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ORAL PRESENTATION / SÖZLÜ SUNUM

Investigation of the Effects of Gold Nanoparticles and Nanoemulsion Synthesized
from CBD Oil Extracted from the Cannabis Plant on Uterine Contraction

Zeyno NUHOĞLU * Çiğdem DİKBAŞ Müberra ANDAÇ Gassan H. MATAR
1,
2
2
2
Y. Kürşad DAŞ Hikmet Özgün İŞCAN Abdurrahman AKSOY
1
1
1

¹Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz
Mayıs University, Samsun, Türkiye
2 Department of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ondokuz Mayıs
University, Samsun, Türkiye

*Correspound Author: zeyno.nuhoglu@omu.edu.tr

The uterus is one of the most powerful muscular organs in the human body. It is composed of
multiple layers of smooth muscle tissue and plays a crucial role during childbirth. However, the
premature onset of uterine contractions leads to preterm birth, which is a significant cause of
neonatal mortality and morbidity. Reducing the incidence of preterm birth is important in minimizing
associated social, psychological, and economic burdens. Additionally, dysmenorrhea, characterized
by high levels of pain, is one of the most common gynecological conditions and can significantly
affect daily life, social activities, and work productivity.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, has
been reported to inhibit L-type calcium channels, thereby suppressing the contractility of smooth
muscle cells and interfering with excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes. Nanoparticles
(NPs) are currently utilized in various biomedical applications, including biosensors, biocompatible
materials, and targeted drug delivery systems. The ultra-small size of metal-based NPs and their high
reactivity with cellular proteins enhance their ability to penetrate biological structures, potentially
increasing the efficacy of therapeutic agents.
This study aimed to develop potential therapeutic agents for inhibiting uterine contractions,
particularly for use in tocolysis (prevention of preterm labor) and alleviation of dysmenorrhea. For this
purpose, gold nanoparticles (CBD_AuNPs) were synthesized using a biosynthesis method with 40%
pure CBD oil extracted from the cannabis plant, while a nanoemulsion formulation (CBD_0.8% EM)
was also prepared. Additionally, chemically synthesized AuNPs (CS_AuNPs) were obtained using the
citrate reduction method for comparative analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized
using advanced techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, STEM, EDX, and XRD. Measurements
were carried out on both the average particle size and the zeta potential to determine the
physicochemical properties of the nanoformulations.
The relaxant effects of all formulations on oxytocin-induced uterine smooth muscle
contractions were evaluated using an isolated organ bath system. The results demonstrated that
nanoformulations—particularly CBD_AuNPs and CS_AuNPs—exhibited significantly superior effects
compared to pure CBD in both short- and long-term response profiles. The nanoemulsion formulation
(CBD_0.8% EM) showed a notable advantage in long-term efficacy. These findings indicate that the
therapeutic effectiveness of CBD depends not only on the active compound itself but also on the
structure of the delivery system. Therefore, nanoformulations are recommended for improved
bioavailability and efficacy, especially in anti-spasmodic applications. Future studies evaluating the

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