Study Date: October 5, 2023
Objective
The main goal of this study was to see how eating or not eating affects how CBD (a compound from the cannabis plant) is absorbed in dogs. The researchers wanted to find out if giving CBD to dogs with food would make it work better compared to giving it to them on an empty stomach.
Results
The study showed that dogs who ate food with their CBD had much higher levels of CBD in their blood compared to dogs who took CBD on an empty stomach. This means that feeding dogs before giving them CBD helps their bodies absorb it better. So, if you want CBD to work more effectively in dogs, it’s best to give it to them with their meals.
Details
CBD and Veterinary Medicine
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that does not produce a “high” like THC. It has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in both human and veterinary medicine. In this study, researchers focused on how feeding conditions affect the absorption and bioavailability of CBD in dogs, which is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic use.
The Role of Feeding Conditions
Feeding conditions can significantly impact the absorption and bioavailability of orally administered medications. In this study, researchers investigated how fasting and feeding influence the pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs. Understanding these effects is essential for determining the optimal administration conditions for maximizing CBD’s therapeutic benefits.
Methodology
The researchers conducted a controlled cross-over study involving five healthy mixed-breed dogs, each weighing approximately 20 ± 1.4 kg. The dogs were divided into two groups: the Fed group and the Fasted group. The Fed group received 10 mg/kg of CBD (Kanbis®, Elea, Argentina) concomitantly with commercial dry dog food, while the Fasted group received the same food six hours after receiving the CBD dose. After an 18-hour fasting period, blood samples were taken at various intervals (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 28, and 36 hours) to measure CBD plasma concentrations using a RP-HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using PK solution® software 2.0.2 (Summit Research Services, USA).
Key Findings
The results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) in Cmax, AUC0-∞, and AUMC between the fed and fasted groups. The fed group exhibited an average increase of about 530%, 680%, and 580% in these parameters, respectively, compared to the fasted group. These findings suggest that feeding significantly enhances the oral bioavailability of CBD in dogs. Based on these results, it is recommended to administer CBD with food to maximize its systemic absorption for treating conditions requiring systemic effects. Conversely, fasting may be beneficial for concentrating CBD in the gastrointestinal tract for local affections.
Implications for Veterinary Medicine
The findings of this study have important implications for the use of CBD in veterinary medicine. By understanding how feeding conditions affect CBD absorption and bioavailability, veterinarians can optimize dosing regimens to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Administering CBD with food can enhance its systemic absorption, making it more effective for treating systemic conditions in dogs.
Future Research Directions
While the results of this study are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of different feeding conditions on CBD pharmacokinetics in dogs. Future studies could explore the impact of different types of food, the timing of food administration, and the effects of repeated dosing on CBD absorption and bioavailability.
Conclusion
The research presented at the LVI Reunión Anual de la Asociación Argentina de Farmacología Experimental provides compelling evidence that feeding significantly enhances the oral bioavailability of CBD in dogs. By understanding the impact of feeding conditions on CBD pharmacokinetics, veterinarians can optimize dosing regimens to maximize therapeutic benefits. These findings suggest that administering CBD with food is recommended for treating systemic conditions, while fasting may be beneficial for local gastrointestinal effects.
In summary, this study highlights the importance of feeding conditions in the oral administration of CBD in dogs, marking a significant advancement in veterinary pharmacology. As more research is conducted, the understanding of CBD’s pharmacokinetics in dogs will continue to grow, offering new opportunities for optimizing its therapeutic use in veterinary medicine.