Vertosa, a cannabis company that bills itself as 'science first,' recently announced it has entered into a research partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst). Through this initiative, Vertosa will offer its internal insights, resources and raw materials to support UMass’s studies regarding the nutritional applications of cannabigerol (CBG) and more specifically, CBG’s interactions with an individual's diet as a central focus of the research.
Harold Han, Chief Science Officer of Vertosa, told NutraIngredients-USA that Vertosa provided the UMass team with two types of gummies: one infused with Vertosa's CBG emulsion and one infused with CBG isolate, to further assess the impact the products have on bioavailability.
Vertosa and UMass Amherst’s collaborative venture is spearheaded by David Sela, PhD, an Associate Professor at the university’s Department of Food Science. Sela’s research largely focuses on nutrition, and more specifically, how one’s diet influences the human microbiome at various life stages.
Cannabinoid connection
Han explained that Prof Julian McClements, a leading researcher in food emulsion, works at UMass Amherst and also sits on the Vertosa Science Advisory Board. Through Vertosa’s connection with Prof McClements, the company learned more about Sela’s interest in researching cannabinoids' nutritional implications.
“His vision aligns with Vertosa's mission to expand cannabinoid research and we are eager to collaborate with his team,” noted Han.
Body of research
Sela has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University, with over 60 studies published. The initial research on cannabinoids will take place in Sela’s lab and led by PhD candidate Galaxie Story, RD, in The Sela Lab. Her research focus ranges from the examination of host-microbial interactions to how plant bioactives, such as CBD, could impact gastrointestinal health through the gut-brain axis. Other key UMass personnel on the research team include Prof McClements, a Distinguished Professor from the Department of Food Science and Carrie-Ellen Briere, PhD, an Assistant Professor from the College of Nursing.
Vertosa and UMass Amherst will join forces to study the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids in cannabis and cannabis-infused products. Vertosa’s latest research endeavor supports its mission to unlock the scientifically-backed healing power of the cannabis plant by making it approachable and accessible to all.
“Our knowledge of cannabis and cannabis-infused products continues to evolve each day, and I am excited to learn more about this plant with boundless potential,” said Sela. “Our department is eager to partner with a cannabis company that is deeply invested in understanding the nuances of this plant and applying these insights to potentially support the health and well-being of people around the country.”
What we do know is that we don’t know much
“There are more things we do NOT know about CBG than we DO know about CBG,” said Hans. “While a few groups are investigating the toxicology of CBG and how it interacts with other cannabinoids, more research is needed. Professor Sela's work assessing the impact on cannabinoids on gastrointestinal function is very intriguing.”
Hans added that the initial elements of the CBG pharmacokinetic study are complete, data analysis is in motion and a publication date is targeted for later this year. Once the findings are published, Vertosa hopes to leverage the data to further educate its clients on the effectiveness of its products and refine the delivery methods and dosage amounts for future studies in collaboration with the UMass team.
