The effects of gold nanoparticles and nano-emulsions synthesized from cannabidiol oil on oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in rats

Abstract

This study investigates the development of innovative, naturally derived therapeutic agents for managing uterine contractions, which have significant implications for tocolysis and dysmenorrhea treatment. Three nano-formulations were evaluated: chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles (CS-AuNPs), green-synthesized gold nanoparticles using cannabidiol oil (CBDO-AuNPs), and a CBD nano-emulsion (CBDO-NE2). Advanced analysis techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR, and DLS, were employed for the characterization. These NPs were mostly spherical, ranging in size from 10 to 213 nm. Using an isolated tissue bath system with rat uteri, the study compared the antispasmodic effects of these nanoformulations with those of CBD on oxytocin-induced contractions. Results demonstrated that CS-AuNPs and CBDO-AuNPs significantly outperformed CBD across all contractile parameters (p < 0.004). Notably, CS-AuNPs exhibited the highest potency due to direct interactions with cell membranes and ion channels, as well as the influence of citrate stabilizers. In contrast, the CBDO-NE2 showed more selective effects, significantly affecting the cumulative area under the curve (AUC, p = 0.001) but not the contraction frequency (BPM, p = 0.222). These findings suggest that the physical and chemical properties of the nano-delivery system influence the therapeutic potential of CBD. The synthesized nano-formulations offer a promising approach to enhancing bioavailability and antispasmodic potency, indicating the need for subsequent in vivo clinical evaluation.