Olive oil and Synderman bases showed the best cannabinoid extraction efficiency (~70%) and storage stability for topical cannabis formulations.
Compounding pharmacists, dermatologists, and pharmaceutical formulators.
~70% extraction efficiencyfor olive oil and Synderman bases, with best storage stability for cannabinoid content
What the researchers found
All tested bases were similarly effective at extracting cannabinoids, but olive oil and Synderman had the highest extraction efficiencies (~70%) and best storage stability. THC degraded faster than CBD, especially in cream bases and Vaseline (up to 5.6% per week).
Why it matters
Providing pharmacies with a standardized, practical protocol for preparing topical cannabis formulations addresses a key barrier to implementing medical cannabis dermatological treatments.
The numbers in context
Extraction efficiency ~70% for olive oil and Synderman bases. THC loss: up to 5.4%/week in cream, 5.6%/week in Vaseline. CBD was more stable than THC across all bases.
How the study worked
Laboratory study evaluating cannabinoid extraction capacity and storage stability across multiple pharmaceutical bases (creams, ointments, oils) for dermatological cannabis formulations.
Who was studied
Not applicable (pharmaceutical formulation study).
What this study cannot tell us
Laboratory conditions may not perfectly replicate pharmacy settings. Limited number of base formulations tested. Stability testing period not specified. Single cannabis source used.
How to read the evidence
Controlled laboratory formulation study; practical protocol ready for pharmacy implementation.
When this study was published
Recent pharmaceutical formulation study from Czechia.
The bigger picture
As medical cannabis for dermatological conditions gains interest, providing pharmacists with validated preparation protocols is essential for ensuring consistent, safe, and effective topical products.
Replication
Laboratory study; clinical efficacy of prepared formulations needs separate evaluation.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- Would refrigeration slow THC degradation in less stable bases?
- Can these formulations deliver therapeutically relevant cannabinoid concentrations to skin?
Read the original research
Phytocannabinoid-rich galenic preparations for topical administration: extraction and stability testing.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 14, 1230728
Citation
Kaczorová, Dominika; Peč, Jaroslav; Béres, Tibor; Štefelová, Nikola; Ćavar Zeljković, Sanja; Trojan, Václav; Janatová, Anežka Kosmáková; Klouček, Pavel; Tarkowski, Petr. (2023). Phytocannabinoid-rich galenic preparations for topical administration: extraction and stability testing.. Frontiers in pharmacology, 14, 1230728. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1230728