Aqueous Cyclodextrin Cannabinoid Extraction for Stable Acid Forms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cannabinoid extraction methods from Cannabis sativa L. face challenges such as instability of acid forms, poor bioavailability, and undesirable administration forms, leading to ineffective and unstable cannabinoid preparations.

Innovation Solution

An extraction method using an aqueous solution with at least 40% water and cyclodextrin to form host-guest inclusion complexes with cannabinoids, enhancing solubility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional organic solvents or oils are used for cannabinoid extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but stability and bioavailability of the extracted compounds deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidstability of acid forms
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the extraction medium from traditional organic solvents/oils to aqueous solutions containing cyclodextrins. This parameter change enables the extraction of cannabinoids while maintaining their stability, as the cyclodextrin molecules form inclusion complexes that protect the cannabinoid structures from degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Cyclodextrins act as intermediary molecules that facilitate the extraction process. Their hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic interior create an intermediate environment that allows efficient extraction of lipophilic cannabinoids while the outer aqueous environment maintains stability and compatibility with biological systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If aqueous solutions are used for cannabinoid extraction, then stability and bioavailability are improved, but extraction efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of acid formsVSAvoidextraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite extraction system combining aqueous solutions with cyclodextrin molecules. This composite medium merges the advantages of aqueous stability with the extraction capabilities of organic systems, as cyclodextrins provide hydrophobic cavities for cannabinoid incorporation while the aqueous exterior ensures stability and bioavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional extraction methods are used, then simplicity of the process is maintained, but the form of administration becomes undesirable and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of extraction processVSAvoidease of administration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aqueous cyclodextrin extraction system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it extracts cannabinoids efficiently, stabilizes acid forms, ensures bioavailability, and produces a final product suitable for direct administration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stabilization and formulation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If traditional extraction solvents are used, then extraction capacity is improved, but bioavailability and solubility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction capacityVSAvoidbioavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameters of the extraction system by using aqueous cyclodextrin solutions. This enables high extraction capacity while simultaneously improving bioavailability, as the cyclodextrin-cannabinoid complexes are water-soluble and can be readily absorbed by biological systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method achieves efficient and stable extraction of cannabinoids, particularly acid forms, with improved bioavailability and ease of administration.

Implementation Method 1

an extraction step, during which a plant substrate is caused to come into contact with an aqueous liquid so that at least one cannabinoid is extracted from the plant substrate and carried to the aqueous liquid component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHost-guest inclusion complex formation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The aqueous liquid comprises at least 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous liquid, of water and at least one complexing component, which comprises at least one cyclodextrin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS12491452B2Extraction method and composition obtained therefrom
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 NATURALIA INGREDIENTS

AI summary

Extraction method comprising an extraction step, during which a plant substrate is caused to come into contact with an aqueous liquid so that cannabinoids are extracted from the plant substrate and carried to the aqueous liquid; the aqueous liquid comprises at least 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous liquid, of water and a complexing component; the complexing component is at least one cyclodextrin; the composition obtained is surprisingly stable and the cannabinoids extracted, in particular the acid cannabinoids, which are normally unstable, can be conserved for long periods of time.