Pharmacokinetics of a single oral administration of two cannabidiol formulations in fed and fasted horses.
Abstract: Pain management in horses plays a pivotal role in the therapeutic approach to several diseases. Horses have cannabinoid receptors at the level of dorsal root ganglia, blood vessels, and synoviocytes that can be up or down- regulated by inflammatory conditions, justifying the possible efficacy of exogenous cannabinoids (i.e., phytocannabinoids) in managing several painful pathologies in this animal species. However, the current use of supplements containing cannabidiol (CBD) in equines is based on anecdotal evidence, without the support of sufficient pharmacokinetic studies. In humans, the concentration peak of CBD and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) are both strongly influenced by food administration. Also, in equids, the oral bioavailability of some drugs can be influenced by the meal but no information is available about CBD. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of CBD following single oral administration of two different formulations of pure CBD (oil and paste), dosed at 1 mg/kg, at two different times about food administration. CBD oil and CBD paste were administered orally at 1 mg/kg to eight healthy horses according to a cross over design, and blood samples were taken at pre-fixed time-points for the pharmacokinetic analyses. The obtained pharmacokinetic data did not allow for statistically significant differences between formulations (paste or oil) and feeding time (fed and fasted status). However, following treatment with the paste, the Cmax was achieved in a shorter time range compared to the oily formulation, indicating that it could be a better formulation to consider in future equine studies.
Copyright © 2025 Di Salvo, Bazzano, della Rocca, Galarini, Marchegiani, Paoletti, Giusepponi, Mantovani and Laus.
Publication Date: 2025-02-19 PubMed ID: 40046423PubMed Central: PMC11880937DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1515833Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores the pharmacokinetics of two formulations of cannabidiol (CBD) – oil and paste – on horses in fed and fasted states. It seeks to determine the most effective administration method for managing equine pain.
Research Basis
- The study was motivated by the lack of pharmacokinetic studies supporting the use of CBD supplements in horses, despite anecdotal evidence suggesting efficacy. Horses have cannabinoid receptors which can be influenced by inflammation, hence the potential of cannabinoids in pain management.
- In humans, factors such as food ingestion greatly influence the behavior of CBD in the body. The researchers sought to determine if meal timing has a similar effect in horses, and how the different CBD formulations affect this.
Methodology
- The researchers administered 1 mg/kg of CBD oil and CBD paste to eight healthy horses. The dose was given at different times relative to food consumption.
- The researchers then took blood samples at various points in time following CBD administration for pharmacokinetic analysis.
Results and Findings
Implications of the Study
- While the research didn’t conclusively rule in favor of one formulation or feeding time over another, it does suggest that CBD paste may be the more efficient formulation for equine studies.
- The study provides vital information for future research into the use of CBD for pain management in horses and other animals with similar cannabinoid receptor configurations.
- Rather than confirming the benefits of one particular method, the study raises additional questions and avenues for investigation. This contributes to the overall understanding of CBD use in veterinary practices and can act as a reference point for further inquiries into this area.
Cite This Article
APA
(2025).
Pharmacokinetics of a single oral administration of two cannabidiol formulations in fed and fasted horses.
Front Vet Sci, 12, 1515833.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1515833 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
Conflict of Interest Statement
MM was employed by Farmacia San Carlo. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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