Spray-Dried Powder Containing Cannabigerol: A New Extemporaneous Emulgel for Topical Administration

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Cannabinoid Research

Background:

• Cannabigerol (CBG), a Cannabis sativa L. cannabinoid, shows promise for dermatological applications due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
• Existing formulations may require improved stability and ease of application for topical treatments.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) shares similar therapeutic potential, providing a comparative basis for CBG research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable, easily reconstitutable Cannabigerol (CBG) extemporaneous emulgel formulation.
• To evaluate the impact of spray-drying on the chemical and physical properties of CBG.
• To assess the potential of the new formulation as a metered-dosage form for skin conditions.

Main Methods:

• In vitro permeation studies using biomimetic membranes with CBG and CBD, with and without methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD).
• Development of a CBG emulgel formulation using spray-drying technology.
• Characterization of the spray-dried powder (SDE) and reconstituted emulgel (E) using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), ATR-FTIR, XRPD, and HPLC.

Main Results:

• Spray-drying successfully produced a CBG emulgel powder (SDE) that could be easily reconstituted.
• The reconstituted product exhibited comparable chemical-physical and technological characteristics to the original emulgels (E).
• Analytical techniques confirmed that the spray-drying process did not alter the chemical integrity of CBG.

Conclusions:

• Spray-drying is a suitable method for creating a stable, reconstitutable CBG emulgel formulation.
• The developed formulation maintains the chemical properties of CBG, ensuring therapeutic efficacy.
• This metered-dosage form holds potential for the localized treatment of dermatological conditions like acne and psoriasis.