Phytosomal Beta-Caryophyllene for the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation in Interstitial Cystitis

Abstract

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition of unknown etiology characterized by pain and inflammation. This study examined the effects of oral phytosomal beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist with local anaesthetic properties, in an experimental model of IC. Female BALB/c mice were pre-treated with BCP, then given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravesically. After 24 hours, behaviour was evaluated, intravital microscopy was completed, and bladder samples were collected. Oral phytosomal BCP significantly attenuated pain-induced behavioral changes, decreased leukocyte activation in the bladder microvasculature, and improved histology scores. Additionally, 5637 bladder epithelial cells were utilized to investigate BCP’s effects on LPS-induced inflammation in vitro. Although no significant changes in inflammatory mediator production were observed in the cell culture, changes in cytokine release kinetics cannot be excluded. Overall, oral phytosomal BCP effectively reduces pain and inflammation associated with experimental IC by decreasing leukocyte activation and extravasation in the bladder microvasculature.