Cannabinoids, also known as phytocannabinoids, are concentrated in a sticky resin produced in the protruding structures on the surface of the plant known as glandular trichomes. The most studied cannabinoids currently include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).
Biosynthesis
The biosynthesis of CBD and other cannabinoids occurs within glandular organs on the cannabis plant surface called trichomes. Within trichomes’ cells, enzymes build large complex molecules from smaller molecules through chemical bonding. The steps in the biosynthesis of cannabinoids can be described as: substrate binding, prenylation, and cyclization. Additionally, degradation reactions occur, such as decarboxylation and isomerization. All cannabinoid biosynthesis begins with prenylation, an enzyme causes geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid to combine and form CBGA, CBGVA or other CBG derivatives. Next, CBGA is independently converted to either CBG, THCA, CBDA or CBCA by four separate synthase, FAD-dependent dehydrogenase enzymes. Various cyclization and isomerization pathways, catalyzed by specific enzymes, lead to the multitude of cannabinoid structures.
All cannabinoids derive from cannabigerol-type (CBG) compounds and differ mainly in the way this precursor molecule is processed during plant growth and after harvest.
All cannabinoids derive from cannabigerol-type (CBG) compounds and differ mainly in the way this precursor molecule is processed during plant growth and after harvest.
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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
(THC) is the primary psychoactive component of the Cannabis plant. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, THC) and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), through intracellular CB1 activation, induce anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis produced naturally in the body and brain. These cannabinoids produce the effects associated with cannabis by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is usually only a small quantity of it in a fresh plant. CBN content increases as THC degrades in storage, and with exposure to light and air. It is only mildly psychoactive and tends to bind more to the CB2 receptors than the CB1.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG has been shown to promote apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in mice. CBG is non-intoxicating but still contributes to the overall effects of Cannabis. It acts as an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, and CB1 receptor antagonist. It also binds to the CB2 receptor.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV is prevalent in certain central Asian and southern African strains of Cannabis. It blocks THC from binding at CB1 receptors and reduces it's psychoactive effects. THCV is a new potential treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance. Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB2 but block CB1 receptors, THCV seems to have an interesting and therapeutically promising pharmacological profile. In contrast to other phytocannabinoids that have been investigated to date, it shows promise both for the treatment of disease progression in Parkinson's and for the relief of Parkinson's symptoms. This represents an important advance in the search for potential novel anti-parkinsonian agents, since THCV administered alone or in combination with CBD may provide a much needed improved treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)Although CBDV is usually found in small quantities, greater levels of CBDV have been found in feral cannabis plants from the northwest Himalayas, and in hashish from Nepal.
CBDA [Cannabidiolic acid],
the raw, unheated version of CBD that is present in the cannabis plant, also has a strong affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor (even more so than CBD).
Cannabichromene (CBC)
(THC) is the primary psychoactive component of the Cannabis plant. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, THC) and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), through intracellular CB1 activation, induce anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis produced naturally in the body and brain. These cannabinoids produce the effects associated with cannabis by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is usually only a small quantity of it in a fresh plant. CBN content increases as THC degrades in storage, and with exposure to light and air. It is only mildly psychoactive and tends to bind more to the CB2 receptors than the CB1.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG has been shown to promote apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in mice. CBG is non-intoxicating but still contributes to the overall effects of Cannabis. It acts as an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, and CB1 receptor antagonist. It also binds to the CB2 receptor.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV is prevalent in certain central Asian and southern African strains of Cannabis. It blocks THC from binding at CB1 receptors and reduces it's psychoactive effects. THCV is a new potential treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance. Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB2 but block CB1 receptors, THCV seems to have an interesting and therapeutically promising pharmacological profile. In contrast to other phytocannabinoids that have been investigated to date, it shows promise both for the treatment of disease progression in Parkinson's and for the relief of Parkinson's symptoms. This represents an important advance in the search for potential novel anti-parkinsonian agents, since THCV administered alone or in combination with CBD may provide a much needed improved treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)Although CBDV is usually found in small quantities, greater levels of CBDV have been found in feral cannabis plants from the northwest Himalayas, and in hashish from Nepal.
CBDA [Cannabidiolic acid],
- Potent Anti-emetic (Nausea)
the raw, unheated version of CBD that is present in the cannabis plant, also has a strong affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor (even more so than CBD).
Cannabichromene (CBC)
- CBC has shown antitumor effects in breast cancer xenoplants in mice.
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