Abstract
Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC), the major psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa L., has been widely studied for its potential pharmaceutical application in the treatment of various diseases and disturbs. This sparingly soluble terpeno-phenolic compound is not easy to handle and to be formulated in pharmaceutical preparations. The aim of this work was to develop a stable aqueous Δ 9-THC formulation acceptable for different ways of administration, and to evaluate the therapeutic properties of the new Δ 9-THC based preparation for pain treatment. Due to the thermodynamic stability and advantages of microemulsion based systems, the study was focused on the identification of aqueous microemulsion based systems containing Δ 9-THC. Oil in water Δ 9-THC microemulsions were individuated through phase diagrams construction, using the non-ionic surfactant Solutol ®HS15, being this surfactant acceptable for parenteral administration in human. A selected microemulsion samples containing 0.2 wt% of Δ 9-THC, stable up to 52 °C, was successfully assayed on animal models of pain. Significant antinociceptive activity has been detected by both intraperitoneal and intragastric administration of the new Δ 9-THC pharmaceutical preparation. The effect has been highlighted in shorter time if compared to a preparation of the same active principle based on previously reported conventional preparation.
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