A list of major cannabinoids
Of the 100+ discovered cannabinoids, only a few have
been studied to a relatively in-depth degree. Here, we’ll take a look at the
characteristics of each, and see what the research says about their therapeutic
potential. We’ll start with the most familiar, and then delve into some of the
lesser-known molecules.
Of the 100+ discovered cannabinoids, only a few have been studied to a relatively in-depth degree. Here, we’ll take a look at the characteristics of each, and see what the research says about their therapeutic potential. We’ll start with the most familiar, and then delve into some of the lesser-known molecules.
THC (tetraydrocannabinol)
THC is perhaps the most famous of all cannabinoids,
as well as the most controversial. This chemical is primarily responsible for
the mind-altering high induced when smoking or ingesting cannabis, and also has
a variety of therapeutic uses. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in
chemotypes (a descriptive term used to signify the chemical makeup of a
cultivar in regards to its secondary metabolites) selectively bred for inducing
a psychoactive effect. It is THC's interaction with the CB1 receptor within the
central nervous system that gives rise to its psychotropic action.One of the most staggering discoveries regarding THC
is its ability to induce apoptosis (controlled cell death) in tumour cells,
whilst protecting healthy cells from cell death. This research[3] has been performed in animal models, but
more research is desperately needed in order to explore the therapeutic value
of THC in this domain. THC interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Through this mechanism, the molecule has also been shown[4] to modulate pain, spasticity, sedation,
appetite, and mood. For example, research[5] published in the journal _Clinical
Therapeutics_ found a significant reduction in pain in patients with
progressive multiple sclerosis immediately following the administration of an
oral preparation of THC.
Additionally, THC also displays neuroprotective
effects, and has even been shown[6] to lower amyloid beta levels in vitro
(outside of a living organism), suggesting it could play a role as a potential
therapeutic in Alzheimer’s disease.
Finally, and quite astonishingly, THC is a potent anti-inflammatory that has shown[7] 20 times the anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in many selectively bred cannabis chemotypes, and the main cannabinoid constituent in cultivars bred for medical purposes. CBD has gained massive traction in recent years because of its non-intoxicating nature, good safety profile, and impressive medicinal value. Many regions that prohibit cannabis have designed legislation to allow the sale of CBD products—as long as THC levels are below a certain threshold dictated by local law.
One of the most striking discoveries thus far
regarding the cannabinoid also involves tumour reduction. A study[8] published in Molecular Cancer
Therapeutics administered CBD to a breast cancer cell line. The results
showed that the cannabinoid triggered a chain of chemical events that led to
apoptosis, the programmed cell death of cancer cells. CBD does interact with the endocannabinoid system, yet
has a low affinity for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The cannabinoid largely
exerts its effects by binding to a range of other receptors, including
serotonin and vallinoid receptors.
Moreover, CBD is indirectly able to boost levels of
endocannabinoids in the body, potentially accounting for its analgesic and
antipsychotic[11] effects. Endocannabinoids anandamide and
2-AG are metabolised (broken down) by the enzyme FAAH (fatty acid amide
hydrolase). Intriguingly, CBD inhibits FAAH, temporarily boosting anandamide
levels within the periaqueductal grey.
CBD is also associated with anticonvulsant effects and
an ability to reduce certain types of seizures. Research[12] published within the journal
_Neuropharmacology_ investigated the clinical benefits of both CBD-rich
cannabis extracts and purified CBD in treatment-resistant
epilepsy. Data from 670 patients was analysed, and it was found that approximately
60% of patients reported improvement in seizure frequency. Interestingly, it
was found that CBD-rich extracts were associated with more improvements than
isolated CBD. The researchers state this difference could have been due to
the entourage effect, the ability of terpenes and
cannabinoids to synergise.
CBD has also displayed[13] anxiolytic, immunosuppressive, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties in research settings.
Like its aforementioned counterparts, CBG displays potential in
the realm of tumours. A paper[15] published in the
journal _Carcinogenesis_ investigated the antineoplastic effects of CBG in
colon cancer in mice. The results showed the cannabinoid to promote apoptosis and
reduce cellular growth. The researchers concluded that CBG should be considered
as a future treatment. In other research, CBG, along with other cannabinoids,
displayed[16] inhibition of
cell growth in a breast cancer model.
CBG has also been proven[17] to exert painkilling, antidepressant, and antibacterial effects. It’s also been found to have a positive effect on psoriasis by stopping the excessive growth of certain skin cells.
CBN (cannabinol)
CBN isn't biosynthesised within the trichomes of cannabis plants. Instead, it's the result of the degration of THC by way of oxidation. After exposure to prolonged storage or exposure to heat, light and oxygen, THC is broken down into CBN.
The full effects profile of CBN is yet unclear, but it
is reported to induce sedation. Ever smoked a strain that made you feel extra
sleepy? This might be due to high levels of specific terpenes, or maybe because
the buds in question were stored for a while and exposed to some level of
degradation.
Even this cannabinoid, created through oxidation, has demonstrated some rather impressive medicinal qualities. Much like CBG, CBN has displayed some promise for psoriasis. This is because both appear[18] to reduce the overproduction of skin cells called keratinocytes, which contribute towards inflammation. CBN also features anticonvulsant and antibacterial properties[19].
CBC has been shown to possess antinociceptive
properties, meaning it works to block the detection of painful stimulus, a
desirable trait in some pain-killing drugs. The cannabinoid also has
anti-inflammatory effects and has even been shown to increase the effects of
THC in vivo (in living organisms). This effect could be of considerable
interest to breeders seeking to produce cultivars with potent psychoactive
effects.
CBC may exert these effects[20] because of its ability to bind to the CB2 receptor. CBC is a selective CB2 receptor agonist and may contribute to the therapeutic potential of some cannabis formulas by addressing inflammation via this receptor site.
This relationship with the CB1 receptor is why THCV's
psychoactive properties have come into question. THC achieves its effects at
the CB1 receptor even at low doses. THCV is indeed psychoactive, but high doses
are required to turn the table from it blocking the receptor to activating it.
In contrast, low doses are capable of suppressing appetite and reducing the
psychoactive effects of THC.
As far as its therapeutic qualities[22] go, THCV has been found to induce weight loss in obese mice, and to possess anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory effects.
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic)
THCA is a cannabinoid acid synthesised within the trichomes of cannabis plants. The molecule is converted to THC via heat or long-term degradation. THCA is non-intoxicating and is a weak agonist of both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Research indicates that it has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antineoplastic, and immunomodulatory effects. A study[25] conducted on obese mice found that the cannabinoid acid is also capable of decreasing fat tissue and preventing metabolic disease.
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)
CBDA is the cannabinoid acid precursor of CBD prior to
decarboxylation. This molecule interacts with serotonin, vanilloid, and GPR55
receptors. CBDA may be effective against nausea and vomiting. Much
like CBD, the molecule has also shown early signs of anti-tumour activity.
Research[26] published within the journal _Toxicology
Letters_ found CBDA to be capable of inhibiting the migration of certain types
of breast cancer cells.
External Resources:
1.
[The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of
endocrine function and in the control of energy balance in humans]. - PubMed -
NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2.
The Biosynthesis of Cannabinoids - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
3.
Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version -
National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov
4.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
5.
Effects on Spasticity and Neuropathic Pain of an Oral Formulation
of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in Patients With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis -
ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
6.
The potential therapeutic effects of THC on Alzheimer's disease. -
PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7.
Thieme E-Journals - Planta Medica / Abstract https://www.thieme-connect.de
8.
Peter OBryan http://mct.aacrjournals.org
9.
Cannabidiol displays unexpectedly high potency as an antagonist of
CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in vitro. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10. Cannabidiol is a negative
allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11. Cannabidiol enhances
anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia |
Translational Psychiatry https://www.nature.com
12. Frontiers | Potential
Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in
Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis |
Neurology https://www.frontiersin.org
13. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
14. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15. Colon carcinogenesis is
inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic
cannabinoid | Carcinogenesis | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com
16. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
18. Cannabinoids inhibit human
keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential
therapeutic value in the treatment of psoriasis - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
19. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20. Cannabichromene is a
cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist | bioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org
21. Error - Cookies Turned
Off https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
22. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
23. SAGE Journals: Your
gateway to world-class journal research https://journals.sagepub.com
24. Cannabis Pharmacology: The
Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
25. Tetrahydrocannabinolic
Acid a (THCA-A) Reduces Adiposity and Prevents Metabolic Disease Caused by Diet-Induced
Obesity | bioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org
26. Cannabidiolic acid, a major cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
27. https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/content/198-what-are-cannabinoids-and-why-are-they-important
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