Hyaluronic acid and cannabinoids against atherosclerosis

Dutch scientists participating in the project High on Nano have published a study in early May on the potential treatment of a very common arterial disease, atherosclerosis. This disease is characterized by a thickening and hardening of the artery walls due to a buildup of lipids (fats) that severely impede blood flow. Atherosclerosis is a serious cardiovascular disease that can eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack, and is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries.

The initial findings of the scientific study were published in the journal ACS Nano. The study was partially funded by Sensi Pharma BV, a Dutch company specializing in pharmaceutical products, founded by Ben Dronkers, just like Hempflax and SensiSeeds, whose goal is to advance the use of phytocannabinoids in medicine.

High on Nano was founded in 2013 and aims to promote the use of cannabinoids in biomedical treatment.

This study, conducted in Amsterdam by a doctoral student, Thijs Beldman, and supervised by researchers at the University Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, has shown that hyaluronic acid particles can be used to provide an accurate picture of inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and effectively alleviate it.

What does this have to do with cannabinoids? Hyaluronic acid nanoparticles could be used as a platform to deliver cannabinoids directly to the site of inflammation. Cannabinoids themselves have anti-inflammatory properties, and combining them with an effective delivery system could improve their bioavailability and efficacy, while simultaneously reducing their side effects, and ultimately increase their clinical utility.

To be continued.

​Mehdi Bautier