Researchers started, according to the press release, by measuring the effect of CBD on immune responses associated with arthritis, in human and murine cells grown in the lab and in mouse models. CBD treatment resulted in reduced production of both inflammatory molecules and immune cells linked to arthritis. The researchers also discovered that the CBD worked more quickly and more effectively when delivered in liposomal form—in tiny spherical sacs used to deliver substances to tissues at high rates of absorption.
Researchers then assessed the effect of liposome-encapsulated CBD and ‘naked’ CBD on the quality of life of dogs diagnosed with arthritis. Dr. Matthew Halpert, Research Faculty in the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Baylor, explained: “We studied dogs because experimental evidence shows that spontaneous models of arthritis, particularly in domesticated canine models, are more appropriate for assessing human arthritis pain treatments than other animal models. The biological characteristics of arthritis in dogs closely resemble those of the human condition.”
20 dogs were enrolled in the study. The dog owners were randomly provided with identical medication bottles containing CBD, liposomal CBD, or a placebo. Neither the owners nor the veterinarian knew which treatment each dog received. After four weeks of daily treatment, owners and veterinarians reported on the condition of the dogs and whether they observed changes in the animals’ level of pain. The dogs’ cell blood count and blood indicators of liver and kidney function also were evaluated before and after the four weeks of treatment.
