Scientific Trends in the Study of Nonaddictive Rare Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are natural compounds isolated from the cannabis plant. The two most common cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is a psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that can give people a high. There is already a great deal of information available about THC and its derivatives, so this blog will focus on the lesser-known cannabinoids and the main medicinal benefits of cannabinoids discussed in the scientific literature, and delve into its chemical structure.
There has been a huge increase in products containing CBD on the market: oils, beauty and skin care products, treatments, drinks, chocolate, gummies and even dog food. This blog does not endorse any such product, and it is important to note that marijuana is federally illegal and a Schedule I drug. However, since so many people use these products, they are sold primarily as "dietary supplements" and do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it is critical to understand the effects on human health.
Research Trends of Cannabinoids
Based on cannabidiol (CBD), a typical cannabinoid, to explore the current research on the prospects of cannabinoid therapy, less than 5000 references were obtained after a quick search in CAS SciFindern.
Figure 1. The figure shows the number of literatures related to the therapeutic use of cannabidiol (CBD) in CAS by year of publication (2000-2021). Statistics from CAS SciFinder.
An in-depth study of the search results showed that there were fewer than 200 articles related to human clinical studies, and fewer than 550 articles related to all preclinical (animal, in vivo, in vitro, ADME, and computer) studies. This may present an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies, cosmetics manufacturers, nutrition companies and others to further advance cannabinoid research for the benefit of humanity.
How do Cannabinoids Enter our Bodies?
There are four main routes of administration of cannabinoids:
· suction
· sublingual ingestion
· eat
· external use
One of the most common ways to use cannabinoids is to smoke plant material or inhale cannabinoid oil, which is the inhalation method. Once cannabinoids enter the lungs, they are rapidly absorbed and then quickly eliminated from the body. Inhalation is often the preferred method of using cannabis.
Another route of administration is sublingual administration, where an oil or tincture containing cannabinoids is contained under the tongue and thus absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This method works faster and lasts longer. Cannabinoids can also enter the body through consumption. The body metabolizes the edible form of cannabinoids, but it may take longer to achieve the desired effect. Cannabinoids can also be used as topical agents, such as creams, lotions, sprays, patches, or balms. People who choose this method may often be treating sore muscles or skin problems. Cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin.
While THC is best known, a deeper understanding of the chemical structure and effects of non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN and CBC helps to understand new prospects for such products.
(CBD)
Apart from THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is probably the best known cannabinoid. CBD is derived directly from the cannabis plant and is not psychoactive. The legality of CBD is constantly changing and the laws governing CBD are constantly evolving in each state. Harvard Medical School recognizes CBD as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, arthritis, and addiction. On top of that, CBD is one of the ingredients in FDA-approved drugs, such as Epidiolex, used to treat severe childhood epilepsy. The main side effects of CBD are nausea, fatigue and irritability. Keep in mind that products containing CBD are not regulated by the FDA and may contain impurities and dosages unknown. Use with caution and always buy CBD products from reliable sources.
(CBG)
Although CBG was discovered as early as 1964, it is used less frequently than CBD and THC because the concentration of CBG contained in the cannabis plant is very low. CBG interacts with cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, namely CB1 and CB2. When CBG attaches to these receptors, it increases neurotransmitters that affect motivation, appetite, sleep, pleasure, and pain. CBG can also affect serotonin and adrenergic receptors. These receptors also control neurotransmitters, and because of the increase in neurotransmitters, CBG is sometimes referred to as a "happiness" molecule. Cannabinol has been shown to have antibiotic effects and to reduce intraocular pressure.
(CBN)
Cannabinol is not directly synthesized by the cannabis plant, but is a metabolite produced by the breakdown of THC. After plant material is exposed to oxygen for a certain period of time, CBN will increase with the decomposition of THC. CBN is a sedative that helps treat insomnia. There is less research on CBN, but some studies suggest that cannabinol has antibiotic effects, can relieve glaucoma and stimulate appetite. In mice, CBN has been shown to delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The compound is extremely promising and deserves further exploration by researchers for its therapeutic use.
(CBC)
CBC, derived from CBG, has shown powerful antibacterial effects, especially against infections that have become resistant to other antibiotic treatments. In addition, some studies in rats have shown that CBC has a neuroprotective effect, preventing the brain from developing a neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease) and even promoting the production of new cells in the brain.
CBC does not bind well to cannabinoid receptors, but can bind to capsaicin receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), which are known to affect pain perception. CBC has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Similarly, there is less data on CBC as a therapeutic agent in human studies, but the properties of CBC that have been identified in preliminary studies seem to drive further research.
Trailing Effect
Many cannabis products advertise themselves as "full spectrum" CBD, meaning that the product contains not only CBD, but also the other cannabinoids mentioned above, as well as terpenes, essential oils, and up to 0.3% THC (legal). The "accompanying effect" theory refers to the increased potency and effectiveness of these cannabinoids when used in combination, as opposed to when each cannabinoid is used alone. The mechanism of the entourage effect does not require too complex a technique and only involves the binding of non-active lipids to exogenous cannabinoids, thereby increasing the activity of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids and 2-arachidin). Research in this area is relatively new, but some studies have shown positive effects on cancer, mood and anxiety disorders, movement disorders, and epilepsy.
Future Prospects and Implications
Because of their association with cannabis and the psychoactive effects of THC and its derivatives, cannabinoids have a bad reputation. Legal issues may prevent researchers from conducting cannabinoid studies, but preliminary research data on cannabinoids clearly indicate that such compounds may have potential therapeutic benefits, both as a single component and through the activation of endocannabinoids and "entourage effects." This blog has only discussed some of the more well-known cannabinoids, but more than 100 of these compounds are known and there are many more to be discovered! It is hoped that through continued research, the stigma of these cannabinoid substances can be eluted and their full potential to treat debilitating diseases realized.
With more and more people looking at recreational drugs that affect mainstream health benefits, and their research growing far beyond cannabinoids, it will be interesting to see how psychedelics like LSD, ecstasy, and "psychedelic mushrooms" become the next drugs to fight depression and PTSD.
