Pheophytins: The Hidden Power of Olive Oil in CBDa Extracts
Pheophytins: The Hidden Power of Olive Oil in CBDa Extracts
Why olive oil does more than just act as a “carrier”
Anyone who delves into the world of CBD and CBDa products will soon notice that the choice of carrier oil makes a big difference in the effect and absorption.
At CBD Spain , led by Peter Vermeul , a conscious choice is made for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil – and not for the popular MCT or hemp seed oil.
But why?
The answer lies in a relatively unknown, but fascinating natural substance: pheophytins .
What are pheophytins?
Pheophytins are breakdown products of chlorophyll , the green pigment that gives plants and olives their color. When chlorophyll loses its magnesium—for example, through exposure to light or heat—it converts into pheophytin.
It is these molecules that give olive oil its dark green to olive-brown hue .
Yet, their color isn't the most interesting thing: pheophytins also appear to be active players in biological processes . They are amphiphilic , meaning they can bind to both oil and water. This makes them natural emulsifiers —bridge builders between oil and water.
In other words, pheophytins help substances that are normally difficult to dissolve in water to spread and be absorbed better into the body.
Pheophytins as bioenhancers for CBDa
New research shows that pheophytins function as bioenhancers : they increase the bioavailability of other substances, without having a strong pharmacological effect themselves.
For fat-soluble substances such as CBD and CBDa, this is revolutionary news.
CBDa – the natural, unheated form of cannabidiol – is difficult to absorb through the digestive system.
However, when CBDa is co-existing with pheophytins, the molecules become more soluble and more efficiently absorbed by the body .
Pheophytins form microscopic "nanodroplets" that protect CBDa from being broken down by stomach acid or enzymes. This allows more of the active ingredient to actually reach the bloodstream – meaning a greater effect per drop of oil .
Science confirms the effect
In a recent publication in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2025), the difference between cannabis extracts with and without chlorophyll derivatives such as pheophytins was investigated.
The results were striking:
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The solubility of CBD in water increased by almost 60% in extracts rich in pheophytins.
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In animal studies, up to twice as much CBD was found in the blood when using pheophytin-rich extracts.
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The pharmacological effect also proved to be stronger: in an epilepsy model in mice, fewer seizures occurred and they started later – clear evidence of increased effectiveness.
These findings support why full-spectrum CBDa oils , which retain natural pigments, are more effective than isolated CBD products. It's not just cannabinoids or terpenes that make the difference— plant-based dyes also play a key role .
Why olive oil is superior as a carrier oil
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is unique because it is naturally rich in pheophytins.
Unlike MCT oil (which is colorless and fully filtered) or hemp seed oil (which does contain pigment, but is less stable), olive oil retains its natural pigments and antioxidants.
That means:
✅ Better absorption of CBDa thanks to pheophytins
✅ Protection of cannabinoids against breakdown
✅ Longer shelf life due to natural antioxidants
✅ Healthy fatty acid composition (rich in monounsaturated fats)
It is that combination of science, nature and stability that makes olive oil the ideal carrier for CBDa extracts.
More than just oil – a vision of purity
For Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain , the use of olive oil is not only about effectiveness, but also about authenticity .
According to him, a full-spectrum CBDa extract should remain as close to nature as possible – without unnecessary heating, refining or additives.
In this respect, pheophytins are the perfect example of how nature and science reinforce each other .
They arise spontaneously in pure, cold-pressed oil and then provide a demonstrable boost in biological activity.
It is precisely this approach that distinguishes CBD Spain 's CBD oils:
completely natural, scientifically proven and maximally effective.
Want to delve deeper into the science behind pheophytins and CBDa?
On our Science page you will find the full report by Peter Vermeul , including references to scientific studies and experimental data.
Discover how this hidden green power contributes to the success of full-spectrum CBDa extracts – and why olive oil plays a key role.
👉 Read the full article here: