Nano-cannabis for colitis: a major breakthrough in targeted bowel treatment?

A new preclinical study suggests that the combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) in a nano-encapsulated formulation could modulate inflammatory responses in experimental models of intestinal lesions.

Posted in Drugs Drug Candidates in early 2026, this study by researchers from the’Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico compares free and nanoencapsulated forms of CBD and CBG, administered individually or together, using cellular and animal models of chemically-induced colitis.

Targeting intestinal inflammation with cannabinoids

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and the ulcerative colitis, are chronic conditions characterized by immune dysfunction and persistent inflammation of the intestine. While current treatments can reduce symptoms, they often have limitations, including incomplete efficacy and side effects.

The endocannabinoid system plays a regulatory role in intestinal permeability, immune signaling and inflammatory pathways, making cannabinoids a subject of growing interest in gastrointestinal research. Previous studies have shown that CBD and the CBG can influence inflammatory mediators through interactions with CB1 and CB2 receptors, PPARs and NF-κB pathways.

One major challenge remains: the phytocannabinoids are sparingly soluble in water and have a high low oral bioavailability, which limits their therapeutic potential.

To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to nanotechnology-based management systems, using the’Eudragit L100, a pH-sensitive polymer commonly used in enteric drug formulations. This polymer remains intact in acidic environments and dissolves at higher pH levels, enabling targeted release in the gut.

CBD and CBG were encapsulated together in a 1:1 ratio in Eudragit L100 nanoparticles and tested alongside unencapsulated cannabinoids. According to the study, the nanoparticles showed consistent size, low polydispersity and satisfactory encapsulation efficiency, key parameters for stable drug delivery systems.

Results from cellular and animal models

Experiences in vitro were carried out using intestinal epithelial cells Caco-2 exposed to TNBS, a chemical agent commonly used to induce inflammatory lesions. While free CBD and CBG reduced cellular metabolic activity in a dose-dependent manner, their nano-encapsulated combination preserved cell viability under inflammatory conditions, particularly after prolonged exposure.

The effects were assessed in greater detail in a mouse model of TNBS-induced colitis, which reproduces the main features of the’intestinal inflammation, including epithelial erosion and immune cell infiltration. Mice treated with free or nano-encapsulated CBD:CBG showed a reduction in tissue damage compared with untreated animals. Histological analysis revealed partial preservation of epithelial structure and mucin production in treated groups.

At the molecular level, the study reported changes in inflammatory markers. Low-dose nano-encapsulated cannabinoids increased the expression of’IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, while reducing the TNF-α, a central pro-inflammatory mediator. Of all the conditions tested, the low-dose nano-encapsulated formulation produced the most consistent modulation of both markers.

A preclinical stage, not a clinical conclusion

The authors point out that these results remain preclinical. Cellular models cannot reproduce the full complexity of immune-mediated intestinal diseases, and results obtained in animals cannot be directly transposed to humans. The study was not designed to assess pharmacological synergy. between CBD and CBG, but rather additive effects in a controlled experimental setting.

Nevertheless, the data suggest that nanoencapsulation may modify the way cannabinoids interact with inflamed intestinal tissues, potentially enhancing protective effects while attenuating the cytotoxicity.