Preparation, characterization, and functional properties of ternary composite nanoparticles for enhanced bioaccessibility and antitumor activity of cannabidiol

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) faces challenges in food and pharmaceutical use due to poor solubility and stability. A novel CBD delivery system using stearic acid-modified Bletilla striata polysaccharides (SA-BSPs) was developed, improving encapsulation and release. Optimal encapsulation efficiency (92.07%) and loading capacity (8.94%) were achieved with a 3:10 CBD to SA-BSPs ratio. The system showed sustained release over a week and strong binding affinity to CB1 receptors.  CBD-SA-BSPs copolymer micelles effectively suppressed the proliferation and reduced the viability of MHCC-97H and HCCLM3 cells, particularly the CBD-SA-BSPs (3:10) at a concentration of 20 µg/mL. Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum of mice in the drug-administered groups were significantly reduced, suggesting that the drug may exert its anti-hepatocarcinoma effect by regulating the levels of these cytokines. In vivo study results showed that the tumor inhibition rate of 10mg/kg CBD-SA-BSPs (3:10) group was as high as 72.83%, revealing polymer micelles have potential for future therapeutic applications.