Exploring The Benefits of Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA): The Acid Form of CBD
CBD is finding its name mentioned frequently across beauty and wellness markets; however, its precursor molecule, CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid), does not get the same well-deserved attention.
This blog will explore the topics:
What is CBDA?
What is the difference between CBD and CBDA?
What is CBDA good for?
What is CBDA used for?
Where can I buy CBDA?
CBDA is found most commonly in raw industrial hemp plants. In fact, most extraction processes extract CBDA first before decarboxylating it to create the active CBD molecule. Decarboxylation is the activation process that occurs over time, exposing molecules to heat or sunlight, and air, converting CBDA to the more well-known CBD.
CBD vs CBDA: What’s the difference?
Although they are closely related, CBD and CBDA are two different compounds.
Structurally, the CBDA molecule contains the extra COOH group, which decarboxylation removes, converting the molecule to CBD. As well, while CBD is known to interact with the CB2 molecule, CBDA interacts with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This difference in interaction results in distinct benefits between the two molecules.
What are the potential health benefits of CBDA?
Most cannabinoid research is focused on CBD. However, the handful of studies focusing on CBDA indicate the molecule's potential to outperform CBD in some scenarios. While more research still needs to be done, the primary research on CBDA uncovered exciting possible applications potential, including:
Inhibiting abnormal cell growth
Epilepsy treatment
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-nausea
Anti-depressant
Primary research suggests that CBDA has greater bioavailability than CBD, allowing the body to metabolize the compound faster and with less effort. In fact, scientists have shown that CBDA has 100 times the affinity for the 5-HT receptors compared to CBD. For these reasons, it is hypothesized that CBDA could have more powerful effects than CBD.
Consumer Products with CBDA
Most consumer products that include CBDA right now are broad or full-spectrum ingestible, like tinctures or gummies, that contain a combination of CBDA and CBD. Brands such as Ananda Professionals have innovated on their CBD formulas and joined the CBDA movement, marketing their products as a way to improve your overall well-being. Now, CBDA is beginning to make appearances in cosmetic formulations, described as the “anti-inflammatory superstar” by No, Thank You Skincare.
Formulating with CBDA
When it comes to creating formulations with CBDA, it is common to include other cannabinoids. Ideally, cosmetics formulas combine CBDA isolate with other isolate cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG, to create effective formulations. A strong understanding of each ingredient is essential to creating combinations that work.
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We specialize in innovative, research-based cannabinoid ingredient manufacturing and finished goods product development. Our team of cosmetic product developers and formulators has years of experience in developing cosmetics formulas and CBD-infused personal care products.
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References:
Bolognini, D et al. “Cannabidiolic acid prevents vomiting in Suncus murinus and nausea-induced behaviour in rats by enhancing 5-HT1A receptor activation.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 168,6 (2013): 1456-70. doi:10.1111/bph.12043
Hen-Shoval, D et al. “Acute oral cannabidiolic acid methyl ester reduces depression-like behavior in two genetic animal models of depression.” Behavioural brain research vol. 351 (2018): 1-3. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2018.05.027
Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabis Therapeutics and the Future of Neurology.” Frontiers in integrative neuroscience vol. 12 51. 18 Oct. 2018, doi:10.3389/fnint.2018.00051
Stott, C., Jones, N., Williams, R., Whalley, B. Use of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy. 16 Feb. 2017. https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2017025712A1/en
Takeda, Shuso et al. “Cannabidiolic acid, a major cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration.” Toxicology letters vol. 214,3 (2012): 314-9. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2012.08.029
Takeda, Shuso et al. “Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory component in cannabis.” Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals vol. 36,9 (2008): 1917-21. doi:10.1124/dmd.108.020909
