CBD, Hemp Extract, and CBN Showed Minimal Liver Toxicity at Consumer-Relevant Doses

Cell viability was not significantly affected by CBD, CBN, or hemp extract at any concentration tested (10nM to 25uM) after 24 or 48 hours. Hemp extract at the highest concentration produced modest but statistically significant decreases in albumin secretion, urea secretion, and mitochondrial membrane potential. CBD only affected albumin secretion. CBN showed no significant effects.

In vitro study using primary human hepatocytes exposed to CBD, CBN, or CBD-concentration-matched hemp extract at concentrations determined by in silico pharmacokinetic modeling to represent consumer-relevant exposures. Assessed lactate dehydrogenase release, apoptosis, albumin secretion, urea secretion, and mitochondrial membrane potential at 24 and 48 hours.

CBD has been flagged for potential liver toxicity based on the prescription drug Epidiolex at high doses. This study examines whether consumer-level exposures (much lower than pharmaceutical doses) pose similar risks, finding minimal hepatotoxicity at relevant concentrations.

The gap between pharmaceutical CBD doses (up to 20 mg/kg/day for epilepsy) and consumer supplement doses is enormous. This study suggests that at the lower consumer-relevant concentrations, liver toxicity concern may be overstated, though the modest hemp extract effects warrant continued monitoring.

In vitro study does not capture the full complexity of liver metabolism in a living organism. Consumer-relevant concentrations were estimated by modeling, not measured from actual consumers. Primary human hepatocytes from different donors may respond differently. Only 48-hour exposure tested.