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Morris T, Cucinello-Ragland JA, Marks TJ, Prevost K, Glenn JF, Davenport GJ, Edwards S, Winsauer PJ. Distinct antinociceptive and conditioned behavioral effects are produced by individual cannabinoids and a cannabis-derived mixture. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 235:173692. [PMID: 38128766 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been proposed as therapeutics for pain mitigation. Therefore, the antihyperalgesic effects of a proprietary cannabis-derived mixture, Non-Euphoric Phytocannabinoid Elixir #14 (NEPE14), were examined in a persistent Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced model of inflammatory pain. The acute antinociceptive and operant behavioral effects of NEPE14 were then compared with single cannabinoid preparations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8-THC, the synthetic cannabinoid (-)-CP 55,940 (CP), and cannabidiol (CBD). The THC isomers and CP were also administered with cannabinoid-type-1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist, AM251, and NEPE14 was administered in combination with THC or CP. To induce inflammation, CFA or saline was administered into the paw of male and female Wistar rats. After injections, mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed with Von Frey filaments, and thermal hyperalgesia with a thermal probe. Nine Sprague Dawley rats were also trained to respond under a fixed-ratio 30 schedule for food reinforcers during a 60-min session. Response rates were recorded during the session and warm-water tail-withdrawal latency post session. In CFA-administered rats, mechanical and thermal paw-withdrawal thresholds significantly decreased compared to vehicle, indicating hyperalgesia. Both i.p. (6.6-20.7 ml/kg) and o.m. (30-300 μL) NEPE14 significantly reduced the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. In contrast, neither NEPE14 (3.7-20.7 mL/kg i.p., 100-1000 μL o.m.) nor CBD (10-100 mg/kg) significantly decreased response rates or increased tail-withdrawal latency. Acute Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC (1-5.6 mg/kg), and CP (0.032-0.18 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently decreased overall response rate and increased tail-withdrawal latency compared to vehicle. AM251 significantly antagonized the rate-decreasing effects of THC, and CP, as well as the antinociceptive effects of CP. Combinations of NEPE14 with Δ9-THC or CP were not significantly different from these cannabinoids alone. In summary, while NEPE14 significantly reduced CFA-induced hyperalgesia, it was more similar to CBD than Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, and CP for significantly reducing thermal nociception and disrupting conditioned behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Morris
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America
| | - Jessica A Cucinello-Ragland
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America
| | - Taylor J Marks
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America
| | - Kayla Prevost
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America
| | - John F Glenn
- MilMed R&D Consulting LLC, 1300 Home Farm Court, Brunswick, MD 21716, United States of America
| | - Gregory J Davenport
- Full Spectrum Omega, Inc., 176 S. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057, United States of America
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America
| | - Peter J Winsauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America.
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2
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Johnson AL, Verbitsky R, Hudson J, Dean R, Hamilton TJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115760. [PMID: 37865998 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Terpenes are the most extensive and varied group of naturally occurring compounds mostly found in plants, including cannabis, and have an array of potential therapeutic benefits for pathological conditions. The endocannabinoid system can potently modulate anxiety in humans, rodents, and zebrafish. The 'entourage effect' suggests terpenes may target cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, among others, but this requires further investigation. In this study we first tested for anxiety-altering effects of the predominant 'Super-Class' terpenes, bisabolol (0.001%, 0.0015%, and 0.002%) and terpinolene (TPL; 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), in zebrafish with the open field test. Bisabolol did not have an effect on zebrafish behaviour or locomotion. However, TPL caused a significant increase in time spent in the inner zone and decrease in time spent in the outer zone of the arena indicating an anxiolytic (anxiety decreasing) effect. Next, we assessed whether CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists, rimonabant and AM630 (6-Iodopravadoline) respectively, could eliminate or reduce the anxiolytic effects of TPL (0.1%) and β-caryophyllene (BCP; 4%), another super-class terpene previously shown to be anxiolytic in zebrafish. Rimonabant and AM630 were administered prior to terpene exposure and compared to controls and fish exposed to only the terpenes. AM630, but not rimonabant, eliminated the anxiolytic effects of both BCP and TPL. AM630 modulated locomotion on its own, which was potentiated by terpenes. These findings suggest the behavioural effects of TPL and BCP on zebrafish anxiety-like behaviour are mediated by a selective preference for CB2 receptor sites. Furthermore, the CB2 pathways mediating the anxiolytic response are likely different from those altering locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa L Johnson
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ryan Verbitsky
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - James Hudson
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Rachel Dean
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Trevor J Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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3
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Oswald IWH, Paryani TR, Sosa ME, Ojeda MA, Altenbernd MR, Grandy JJ, Shafer NS, Ngo K, Peat JR, Melshenker BG, Skelly I, Koby KA, Page MFZ, Martin TJ. Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:39203-39216. [PMID: 37901519 PMCID: PMC10601067 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. produces a wide variety of volatile secondary metabolites that contribute to its unique aroma. The major volatile constituents include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their oxygenated derivates. In particular, the compounds ß-myrcene, D-(+)-limonene, ß-caryophyllene, and terpinolene are often found in greatest amounts, which has led to their use in chemotaxonomic classification schemes and legal Cannabis sativa L. product labeling. While these compounds contribute to the characteristic aroma of Cannabis sativa L. and may help differentiate varieties on a broad level, their importance in producing specific aromas is not well understood. Here, we show that across Cannabis sativa L. varieties with divergent aromas, terpene expression remains remarkably similar, indicating their benign contribution to these unique, specific scents. Instead, we found that many minor, nonterpenoid compounds correlate strongly with nonprototypical sweet or savory aromas produced by Cannabis sativa L. Coupling sensory studies to our chemical analysis, we derive correlations between groups of compounds, or in some cases, individual compounds, that produce many of these diverse scents. In particular, we identified a new class of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) containing the 3-mercaptohexyl functional group responsible for the distinct citrus aromas in certain varieties and skatole (3-methylindole) as the key source of the chemical aroma in others. Our results provide not only a rich understanding of the chemistry of Cannabis sativa L. but also highlight how the importance of terpenes in the context of the aroma of Cannabis sativa L. has been overemphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain W. H. Oswald
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Twinkle R. Paryani
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Manuel E. Sosa
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
- Chemistry
and Biochemistry Department, Cal Poly Pomona, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, California 91768, United States
| | - Marcos A. Ojeda
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Mark R. Altenbernd
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Grandy
- Sepsolve
Analytical Schauenburg Analytics, 826 King Street North Unit 15, Waterloo, Ontario N2J4G8, Canada
| | - Nathan S. Shafer
- Markes
International-Schauenburg Analytics, 2355 Gold Meadow Drive, Gold River, California 95670, United States
| | - Kim Ngo
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Jack R. Peat
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Bradley G. Melshenker
- 710
Labs, 8149 Santa Monica
Boulevard Suite 298, Los Angeles, California 90046, United States
| | - Ian Skelly
- 710
Labs, 8149 Santa Monica
Boulevard Suite 298, Los Angeles, California 90046, United States
| | - Kevin A. Koby
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
| | - Michael F. Z. Page
- Chemistry
and Biochemistry Department, Cal Poly Pomona, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, California 91768, United States
| | - Thomas J. Martin
- Department
of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech, 2661 Dow Avenue, Tustin, California 92618, United States
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4
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Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, Allesø M. Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn't. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2323. [PMID: 37626819 PMCID: PMC10452568 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'entourage effect' term was originally coined in a pre-clinical study observing endogenous bio-inactive metabolites potentiating the activity of a bioactive endocannabinoid. As a hypothetical afterthought, this was proposed to hold general relevance to the usage of products based on Cannabis sativa L. The term was later juxtaposed to polypharmacy pertaining to full-spectrum medicinal Cannabis products exerting an overall higher effect than the single compounds. Since the emergence of the term, a discussion of its pharmacological foundation and relevance has been ongoing. Advocates suggest that the 'entourage effect' is the reason many patients experience an overall better effect from full-spectrum products. Critics state that the term is unfounded and used primarily for marketing purposes in the Cannabis industry. This scoping review aims to segregate the primary research claiming as well as disputing the existence of the 'entourage effect' from a pharmacological perspective. The literature on this topic is in its infancy. Existing pre-clinical and clinical studies are in general based on simplistic methodologies and show contradictory findings, with the clinical data mostly relying on anecdotal and real-world evidence. We propose that the 'entourage effect' is explained by traditional pharmacological terms pertaining to other plant-based medicinal products and polypharmacy in general (e.g., synergistic interactions and bioenhancement).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Christensen
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Rose
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Claus Cornett
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Morten Allesø
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
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5
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Simei JLQ, Souza JDR, Lisboa JR, Campos AC, Guimarães FS, Zuardi A, Crippa JAS. Does the "Entourage Effect" in Cannabinoids Exist? A Narrative Scoping Review. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37535820 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The concept of an "entourage" effect in the cannabis and cannabinoids' field was first introduced in the late 1990s, during a period when most research on medical cannabinoids focused on the effects of isolated cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Over the past decade, however, with the increased understanding of the endocannabinoid system, the discovery of other phytocannabinoids and their potential therapeutic uses, the term has gained widespread use in scientific reviews and marketing campaigns. Objective: Critically review the application of the term "entourage effect (EE)" in the literature and its endorsement by certain sectors of the cannabis market. Also, explore the perspectives for further interpretation and elaboration of the term based on current evidence, aiming to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the concept and its implications for cannabinoid-based medicine. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the entourage effect. Relevant studies and scientific reviews were analyzed to assess the evidence of clinical efficacy and safety, as well as the regulation of cannabinoid-containing product production. Results: The EE is now recognized as a synergistic phenomenon in which multiple components of cannabis interact to modulate the therapeutic actions of the plant. However, the literature provides limited evidence to support it as a stable and predictable phenomenon. Hence, there is also limited evidence to support clinical efficacy, safety, and appropriate regulation for cannabinoid-containing products based on a "entourage" hypothesis. Conclusion: The EE has significant implications for the medical use of cannabinoid-containing products and their prescription. Nevertheless, a critical evaluation of the term's application is necessary. Further research and evidence are needed to establish the clinical efficacy, safety, and regulatory framework for these products. It's crucial that regulators, the pharmaceutical industry, the media, and health care providers exercise caution and avoid prematurely promoting the entourage effect hypothesis as a scientific proven phenomenon for cannabinoids and other cannabis-derived compound combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Luís Q Simei
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Diogo R Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Roberto Lisboa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Zuardi
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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