Study Finds CBD Effective in Fighting Canine Arthritis

Researchers of the Baylor College of Medicine in collaboration with Medterra CBD conducted the first scientific studies to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) to assess arthritis in dogs.

Researchers focused on these animals because their characteristics are very similar to the symptoms of arthritis in humans. Arthritis is the leading cause of pain and disability in the United States for which there is no effective treatment. Published in the journal PAIN, the study showed that CBD can significantly reduce the production of inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis. As a result, the study has shown that it has improved the quality of life of dogs with arthritis, according to several reviews by owners and general practitioners.

“CBD is rapidly gaining popularity because of its anecdotal health benefits for a variety of conditions, from reducing anxiety to helping with movement disorders,” says corresponding author Dr. Matthew Halper. “In 2019, Medterra contacted CBD Baylor College to conduct independent scientific studies to determine the biological capabilities of many of its products.

Liposomes

In the present study, Halpert and colleagues first measured the effect of CBD on immune responses associated with arthritis, both in human cells and in laboratory and mouse models. Using Medterra tinctures, they found that treatment with CBD resulted in a reduction in the production of inflammatory molecules and immune cells related to arthritis. The researchers also found that the effect was faster and more effective when CBD absorption occurred thanks to its encapsulation inside liposomes, than when administered “naked”. Liposomes are small, spherical, artificially shaped bags that serve used to transport drugs and other substances into tissues at higher absorption rates.

Arthritis in dogs

Halpert and colleagues then evaluated the effect of naked and encapsulated CBD in liposomes on the quality of life of dogs with arthritis. “We studied dogs because experimental evidence shows that these animals are better suited to evaluate pain treatments in human arthritis than other animal models. The biological characteristics of arthritis in dogs are very similar to the human condition. “Arthritis is a very common condition in dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, it affects one in five dogs in the United States.

The examination 20 dogs of clients who participated in the study took place at the Sunset Animal Hospital in Houston. Dog owners were randomly supplied with identical bottles of drugs containing CBD, liposomal CBD or a placebo. Neither the owners nor the veterinarian knew what treatment each dog was receiving. After four weeks of daily treatment, dog owners and veterinarians reported on the condition of the dogs.

They observed changes in the pain levels of the animals, such as positive changes related to running or walking. Dogs’ blood and blood indicators of liver and kidney function also underwent evaluation before and after the four weeks of treatment. “We found encouraging results,” said Halpert. Nine out of ten dogs with CBD showed benefits, which lasted two weeks after stopping treatment. We found no change in the blood values we measured, suggesting the treatment appears to be safe under the circumstances of our study. “