol levels. Further clinical trials are recommended to investigate the effectiveness of CBD and PEA in treating increased gut permeability.
In conclusion, CBD has shown promising anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract and may hold potential as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Further research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of CBD in clinical settings.
