1
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Janssens LK, Van Uytfanghe K, Williams JB, Hering KW, Iula DM, Stove CP. Investigation of the intrinsic cannabinoid activity of hemp-derived and semisynthetic cannabinoids with β-arrestin2 recruitment assays-and how this matters for the harm potential of seized drugs. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2619-2630. [PMID: 38735004 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Cultivation of industrial low-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) hemp has created an oversupply of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich products. The fact that phytocannabinoids, including CBD, can be used as precursors to synthetically produce a range of THC variants-potentially located in a legal loophole-has led to a diversification of cannabis recreational drug markets. 'Hemp-compliant', 'hemp-derived' and 'semisynthetic' cannabinoid products are emerging and being advertised as (legal) alternatives for Δ9-THC. This study included a large panel (n = 30) of THC isomers, homologs, and analogs that might be derived via semisynthetic procedures. As a proxy for the abuse potential of these compounds, we assessed their potential to activate the CB1 cannabinoid receptor with a β-arrestin2 recruitment bioassay (picomolar-micromolar concentrations). Multiple THC homologs (tetrahydrocannabihexol, THCH; tetrahydrocannabiphorol, THCP; tetrahydrocannabinol-C8, THC-C8) and THC analogs (hexahydrocannabinol, HHC; hexahydrocannabiphorol, HHCP) were identified that showed higher potential for CB1 activation than Δ9-THC, based on either higher efficacy (Emax) or higher potency (EC50). Structure-activity relationships were assessed for Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC homologs encompassing elongated alkyl chains. Additionally, stereoisomer-specific differences in CB1 activity were established for various THC isomers (Δ7-THC, Δ10-THC) and analogs (HHC, HHCP). Evaluation of the relative abundance of 9(S)-HHC and 9(R)-HHC epimers in seized drug material revealed varying epimeric compositions between batches. Increased abundance of the less active 9(S)-HHC epimer empirically resulted in decreased potency, but sustained efficacy for the resulting diastereomeric mixture. In conclusion, monitoring of semisynthetic cannabinoids is encouraged as the dosing and the relative composition of stereoisomers can impact the harm potential of these drugs, relative to Δ9-THC products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl K Janssens
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis - Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis - Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jeffrey B Williams
- Forensic Chemistry Division, Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Kirk W Hering
- Forensic Chemistry Division, Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Donna M Iula
- Forensic Chemistry Division, Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis - Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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2
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Ferri E, Russo F, Vandelli MA, Paris R, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Gallo A, Siciliano A, Carbone L, Gigli G, Citti C, Cannazza G. Analysis of phytocannabinoids in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116181. [PMID: 38723555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Hemp-sprouts are emerging as a new class of attractive functional food due to their numerous health benefits when compared to other sprout species. Indeed, the high content of beneficial components including polyphenols and flavonoids makes this type of food a promising and successful market. However, the available literature on this topic is limited and often conflicting as regards to the content of phytocannabinoids. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) was applied in an untargeted metabolomics fashion to extracts of hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens of nine different genotypes. Both unsupervised and supervised multivariate statistical analysis was performed to reveal variety-specific profiles of phytocannabinoids with surprisingly remarkable levels of phytocannabinoids even in chemotype V samples. Furthermore, a targeted HPLC-HRMS analysis was carried out for the quantitative determination of the major phytocannabinoids including CBDA, CBD, CBGA, CBG, CBCA, CBC, THCA, and trans-Δ9-THC. The last part of the study was focused on the evaluation of the enantiomeric composition of CBCA in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens in the different varieties by HPLC-CD (HPLC with online circular dichroism). Chiral analysis of CBCA showed a wide variability of its enantiomeric composition in the different varieties, thus contributing to the understanding of the intriguing stereochemical behavior of this compound in an early growth stage. However, further investigation is needed to determine the genetic factors responsible for the low enantiopurity of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, Bologna 40128, Italy.
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici 80055, Italy.
| | - Augusto Siciliano
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici 80055, Italy.
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
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3
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Maiocchi A, Fumagalli M, Vismara M, Blanco A, Ciriello U, Paladino G, Piazza S, Martinelli G, Fasano V, Dell'Agli M, Passarella D. Minor Cannabinoids as Inhibitors of Skin Inflammation: Chemical Synthesis and Biological Evaluation. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1725-1734. [PMID: 38889235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite millennia of therapeutic plant use, deliberate exploitation of Cannabis's diverse biomedical potential has only recently gained attention. Bioactivity studies focus mainly on cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with limited information about the broader cannabinome's "minor phytocannabinoids". In this context, our research targeted the synthesis of minor cannabinoids containing a lateral chain with 3 or 4 carbon atoms, focusing on cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC) analogues. Using known and innovative strategies, we achieved the synthesis of 11 C3 and C4 analogues, five of which were inhibitors of skin inflammation, with the CBG-C4 ester derivative emerging as the most potent compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Maiocchi
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuel Vismara
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Asja Blanco
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Piazza
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Martinelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Fasano
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Dell'Agli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Passarella
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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4
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Haghdoost M, Young S, Roberts M, Krebs C, Bonn-Miller MO. Cannabielsoin (CBE), a CBD Oxidation Product, Is a Biased CB 1 Agonist. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1551. [PMID: 39062125 PMCID: PMC11275175 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabielsoin (CBE) is primarily recognized as an oxidation byproduct of cannabidiol (CBD) and a minor mammalian metabolite of CBD. The pharmacological interactions between CBE and cannabinoid receptors remain largely unexplored, particularly with respect to cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). The present study aimed to elucidate the interaction dynamics of CBE in relation to CB1 by employing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and β-arrestin assays to assess its role as an agonist, antagonist, and positive allosteric modulator (PAM). To our knowledge, this is the first publication to investigate CBE's receptor activity in vitro. Our findings reveal that S-CBE acts as an agonist to CB1 with EC50 = 1.23 µg/mL (3.7 µM) in the cAMP assay. No agonist activity was observed in the β-arrestin assay in concentrations up to 12 µM, suggesting a noteworthy affinity towards G-protein activation and the cAMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking simulations were conducted to provide a structural basis for the interaction between CBE and CB1, offering insights into the molecular determinants of its receptor affinity and functional selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Haghdoost
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA (M.R.)
| | - Scott Young
- Charlotte’s Web, 700 Tech Court, Louisville, CO 80027, USA;
| | - Matthew Roberts
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA (M.R.)
| | - Caitlyn Krebs
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA (M.R.)
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5
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Cao TJ, Ying P, Zheng Q, Wu YJ, Wang XL, Nan MM, Fu CL, Huang WM, Kong LY, Xu WJ. (±)-hypermonanones A-G, seven pairs of monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol enantiomers from Hypericum monanthemum. Fitoterapia 2024; 176:105985. [PMID: 38705541 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Seven pairs of undescribed monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol enantiomers [(±)-hypermonanones A-G (1-7)], together with three known analogues, were identified from the whole plant of Hypericum monanthemum Hook. The structures of these compounds were determined by analyses of their UV, HRESIMS, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data, and NMR calculations. The absolute configurations of these compounds were assigned by ECD calculations after chiral HPLC separation. Diverse monoterpene moieties were fused at C-3/C-4 of the dearomatized acylphloroglucinol core, which led to 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-integrated angular or linear type 6/6/6 tricyclic skeletons in 1-7. Compounds (-)-2 and (+)-2 exhibited significant NO inhibitory activity against LPS induced RAW264.7 cells with the IC50 values of 7.07 ± 1.02 μM and 11.39 ± 0.24 μM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jie Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Ying
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Industry, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Industry, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Jun Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Industry, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao-Miao Nan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Lu Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Ming Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Jun Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Haghdoost M, López de los Santos Y, Brunstetter M, Ferretti ML, Roberts M, Bonn-Miller MO. Using In Silico Molecular Docking to Explain Differences in Receptor Binding Behavior of HHC and THCV Isomers: Revealing New Binding Modes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:637. [PMID: 38794207 PMCID: PMC11125018 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Even slight structural differences between phytocannabinoid isomers are usually enough to cause a change in their biological properties. In this study, we used in vitro CB1 agonism/antagonism assays to compare the receptor binding functionality of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) and HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) isomers and applied molecular docking to provide an explanation for the difference in the activities. No CB1 agonism was observed for ∆9- and ∆8-THCV. Instead, both isomers antagonized CP 55940, with ∆9-THCV being approximately two times more potent than the ∆8 counterpart (IC50 = 52.4 nM and 119.6 nM for ∆9- and ∆8-THCV, respectively). Docking simulations found two binding poses for THCV isomers, one very similar to ∆9-THC and one newly discovered pose involving the occupation of side pocket 1 of the CB1 receptor by the alkyl chain of the ligand. We suggested the latter as a potential antagonist pose. In addition, our results established 9R-HHC and 9S-HHC among partial agonists of the CB1 receptor. The 9R-HHC (EC50 = 53.4 nM) isomer was a significantly more potent agonist than 9S (EC50 = 624.3 nM). ∆9-THC and 9R-HHC showed comparable binding poses inside the receptor pocket, whereas 9S-HHC adopted a new and different binding posture that can explain its weak agonist activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Haghdoost
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA; (M.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Yossef López de los Santos
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Morgan L. Ferretti
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 MEMH, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Matthew Roberts
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA; (M.H.); (M.R.)
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7
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Zhang H, Gao B, Zheng G, Feng Y, Liu Z, Yao G. Dauresorcinols A and B, two pairs of merosesquiterpenoid enantiomers with new carbon skeletons from Rhododendron dauricum. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107428. [PMID: 38733749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Five pairs of new merosesquiterpenoid enantiomers, named dauresorcinols A-E (1-5), were isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron dauricum. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, quantum chemical calculations, Rh2(OCOCF3)4-induced ECD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Dauresorcinols A (1) and B (2) possess two new merosesquiterpene skeletons bearing an unprecedented 2,6,7,10,14-pentamethyl-11-oxatetracyclo[8.8.0.02,7.012,17]octadecane and a caged 15-isohexyl-1,5,15-trimethyl-2,10-dioxatetracyclo[7.4.1.111,14.03,8]pentadecane motif, respectively. Plausible biosynthetic pathways of 1-5 are proposed involving key oxa-electrocyclization and Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement reactions. (+)/(-)-1 and 3-5 showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, 3 to 22 times stronger than acarbose, an antidiabetic drug targeting α-glucosidase. Docking results provide a basis to design and develop merosesquiterpenoids as potent α-glycosidase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Biao Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Guijuan Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Feng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Guangmin Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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8
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Caprari C, Ferri E, Vandelli MA, Citti C, Cannazza G. An emerging trend in Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs): designer THC. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:21. [PMID: 38702834 PMCID: PMC11067227 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery as one of the main components of cannabis and its affinity towards the cannabinoid receptor CB1, serving as a means to exert its psychoactivity, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has inspired medicinal chemists throughout history to create more potent derivatives. Initially, the goal was to synthesize chemical probes for investigating the molecular mechanisms behind the pharmacology of Δ9-THC and finding potential medical applications. The unintended consequence of this noble intent has been the proliferation of these compounds for recreational use. This review comprehensively covers the most exhaustive number of THC-like cannabinoids circulating on the recreational market. It provides information on the chemistry, synthesis, pharmacology, analytical assessment, and experiences related to the psychoactive effects reported by recreational users on online forums. Some of these compounds can be found in natural cannabis, albeit in trace amounts, while others are entirely artificial. Moreover, to circumvent legal issues, many manufacturers resort to semi-synthetic processes starting from legal products extracted from hemp, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Despite the aim to encompass all known THC-like molecules, new species emerge on the drug users' pipeline each month. Beyond posing a significantly high public health risk due to unpredictable and unknown side effects, scientific research consistently lags behind the rapidly evolving recreational market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Caprari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.
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9
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Müller DS. Advancements in hydrochlorination of alkenes. Beilstein J Org Chem 2024; 20:787-814. [PMID: 38655559 PMCID: PMC11035990 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hydrochlorination of alkenes has been extensively studied in research and is commonly featured in organic chemistry textbooks as an exemplification of the Markovnikov rule. However, the application of this reaction is typically limited to specific alkenes, such as highly substituted ones, styrenes, or strained systems. Conversely, monosubstituted or 1,2-disubstituted alkenes do not readily react with HCl gas or solutions of HCl gas at practical rates. The challenges associated with hydrochlorination reactions for these "non-activated" alkenes have spurred considerable research efforts over the past 30 years, which constitute the primary focus of this review. The discussion begins with classical polar hydrochlorinations, followed by metal-promoted radical hydrochlorinations, and concludes with a brief overview of recent anti-Markovnikov hydrochlorinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Müller
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes) – UMR 6226, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, F-35000 Rennes, France
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10
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Russo F, Ferri E, Pinetti D, Vandelli MA, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Cavazzini A, Gigli G, Citti C, Cannazza G. Bidimensional heart-cut achiral-chiral liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry for the separation of the main chiral phytocannabinoids and enantiomerization studies of cannabichromene and cannabichromenic acid. Talanta 2024; 267:125161. [PMID: 37708768 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a heart-cut bidimensional achiral-chiral liquid chromatography method coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed for the separation of the main carboxylated phytocannabinoids, namely cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), and decarboxylated derivatives, namely cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabicyclol (CBL), and the evaluation of their enantiomeric composition in extracts of different Cannabis sativa L. varieties. Optimal conditions for the chiral analysis of CBC- and CBL-type compounds were found with methanol and water (95:5, v/v, with 0.1% formic acid, 1.5 mL/min) on an amylose-based chiral stationary phase. These settings also allowed to evaluate the parameters responsible for CBC and CBCA racemization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Diego Pinetti
- Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
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11
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Zawatsky CN, Mills-Huffnagle S, Augusto CM, Vrana KE, Nyland JE. Cannabidiol-Derived Cannabinoids: The Unregulated Designer Drug Market Following the 2018 Farm Bill. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2024; 7:10-18. [PMID: 38352661 PMCID: PMC10864014 DOI: 10.1159/000536339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In this review, we summarize current scientific knowledge on psychoactive cannabinoids synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) and sold in the semi-legal market established in response to the passage of the US Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. The discussion focuses on recent developments that suggest this unregulated market may be fertile ground for a potential health crisis. Summary Current research into CBD-derived cannabinoids is mainly limited to Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) products, with some recent publications beginning to explore O-acetyl-THC, a term describing the acetate ester of Δ8-THC or Δ9-THC, and its potential pulmonary toxicity. We advance the discussion on the CBD-derived cannabinoid market, shedding light on the introduction and associated dangers of novel cannabinoids, likely produced via fully synthetic routes using sidechain variants of CBD, with purportedly greater agonist activity at the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (as a source of euphorigenic activity) than Δ9-THC. We discuss the expanded incorporation of the acetate ester motif into other THC analogues. We also discuss the lack of regulatory oversight for the production of CBD-derived cannabinoids and the unlabeled presence of under-researched cannabinoids formed as reaction side products in the CBD-derived cannabinoid products being sold. Accordingly, we suggest approaches to monitoring the CBD-derived cannabinoid market and investigating the pharmacology of the cannabinoids being consumed. Finally, important epidemiological findings are discussed and future directions for research are suggested to call investigators to this critically understudied field. Key Messages The CBD-derived cannabinoid market is growing internationally, and the market has diversified to include potent synthetic cannabinoids. The products sold on this unregulated market are under-researched despite growing availability and consumer interest. Ernest investigation of the pharmacology of these novel cannabinoids and the contents of CBD-derived cannabinoid products is critical for monitoring this potential source of another vaping-related epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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12
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Fulvio F, Mandolino G, Citti C, Pecchioni N, Cannazza G, Paris R. Phytocannabinoids biosynthesis during early stages of development of young Cannabis sativa L. seedlings: Integrating biochemical and transcription data. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 214:113793. [PMID: 37479208 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (L.) is characterized by great genetic and phenotypic diversity, also expressed in the array of bioactive compounds synthesized. Despite its great potential economic interest, knowledge of the biology and genetics of this crop is incomplete, and still many efforts are needed for a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating its key traits. To better understand the synthesis of these compounds, we analysed the transcription levels of cannabinoid pathway genes during early phases of plant development, then comparing the transcriptional results with a chemical characterization of the same samples. The work was conducted on both industrial and medicinal C. sativa plants, using samples belonging to three different chemotypes. Genes coding for the cannabinoid synthases, involved in the last step of the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway, were found to be already expressed in the seed, providing a measure of the importance of this metabolism for the plant. Cannabichromenic acid is known as the first cannabinoid accumulating in the seedlings, shortly after emergence, and it was found that there is a good correspondence between transcript accumulation of the cannabichromenic acid synthase gene and accumulation of the corresponding metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Fulvio
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy; Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandolino
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy.
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13
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Russo F, Vandelli MA, Biagini G, Schmid M, Luongo L, Perrone M, Ricciardi F, Maione S, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Gallo A, Carbone L, Perrone E, Gigli G, Cannazza G, Citti C. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of the epimers of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Sci Rep 2023; 13:11061. [PMID: 37422571 PMCID: PMC10329643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is a multifaceted plant with numerous therapeutic properties on one hand, and controversial psychotropic activities on the other hand, which are modulated by CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has been identified as the main component responsible for the psychotropic effects, while its constitutional isomer cannabidiol (CBD) has shown completely different pharmacological properties. Due to its reported beneficial effects, Cannabis has gained global popularity and is openly sold in shops and online. To circumvent legal restrictions, semi-synthetic derivatives of CBD are now frequently added to cannabis products, producing "high" effects similar to those induced by Δ9-THC. The first semi-synthetic cannabinoid to appear in the EU was obtained through cyclization and hydrogenation of CBD, and is known as hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding HHC, its pharmacological properties, and its prevalence, as it is not commonly investigated in routine toxicological assays. In this study, synthetic strategies were explored to obtain an excess of the active epimer of HHC. Furthermore, the two epimers were purified and individually tested for their cannabinomimetic activity. Lastly, a simple and rapid chromatographic method employing a UV detector and a high-resolution mass spectrometer was applied to identify and quantify up to ten major phytocannabinoids, as well as the HHC epimers, in commercial cannabis samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Martin Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Livio Luongo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Perrone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Ricciardi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Perrone
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
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14
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Sun X. Research Progress on Cannabinoids in Cannabis ( Cannabis sativa L.) in China. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093806. [PMID: 37175216 PMCID: PMC10180461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is an ancient cultivated plant that contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is widely utilized at home and abroad and is an economic crop with great development and utilization value. There are 31 countries legalizing industrial cannabis cultivation. Cannabis fiber has been used for textile production in China for 6000 years. China is the largest producer and exporter of cannabis. China may still play a leading role in the production of cannabis fiber. China has a long history of cannabis cultivation and rich germplasm resources. Yunnan, Heilongjiang, and Jilin are three Chinese provinces where industrial cannabis can be grown legally. Cannabinoids are terpenoid phenolic compounds produced during the growth, and which development of cannabis and are found in the glandular hairs of female flowers at anthesis. They are the active chemical components in the cannabis plant and the main components of cannabis that exert pharmacological activity. At the same time, research in China on the use of cannabis in the food industry has shown that industrial cannabis oil contains 13-20% oleic acid, 40-60% omega-6 linoleic acid, and 15-30% omega-3 α-linolenic acid. At present, more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified and analyzed in China, among which phenolic compounds are the main research objects. For instance, phenolic substances represented by cannabidiol (CBD) have rich pharmacological effects. There are still relatively little research on cannabinoids, and a comprehensive introduction to research progress in this area is needed. This paper reviews domestic and foreign research progress on cannabinoids in cannabis sativa, which is expected to support cannabis-related research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangping Sun
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
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15
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Russo F, Tolomeo F, Angela Vandelli M, Biagini G, Laganà A, Laura Capriotti A, Cerrato A, Carbone L, Perrone E, Cavazzini A, Maiorano V, Gigli G, Cannazza G, Citti C. Enantioseparation of chiral phytocannabinoids in medicinal cannabis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1221:123682. [PMID: 36965450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of the chiral composition of phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant is particularly important as the pharmacological effects of the (+) and (-) enantiomers of these compounds are completely different. Chromatographic attempts to assess the presence of the minor (+) enantiomers of the main phytocannabinoids, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (trans-Δ9-THCA), were carried out on heated plant extracts for the determination of the corresponding decarboxylated species, cannabidiol (CBD) and trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (trans-Δ9-THC), respectively. This process produces an altered phytocannabinoid composition with several new and unknown decomposition products. The present work reports for the first time the stereoselective synthesis of the pure (+) enantiomers of the main phytocannabinoids, trans-CBDA, trans-Δ9-THCA, trans-CBD and trans-Δ9-THC, and the development and optimization of an achiral-chiral liquid chromatography method coupled to UV and high-resolution mass spectrometry detection in reversed phase conditions (RP-HPLC-UV-HRMS) for the isolation of the single compounds and evaluation of their actual enantiomeric composition in plant. The isolation of the peaks with the achiral stationary phase ensured the absence of interferences that could potentially co-elute with the analytes of interest in the chiral analysis. The method applied to the Italian medicinal cannabis variety FM2 revealed no trace of the (+) enantiomers for all phytocannabinoids under investigation before and after decarboxylation, thus suggesting that the extraction procedure does not lead to an inversion of configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 - Modena, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 - Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Tolomeo
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 - Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 - Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 - Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 - Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerrato
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 - Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Perrone
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 - Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maiorano
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 - Modena, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100 - Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 - Modena, Italy.
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16
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Rokeby ACE, Natale BV, Natale DRC. Cannabinoids and the placenta: Receptors, signaling and outcomes. Placenta 2023; 135:51-61. [PMID: 36965349 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing. The improvement of pregnancy-related symptoms including morning sickness and management of mood and stress are among the most reported reasons for its use. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most abundant cannabinoids found within the cannabis flower. The concentration of these components has drastically increased in the past 20 years. Additionally, many edibles contain only one cannabinoid and are marketed to achieve a specific goal, meaning there are an increasing number of pregnancies that are exposed to isolated cannabinoids. Both Δ9-THC and CBD cross the placenta and can impact the fetus directly, but the receptors through which cannabinoids act are also expressed throughout the placenta, suggesting that the effects of in-utero cannabinoid exposure may include indirect effects from the placenta. In-utero cannabis research focuses on short and long-term fetal health and development; however, these studies include little to no placenta analysis. Prenatal cannabinoid exposure is linked to small for gestational age and fetal growth-restricted babies. Compromised placental development is also associated with fetal growth restriction and the few studies (clinical and animal models) that included placental analysis, identify changes in placental vasculature and function in these cannabinoid-exposed pregnancies. In vitro studies further support cannabinoid impact on cell function in the different populations that comprise the placenta. In this article, we aim to summarize how phytocannabinoids can impact placental development and function. Specifically, the cannabinoids and their actions at the different receptors are described, with receptor localization throughout the human and murine placenta discussed. Findings from studies that included placental analysis and how cannabinoid signaling may modulate critical developmental processing including cell proliferation, angiogenesis and migration are described. Considering the current research, prenatal cannabinoid exposure may significantly impact placental development, and, as such, identifying windows of placental vulnerability for each cannabinoid will be critical to elucidate the etiology of fetal outcome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C E Rokeby
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bryony V Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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17
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Sun T, Zhang J, Fang Y, Zhou Y, Cao H, Luo G, Cao ZC. Enantioselective Alkylation of Unactivated C–O Bond: Solvent Molecule Affects Competing β-H Elimination and Reductive Elimination Dynamics. ACS Catal 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c06054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Sun
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Jintong Zhang
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yijun Fang
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Haiqun Cao
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Gen Luo
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Cao
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
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18
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Zandkarimi F, Decatur J, Casali J, Gordon T, Skibola C, Nuckolls C. Comparison of the Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles in Commercial Cannabis from Natural and Artificial Cultivation. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28020833. [PMID: 36677891 PMCID: PMC9861703 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest in cultivating cannabis for medical and recreational purposes is increasing due to a dramatic shift in cannabis legislation worldwide. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the composition of secondary metabolites, cannabinoids, and terpenes grown in different environmental conditions is of primary importance for the medical and recreational use of cannabis. We compared the terpene and cannabinoid profiles using gas/liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for commercial cannabis from genetically identical plants grown indoors using artificial light and artificially grown media or outdoors grown in living soil and natural sunlight. By analyzing the cannabinoids, we found significant variations in the metabolomic profile of cannabis for the different environments. Overall, for both cultivars, there were significantly greater oxidized and degraded cannabinoids in the indoor-grown samples. Moreover, the outdoor-grown samples had significantly more unusual cannabinoids, such as C4- and C6-THCA. There were also significant differences in the terpene profiles between indoor- and outdoor-grown cannabis. The outdoor samples had a greater preponderance of sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, α-bergamotene, α-guaiene, and germacrene B relative to the indoor samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Decatur
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - John Casali
- Huckleberry Hill Farms, 9415 Briceland Rd, Garberville, CA 95542, USA
| | - Tina Gordon
- Moonmade Farms, P.O. Box 5, Garberville, CA 95542, USA
| | | | - Colin Nuckolls
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Correspondence:
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19
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Efficient Synthesis for Altering Side Chain Length on Cannabinoid Molecules and Their Effects in Chemotherapy and Chemotherapeutic Induced Neuropathic Pain. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121869. [PMID: 36551296 PMCID: PMC9776378 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Recently, a number of side chain length variants for tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol have been identified in cannabis; however, the precursor to these molecules would be based upon cannabigerol (CBG). Because CBG, and its side chain variants, are rapidly converted to other cannabinoids in the plant, there are typically only small amounts in plant extracts, thus prohibiting investigations related to CBG and CBG variant therapeutic effects. (2) Methods: To overcome this, we developed an efficient synthesis of corresponding resorcinol fragments using the Wittig reaction which, under acid catalyzed coupling with geraniol, produced the desired side chain variants of CBG. These compounds were then tested in an animal model of chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathic pain and to reduce colorectal cancer cell viability. (3) Results: We found that all side-chain variants were similarly capable of reducing neuropathic pain in mice at a dose of 10 mg/kg. However, the molecules with shorter side chains (i.e., CBGV and CBGB) were better at reducing colorectal cancer cell viability. (4) Conclusions: The novel synthesis method developed here will be of utility for studying other side chain derivatives of minor cannabinoids such as cannabichromene, cannabinol, and cannabielsoin.
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20
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Welling MT, Deseo MA, Bacic A, Doblin MS. Biosynthetic origins of unusual cannabimimetic phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L: A review. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 201:113282. [PMID: 35718133 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plants of Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) produce an array of more than 160 isoprenylated resorcinyl polyketides, commonly referred to as phytocannabinoids. These compounds represent molecules of therapeutic importance due to their modulation of the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). While understanding of the biosynthesis of the major phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) has grown rapidly in recent years, the biosynthetic origin and genetic regulation of many potentially therapeutically relevant minor phytocannabinoids remain unknown, which limits the development of chemotypically elite varieties of C. sativa. This review provides an up-to-date inventory of unusual phytocannabinoids which exhibit cannabimimetic-like activities and proposes putative metabolic origins. Metabolic branch points exploitable for combinatorial biosynthesis and engineering of phytocannabinoids with augmented therapeutic activities are also described, as is the role of phytocannabinoid remodelling to accelerate the therapeutic portfolio expansion in C. sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Welling
- La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, AgriBio Building, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Myrna A Deseo
- La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, AgriBio Building, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Antony Bacic
- La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, AgriBio Building, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Monika S Doblin
- La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, AgriBio Building, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.
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21
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Minor Phytocannabinoids: A Misleading Name but a Promising Opportunity for Biomedical Research. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081084. [PMID: 36008978 PMCID: PMC9406211 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the very large number of phytocannabinoids isolated from Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), bioactivity studies have long remained focused on the so called “Big Four” [Δ9-THC (1), CBD (2), CBG (3) and CBC (4)] because of their earlier characterization and relatively easy availability via isolation and/or synthesis. Bioactivity information on the chemical space associated with the remaining part of the cannabinome, a set of ca 150 compounds traditionally referred to as “minor phytocannabinoids”, is scarce and patchy, yet promising in terms of pharmacological potential. According to their advancement stage, we sorted the bioactivity data available on these compounds, better referred to as the “dark cannabinome”, into categories: discovery (in vitro phenotypical and biochemical assays), preclinical (animal models), and clinical. Strategies to overcome the availability issues associated with minor phytocannabinoids are discussed, as well as the still unmet challenges facing their development as mainstream drugs.
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Uba AI, Aluwala H, Liu H, Wu C. Elucidation of partial activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2 and identification of potential partial agonists: Molecular dynamics simulation and structure-based virtual screening. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 99:107723. [PMID: 35850049 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is a member of the class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) family and a component of the endocannabinoid system that is modulated by the psychoactive chemical from Cannabis sativa, partial agonist Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Selective activation of CB2R allows for the treatment of inflammatory and immune-related conditions without the psychotropic effects of CB1R. While CB2R-selective agonists are available, CB2R partial agonists are scarce. Hence, the pharmacological difference between CB2R full agonists and partial agonists remains to be deciphered, prompting the search for novel partial agonists. Here, using an induced-fit docking approach, we built a partial agonist Δ9-THC bound CB2R system from the inactive CB2R structure (PDB ID: 5ZTY) and performed microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations reveal an upward shift of the "toggle switch" W6.48(258) and minor outward movement of the transmembrane helix 6 (TM6). Dynamic network model identifies a possible communication path between the ligand and the toggle switch" W6.48(258). Furthermore, to identify potential CB2R partial agonists, we conducted structure-based virtual screening of ZINC15 "Druglike" library containing 17,900742 compounds against 3 conformations derived from MD simulation of CB2R complexed with partial agonist Δ9-THC using Glide virtual screening protocol comprising various filters with increasing accuracy. Nine diverse compounds predicted to have high MM-GBSA binding energy scores and good ADMET properties (including high gastrointestinal absorption and low toxicity) are proposed as potential CB2R partial agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Harika Aluwala
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Haiguang Liu
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Chun Wu
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
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Appendino G, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Muñoz E. Cannabidiol (CBD) From Non-Cannabis Plants: Myth or Reality? Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221098843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports on the occurrence of cannabidiol (CBD, 1) in non-cannabis plants are critically reviewed. The isolation of 1 from Humulus Kriya (sic) was fraudulent and from Trema orientalis and stevia dubious, while the occurrence of traces of 1 in flax needs additional confirmation. The presence of high concentration of cannabigerol (CBG, 3a) and its corresponding acidic precursor (GBGA, 3b) in Helichrysum umbraculigerum could not be confirmed, but this plant deserves additional attention due to the possible phytocannabinoids accumulation in selected chemotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Campus de Menéndez Pidal, Universidad de Córdoba, Spain Córdoba, Spain
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Palmieri S, Mascini M, Oliva E, Viteritti E, Eugelio F, Fanti F, Compagnone D, Sergi M. Cannabinoid Profile in Cannabis sativa L. Samples by Means of LC-MRM/IDA/EPI Analysis: A New Approach for Cultivar Classification. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:3907-3916. [PMID: 35294192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c08235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A new multitarget screening procedure for 36 cannabinoids in 12 Cannabis sativa L. cultivars (hemp) was developed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) coupled with an enhanced product ion (EPI) scan in an information-dependent acquisition (IDA) experiment, which can be performed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)/MS analysis. The MRM-IDA-EPI experiment was used for the analysis of hemp samples and the identification of the compounds of interest. It was performed through the comparison of EPI spectra with literature data and with the in-house library. The results, processed by multivariate statistical analysis, showed an accurate classification of the 12 C. sativa cultivars, emphasizing the synergic contribution of the new cannabinoids recently discovered and showing how the traditional classification based on a common cannabinoid is limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palmieri
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Marcello Mascini
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Eleonora Oliva
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Eduardo Viteritti
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Fabiola Eugelio
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Federico Fanti
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Dario Compagnone
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo TE, Italy
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25
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Cannabis sativa Bioactive Compounds and Their Extraction, Separation, Purification, and Identification Technologies: An Updated Review. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Linciano P, Russo F, Citti C, Tolomeo F, Paris R, Fulvio F, Pecchioni N, Vandelli MA, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Biagini G, Carbone L, Gigli G, Cannazza G. The novel heptyl phorolic acid cannabinoids content in different Cannabis sativa L. accessions. Talanta 2021; 235:122704. [PMID: 34517579 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery of the novel heptyl phytocannabinoids cannabidiphorol (CBDP) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP) raised a series of questions relating to the presence and abundance of these new unorthodox compounds in cannabis inflorescence or derived products. As fresh inflorescence contains mainly their acid precursors, which are not commercially available, an ad hoc stereoselective synthesis was performed in order to obtain cannabidiphorolic acid (CBDPA) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorolic acid (THCPA) to be used as analytical standards for quantitative purposes. The present work reports an unprecedented targeted analysis of both pentyl (C5) and heptyl (C7) CBD- and THC-type compounds in forty-nine cannabis samples representing four different chemotypes. Moreover, the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry-based method was applied for the putative identification of other heptyl homologs of the most common phytocannabinoid acids, including cannabigerophorolic acid (CBGPA), cannabichromephorolic acid (CBCPA), cannabinophorolic acid (CBNPA), cannabielsophorolic acid (CBEPA), cannabicyclophorolic acid (CBLPA), cannabitriophorolic acid (CBTPA), and cannabiripsophorolic acid (CBRPA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; School of Pharmacy, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Francesco Tolomeo
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA-Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Flavia Fulvio
- CREA-Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA-Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
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27
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Major Phytocannabinoids and Their Related Compounds: Should We Only Search for Drugs That Act on Cannabinoid Receptors? Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111823. [PMID: 34834237 PMCID: PMC8625816 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important discoveries in pharmacology, such as certain classes of analgesics or chemotherapeutics, started from natural extracts which have been found to have effects in traditional medicine. Cannabis, traditionally used in Asia for the treatment of pain, nausea, spasms, sleep, depression, and low appetite, is still a good candidate for the development of new compounds. If initially all attention was directed to the endocannabinoid system, recent studies suggest that many of the clinically proven effects are based on an intrinsic chain of mechanisms that do not necessarily involve only cannabinoid receptors. Recent research has shown that major phytocannabinoids and their derivatives also interact with non-cannabinoid receptors such as vanilloid receptor 1, transient receptor ankyrin 1 potential, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma or glitazone receptor, G55 protein-coupled receptor, and nuclear receptor, producing pharmacological effects in diseases such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, depression, neuropathic pain, cancer, and diabetes. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of these compounds. Structure modulation of phytocannabinoids, in order to improve pharmacological effects, should not be limited to the exploration of cannabinoid receptors, and it should target other courses of action discovered through recent research.
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28
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Capriotti AL, Cannazza G, Catani M, Cavaliere C, Cavazzini A, Cerrato A, Citti C, Felletti S, Montone CM, Piovesana S, Laganà A. Recent applications of mass spectrometry for the characterization of cannabis and hemp phytocannabinoids: From targeted to untargeted analysis. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1655:462492. [PMID: 34507140 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This review is a collection of recent applications of mass spectrometry studies for the characterization of phytocannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plant material and related products. The focus is mostly on recent applications using mass spectrometry as detector, in hyphenation to typical separation techniques (i.e., liquid chromatography or gas chromatography), but also with less common couplings or by simple direct analysis. The papers are described starting from the most common approach for targeted quantitative analysis, with applications using low-resolution mass spectrometry equipment, but also with the introduction of high-resolution mass analyzers as the detectors. This reflects a common trend in this field, and introduces the most recent applications using high-resolution mass spectrometry for untargeted analysis. The different approaches used for untargeted analysis are then described, from simple retrospective analysis of compounds without pure standards, through untargeted metabolomics strategies, and suspect screening methods, which are the ones currently allowing to achieve the most detailed qualitative characterization of the entire phytocannabinoid composition, including minor compounds which are usually overlooked in targeted studies and in potency evaluation. These approaches also represent powerful strategies to answer questions on biological and pharmacological activity of cannabis, and provide a sound technology for improved classification of cannabis varieties. Finally, open challenges are discussed for future directions in the detailed study of complex phytocannabinoid mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Martina Catani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavaliere
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerrato
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Simona Felletti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Carmela Maria Montone
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Susy Piovesana
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy; CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy
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29
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Salbini M, Quarta A, Russo F, Giudetti AM, Citti C, Cannazza G, Gigli G, Vergara D, Gaballo A. Oxidative Stress and Multi-Organel Damage Induced by Two Novel Phytocannabinoids, CBDB and CBDP, in Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:5576. [PMID: 34577048 PMCID: PMC8467640 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, much attention has been paid to phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis for their therapeutic potential. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most abundant compounds of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Recently, novel phytocannabinoids, such as cannabidibutol (CBDB) and cannabidiphorol (CBDP), have been discovered. These new molecules exhibit the same terpenophenolic core of CBD and differ only for the length of the alkyl side chain. Roles of CBD homologs in physiological and pathological processes are emerging but the exact molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the biological effects of the newly discovered CBDB or CBDP, compared to the well-known natural and synthetic CBD (nat CBD and syn CBD) in human breast carcinoma cells that express CB receptors. In detail, our data demonstrated that the treatment of cells with the novel phytocannabinoids affects cell viability, increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activates cellular pathways related to ROS signaling, as already demonstrated for natural CBD. Moreover, we observed that the biological activity is significantly increased upon combining CBD homologs with drugs that inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of endocannabinoids, such as the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, or with drugs that induces the activation of cellular stress pathways, such as the phorbol ester 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Salbini
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Alessandra Quarta
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.G.); (D.V.)
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Dipartimento di Matematica e Fisica E. de Giorgi, Università Del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.G.); (D.V.)
| | - Antonio Gaballo
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
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Fulvio F, Paris R, Montanari M, Citti C, Cilento V, Bassolino L, Moschella A, Alberti I, Pecchioni N, Cannazza G, Mandolino G. Analysis of Sequence Variability and Transcriptional Profile of Cannabinoid synthase Genes in Cannabis sativa L. Chemotypes with a Focus on Cannabichromenic acid synthase. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1857. [PMID: 34579390 PMCID: PMC8466818 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. has been long cultivated for its narcotic potential due to the accumulation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in female inflorescences, but nowadays its production for fiber, seeds, edible oil and bioactive compounds has spread throughout the world. However, some hemp varieties still accumulate traces of residual THCA close to the 0.20% limit set by European Union, despite the functional gene encoding for THCA synthase (THCAS) is lacking. Even if some hypotheses have been produced, studies are often in disagreement especially on the role of the cannabichromenic acid synthase (CBCAS). In this work a set of European Cannabis genotypes, representative of all chemotypes, were investigated from a chemical and molecular point of view. Highly specific primer pairs were developed to allow an accurate distinction of different cannabinoid synthases genes. In addition to their use as markers to detect the presence of CBCAS at genomic level, they allowed the analysis of transcriptional profiles in hemp or marijuana plants. While the high level of transcription of THCAS and cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS) clearly reflects the chemical phenotype of the plants, the low but stable transcriptional level of CBCAS in all genotypes suggests that these genes are active and might contribute to the final amount of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Fulvio
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Massimo Montanari
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR NANOTEC—Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cilento
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Laura Bassolino
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Anna Moschella
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Ilaria Alberti
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via G. Amendola 82, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC—Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandolino
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
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31
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Phytocannabinomics: Untargeted metabolomics as a tool for cannabis chemovar differentiation. Talanta 2021; 230:122313. [PMID: 33934778 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is traditionally classified according to five chemotypes based on the concentration of the main phytocannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG). However, cannabis chemovars and varieties very often present similar concentrations of such phytocannabinoids but different chemical profiles, which is unavoidably translated into different pharmacological effects when used for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, a more refined approach is needed for chemovar distinction, which is described in this study and named phytocannabinomics. The classification was achieved by a comprehensive characterization of the phytocannabinoid composition, by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomics for the detection of over a hundred phytocannabinoids, and data analysis by chemometrics for chemovars differentiation. The method was developed on fifty cannabis varieties, grown under the same conditions, and was validated to discriminate between the standard chemotypes by partial least squares discriminant analysis. Then, the method was extended to consider the entire chemical variety of the cannabis accessions, by an unsupervised approach based on the principal component analysis. The latter approach clearly indicated several new subgroups within the traditional classifications, which arise from a unique composition of the minor phytocannabinoids. The existence of these subgroups, which were never described before, is of critical importance for evaluating the pharmacological effects of cannabis chemovars.
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32
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[Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of acute and chronic pain]. Anaesthesist 2021; 70:551-562. [PMID: 34196726 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-021-00994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Since the Act on the medical use of cannabis, at which cannabis-based medicines and cannabinoids became law, there has been an exponential increase in prescriptions for the acquisition of cannabis for medical purposes. The aim of this leading article is to compile and assess the currently available relevant clinical evidence for the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for treatment of acute and chronic pain. Based on the systematic literature review "Cannabis-Potential and risks (CAPRIS)" commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the recently published recommendations of the European Pain Federation EFIC, this article aims to give an orientation aid for the decision-making process in the clinical routine.
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Jamieson CS, Misa J, Tang Y, Billingsley JM. Biosynthesis and synthetic biology of psychoactive natural products. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:6950-7008. [PMID: 33908526 PMCID: PMC8217322 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Psychoactive natural products play an integral role in the modern world. The tremendous structural complexity displayed by such molecules confers diverse biological activities of significant medicinal value and sociocultural impact. Accordingly, in the last two centuries, immense effort has been devoted towards establishing how plants, animals, and fungi synthesize complex natural products from simple metabolic precursors. The recent explosion of genomics data and molecular biology tools has enabled the identification of genes encoding proteins that catalyze individual biosynthetic steps. Once fully elucidated, the "biosynthetic pathways" are often comparable to organic syntheses in elegance and yield. Additionally, the discovery of biosynthetic enzymes provides powerful catalysts which may be repurposed for synthetic biology applications, or implemented with chemoenzymatic synthetic approaches. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made toward biosynthetic pathway elucidation amongst four classes of psychoactive natural products: hallucinogens, stimulants, cannabinoids, and opioids. Compounds of diverse biosynthetic origin - terpene, amino acid, polyketide - are identified, and notable mechanisms of key scaffold transforming steps are highlighted. We also provide a description of subsequent applications of the biosynthetic machinery, with an emphasis placed on the synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies enabling heterologous production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cooper S Jamieson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Joshua Misa
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. and Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - John M Billingsley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. and Invizyne Technologies, Inc., Monrovia, CA, USA
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HPLC-UV-HRMS analysis of cannabigerovarin and cannabigerobutol, the two impurities of cannabigerol extracted from hemp. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 203:114215. [PMID: 34153935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A sensitive and straightforward HPLC-UV method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of the two main impurities in "pure" commercial cannabigerol (CBG) samples. The identification of such impurities, namely cannabigerovarin (CBGV) and cannabigerobutol (CBGB), the propyl and butyl homologs of CBG, respectively, was accomplished employing the high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) technique, and subsequently confirmed by comparison with the same compounds obtained by chemical synthesis. Complete spectroscopic characterization (NMR, FT-IR, UV, and HRMS) of both impurities is reported in the present work. The method was validated in terms of linearity, which was assessed in the range 0.01-1.00 μg/mL, sensitivity, selectivity, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, and short-term stability, which all satisfied the acceptance criteria of the ICH guidelines. Application of the method to the analysis of four commercial CBG samples highlighted a certain variability in the impurity profile that might be ascribed to the hemp variety of the starting plant material. With these new analytical standards in hand, it would be interesting to investigate their concentrations in different hemp varieties and expand the scope of a phytocannabinomics approach for a comprehensive profiling of this remarkable class of natural compounds.
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Felletti S, De Luca C, Buratti A, Bozza D, Cerrato A, Capriotti AL, Laganà A, Cavazzini A, Catani M. Potency testing of cannabinoids by liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography: Where we are, what we need. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1651:462304. [PMID: 34118531 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hemp and cannabis industry is undergoing a renewed interest due to legalization of marijuana (a topic that all countries are discussing, especially in recent years) and the growing importance of therapeutic properties of cannabinoids. Together with an increment in the production of hemp and recreational cannabis, there has been an increasing demand for accurate potency testing of products (i.e. quantification of main cannabinoids present in the plant in terms of weight percentage) prior commercialization. This translates in an urgent need of reliable analytical methods to characterize cannabis and hemp samples. Cannabis and hemp preparations are commercialized under various forms (e.g., flowers, oils, candies or even baked goods) usually containing a large number of often very similar compounds making their separation very challenging. Strictly connected to this, another emerging topic concerns the need for the developing of large scale separation techniques for the purification of cannabinoids from complex matrices and for the preparation of analytical-grade standards (including the chiral ones). This paper reviews the most recent achievements in both these aspects. Cutting-edge applications and novel opportunities in potency testing by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection (which is becoming the golden standard, according to several pharmacopeias, for this kind of measurements) are discussed. The focus has been given to the very important topic of enantio-discrimination of chiral cannabinoids, for which supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) appears to be particularly suitable. The last part of the work covers the purification of cannabinoids through preparative chromatography. In this regard, particular attention has been given to the most innovative multi-column techniques allowing for the continuous purification of target molecules. The most recent advancements and future challenges in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Felletti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Alessandro Buratti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Desiree Bozza
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerrato
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Martina Catani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
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Delta9-THC determination by the EU official method: evaluation of measurement uncertainty and compliance assessment of hemp samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:3399-3410. [PMID: 33755770 PMCID: PMC8105209 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03283-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hemp cultivation is living a period of renewed interest worldwide after long years of opposition and abandonment. The European Union (EU) allows and subsidizes the growing of fiber and oilseed cultivars of Cannabis sativa L. with respect to the THC content limit of 0.2%. The EU method for the quantitative determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in hemp varieties provides to apply a tolerance of 0.03 g of THC per 100 g of sample concerning compliance assessment to that limit. However, the method does not report any precision data, especially useful as a function of THC content to evaluate measurement uncertainty and therefore to establish the conformity of hemp at different THC legal limits. Measurement uncertainty of the method by both bottom-up and top-down approach, besides repeatability and reproducibility, was investigated and estimated in the THC concentration range 0.2-1.0%, which includes the different legal limits set out for hemp around the world. We proposed Decision Rules for conformity of hemp showing that a non-compliant declaration beyond reasonable doubt should be stated when the THC content, as a mean result on a duplicate analysis, exceeds the limit by at least 11-15%, depending on THC limit. We highlighted other issues concerning practical aspects of hemp analysis, from sampling to evaluation of results, as well as the need to carry out collaborative studies on the EU method.
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Oultram JMJ, Pegler JL, Bowser TA, Ney LJ, Eamens AL, Grof CPL. Cannabis sativa: Interdisciplinary Strategies and Avenues for Medical and Commercial Progression Outside of CBD and THC. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030234. [PMID: 33652704 PMCID: PMC7996784 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) is one of the world’s most well-known, yet maligned plant species. However, significant recent research is starting to unveil the potential of Cannabis to produce secondary compounds that may offer a suite of medical benefits, elevating this unique plant species from its illicit narcotic status into a genuine biopharmaceutical. This review summarises the lengthy history of Cannabis and details the molecular pathways that underpin the production of key secondary metabolites that may confer medical efficacy. We also provide an up-to-date summary of the molecular targets and potential of the relatively unknown minor compounds offered by the Cannabis plant. Furthermore, we detail the recent advances in plant science, as well as synthetic biology, and the pharmacology surrounding Cannabis. Given the relative infancy of Cannabis research, we go on to highlight the parallels to previous research conducted in another medically relevant and versatile plant, Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), as an indicator of the possible future direction of Cannabis plant biology. Overall, this review highlights the future directions of cannabis research outside of the medical biology aspects of its well-characterised constituents and explores additional avenues for the potential improvement of the medical potential of the Cannabis plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M. J. Oultram
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Joseph L. Pegler
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Timothy A. Bowser
- CannaPacific Pty Ltd., 109 Ocean Street, Dudley, NSW 2290, Australia;
| | - Luke J. Ney
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia;
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Christopher P. L. Grof
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
- CannaPacific Pty Ltd., 109 Ocean Street, Dudley, NSW 2290, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +612-4921-5858
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Bueno J, Greenbaum EA. (-)- trans-Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol Content of Cannabis sativa Inflorescence from Various Chemotypes. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:531-536. [PMID: 33565878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP, 1) content of the inflorescence from six Cannabis sativa chemotypes, including 14 plants of distinct genotypes, and two extracts was determined quantitatively via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). This represents the first comprehensive quantitative screening for 1 from various C. sativa chemotypes. Compound 1 was detected in all 13 inflorescence samples originating from "(-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, 2) dominant" C. sativa chemotypes, but was not detected in a "cannabidiol (CBD, 3) dominant" chemotype. The inflorescence content of 1 ranged approximately from 0.0023% to 0.0136% (w/w). Comprehensive inflorescence sampling was performed for each specimen investigated. A trend between inflorescence cannabinoid potency and the location of which the inflorescence was sampled on the C. sativa plant was observed for the three cannabinoids tested (1-3). The preliminary results obtained indicate Δ9-THCP (1) may have a higher degree of prevalence in C. sativa inflorescence than previously estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Bueno
- Vireo Health, 1330 Lagoon Avenue, 4th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, United States
| | - Eric A Greenbaum
- Vireo Health, 1330 Lagoon Avenue, 4th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, United States
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Citti C, Russo F, Linciano P, Strallhofer SS, Tolomeo F, Forni F, Vandelli MA, Gigli G, Cannazza G. Origin of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Impurity in Synthetic Cannabidiol. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:28-39. [PMID: 33614950 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), the nonintoxicating constituent of cannabis, is largely employed for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. CBD can be extracted from the plant or chemically synthesized. Impurities of psychotropic cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and Δ8-THC have been found in extracted CBD, thus hypothesizing a possible contamination from the plant. Materials and Methods: In this study, synthetic and extracted CBD samples were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry and the parameters that can be responsible of the conversion of CBD into THC were evaluated by an accelerated stability test. Results: In synthetic and extracted CBD no trace of THC species was detected. In contrast, CBD samples stored in the dark at room temperature on the benchtop for 3 months showed the presence of such impurities. Experiments carried out under inert atmosphere in the absence of humidity or carbon dioxide led to no trace of THC over time even at high temperature. Conclusions: The results suggested that the copresence of carbon dioxide and water from the air could be the key for creating the acidic environment responsible for the cyclization of CBD. These findings suggest that it might be appropriate to review the storage conditions indicated on the label of commercially available CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Citti
- Mediteknology s.r.l. (CNR Spin-off Company), Lecce, Italy.,CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sarah Sylvana Strallhofer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Flavio Forni
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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The endocannabinoid system. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:485-499. [PMID: 32648908 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Thirty years ago, the discovery of a cannabinoid (CB) receptor that interacts with the psychoactive compound in Cannabis led to the identification of anandamide, an endogenous receptor ligand or endocannabinoid. Research on endocannabinoids has since exploded, and additional receptors along with their lipid mediators and signaling pathways continue to be revealed. Specifically, in humans, the release of endocannabinoids from membrane lipids occurs on demand and the signaling process is rapidly attenuated by the breakdown of the ligand suggesting a tight regulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Additionally, the varying distribution of CB receptors between the central nervous system and other tissues allows for the ECS to participate in a wide range of cognitive and physiological processes. Select plant-derived 'phyto'cannabinoids such as Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) bind to the CB receptors and trigger the ECS, and in the case of Δ9-THC, while it has therapeutic value, can also produce detrimental effects. Current research is aimed at the identification of additional phytocannabinoids with minimal psychotropic effects with potential for therapeutic development. Although decades of research on the ECS and its components have expanded our understanding of the mechanisms and implications of endocannabinoid signaling in mammals, it continues to evolve. Here, we provide a brief overview of the ECS and its overlap with other related lipid-mediated signaling pathways.
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Chiurchiù E, Sampaolesi S, Allegrini P, Ciceri D, Ballini R, Palmieri A. A Novel and Practical Continuous Flow Chemical Synthesis of Cannabidiol (CBD) and its CBDV and CBDB Analogues. European J Org Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202001633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chiurchiù
- Green Chemistry Group School of Sciences and Technology Chemistry Division University of Camerino Via S. Agostino n.1 62032 Camerino MC Italy
| | - Susanna Sampaolesi
- Green Chemistry Group School of Sciences and Technology Chemistry Division University of Camerino Via S. Agostino n.1 62032 Camerino MC Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Ballini
- Green Chemistry Group School of Sciences and Technology Chemistry Division University of Camerino Via S. Agostino n.1 62032 Camerino MC Italy
| | - Alessandro Palmieri
- Green Chemistry Group School of Sciences and Technology Chemistry Division University of Camerino Via S. Agostino n.1 62032 Camerino MC Italy
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Sampson PB. Phytocannabinoid Pharmacology: Medicinal Properties of Cannabis sativa Constituents Aside from the "Big Two". JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:142-160. [PMID: 33356248 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based therapies date back centuries. Cannabis sativa is one such plant that was used medicinally up until the early part of the 20th century. Although rich in diverse and interesting phytochemicals, cannabis was largely ignored by the modern scientific community due to its designation as a schedule 1 narcotic and restrictions on access for research purposes. There was renewed interest in the early 1990s when the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered, a complex network of signaling pathways responsible for physiological homeostasis. Two key components of the ECS, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), were identified as the molecular targets of the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Restrictions on access to cannabis have eased worldwide, leading to a resurgence in interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Much of the focus has been on the two major constituents, Δ9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis contains over 140 phytocannabinoids, although only a handful have been tested for pharmacological activity. Many of these minor cannabinoids potently modulate receptors, ionotropic channels, and enzymes associated with the ECS and show therapeutic potential individually or synergistically with other phytocannabinoids. The following review will focus on the pharmacological developments of the next generation of phytocannabinoid therapeutics.
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Abstract
The science of cannabis and cannabinoids encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines and can appear daunting to newcomers to the field. The encroachment of folklore and ‘cannabis culture’ into scientific discussions can cloud the situation further. This Primer Review is designed to give a succinct overview of the chemistry of cannabis and cannabinoids. It is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for chemistry undergraduates, postgraduates and their instructors, and experienced chemists who require a comprehensive and up to date summary of the field. The Review begins with a brief overview of the history and botany of cannabis, then goes on to detail important aspects of the chemistry of phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinomimetics. Other natural constituents of the cannabis plant are then described including terpenes and terpenoids, polyphenolics, alkaloids, waxes and triglycerides, and important toxic contaminants. A discussion of key aspects of the pharmacology associated with cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system then follows, with a focus on the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. The medicinal chemistry of cannabis and cannabinoids is covered, highlighting the range of diseases targeted with cannabis and phytocannabinoids, as well as key aspects of phytocannabinoid metabolism, distribution, and delivery. The modulation of endocannabinoid levels through the inhibition of key endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is then discussed. The Review concludes with an assessment of the much touted ‘entourage effect’. References to primary literature and more specialised reviews are provided throughout.
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Identification of a new cannabidiol n-hexyl homolog in a medicinal cannabis variety with an antinociceptive activity in mice: cannabidihexol. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22019. [PMID: 33328530 PMCID: PMC7744557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The two most important and studied phytocannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa L. are undoubtedly cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic compound, but with other pharmacological properties, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which instead possesses psychotropic activity and is responsible for the recreative use of hemp. Recently, the homolog series of both CBDs and THCs has been expanded by the isolation in a medicinal cannabis variety of four new phytocannabinoids possessing on the resorcinyl moiety a butyl-(in CBDB and Δ9-THCB) and a heptyl-(in CBDP and Δ9-THCP) aliphatic chain. In this work we report a new series of phytocannabinoids that fills the gap between the pentyl and heptyl homologs of CBD and Δ9-THC, bearing a n-hexyl side chain on the resorcinyl moiety that we named cannabidihexol (CBDH) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabihexol (Δ9-THCH), respectively. However, some cannabinoids with the same molecular formula and molecular weight of CBDH and Δ9-THCH have been already identified and reported as monomethyl ether derivatives of the canonical phytocannabinoids, namely cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabidiol monomethyl ether (CBDM) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol monomethyl ether (Δ9-THCM). The unambiguously identification in cannabis extract of the n-hexyl homologues of CBD and Δ9-THC different from the corresponding methylated isomers (CBDM, CBGM and Δ9-THCM) was achieved by comparison of the retention time, molecular ion, and fragmentation spectra with those of the authentic standards obtained via stereoselective synthesis, and a semi-quantification of these cannabinoids in the FM2 medical cannabis variety was provided. Conversely, no trace of Δ9-THCM was detected. Moreover, CBDH was isolated by semipreparative HPLC and its identity was confirmed by comparison with the spectroscopic data of the corresponding synthetic standard. Thus, the proper recognition of CBDH, CBDM and Δ9-THCH closes the loop and might serve in the future for researchers to distinguish between these phytocannabinoids isomers that show a very similar analytical behaviour. Lastly, CBDH was assessed for biological tests in vivo showing interesting analgesic activity at low doses in mice.
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Improved identification of phytocannabinoids using a dedicated structure-based workflow. Talanta 2020; 219:121310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Receptors and Channels Possibly Mediating the Effects of Phytocannabinoids on Seizures and Epilepsy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13080174. [PMID: 32751761 PMCID: PMC7463541 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy contributes to approximately 1% of the global disease burden. By affecting especially young children as well as older persons of all social and racial variety, epilepsy is a present disorder worldwide. Currently, only 65% of epileptic patients can be successfully treated with antiepileptic drugs. For this reason, alternative medicine receives more attention. Cannabis has been cultivated for over 6000 years to treat pain and insomnia and used since the 19th century to suppress epileptic seizures. The two best described phytocannabinoids, (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are claimed to have positive effects on different neurological as well as neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy. There are different cannabinoids which act through different types of receptors and channels, including the cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1, CB2), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and 18 (GPR18), opioid receptor µ and δ, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2), type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR) and voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). The mechanisms and importance of the interaction between phytocannabinoids and their different sites of action regarding epileptic seizures and their clinical value are described in this review.
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Shahbazi F, Grandi V, Banerjee A, Trant JF. Cannabinoids and Cannabinoid Receptors: The Story so Far. iScience 2020; 23:101301. [PMID: 32629422 PMCID: PMC7339067 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Like most modern molecular biology and natural product chemistry, understanding cannabinoid pharmacology centers around molecular interactions, in this case, between the cannabinoids and their putative targets, the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Understanding the complex structure and interplay between the partners in this molecular dance is required to understand the mechanism of action of synthetic, endogenous, and phytochemical cannabinoids. This review, with 91 references, surveys our understanding of the structural biology of the cannabinoids and their target receptors including both a critical comparison of the extant crystal structures and the computationally derived homology models, as well as an in-depth discussion about the binding modes of the major cannabinoids. The aim is to assist in situating structural biochemists, synthetic chemists, and molecular biologists who are new to the field of cannabis research. Cannabinoid research has greatly expanded Structural biology and computational chemistry jointly provide mechanistic insight Structural data are being generated at an exponentially increasing rate Phytocannabinoid targeting of other GPCR receptors deserves investigation
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Shahbazi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Victoria Grandi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Abhinandan Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - John F Trant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.
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Citti C, Russo F, Sgrò S, Gallo A, Zanotto A, Forni F, Vandelli MA, Laganà A, Montone CM, Gigli G, Cannazza G. Pitfalls in the analysis of phytocannabinoids in cannabis inflorescence. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:4009-4022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Citti C, Linciano P, Cannazza G. Is cannabidiol a scheduled controlled substance? Origin makes the difference. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:628-632. [PMID: 32062008 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main cannabinoid naturally occurring in hemp. It has recently attracted the attention of the scientific community because of its numerous pharmacological activities. However, its legal status changes depending on whether it is chemically synthesized or extracted from the plant: extracted CBD is a scheduled controlled substance, whereas synthetic CBD is not under control. In Europe, extracted CBD is excluded from the cosmetic ingredients of the CosIng database. Given the confusion surrounding these different forms of CBD, there is an urgent need for clarity to shed light from both a regulatory and a chemical point of view. The impurity profiles of synthetic and natural CBD are different and could currently represent the only means to distinguish the origin of this substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Citti
- Mediteknology, Spin-off of the National Council of Research, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy; CNR NANOTEC, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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50
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Citti C, Linciano P, Russo F, Luongo L, Iannotta M, Maione S, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Forni F, Vandelli MA, Gigli G, Cannazza G. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20335. [PMID: 31889124 PMCID: PMC6937300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-Trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main compound responsible for the intoxicant activity of Cannabis sativa L. The length of the side alkyl chain influences the biological activity of this cannabinoid. In particular, synthetic analogues of Δ9-THC with a longer side chain have shown cannabimimetic properties far higher than Δ9-THC itself. In the attempt to define the phytocannabinoids profile that characterizes a medicinal cannabis variety, a new phytocannabinoid with the same structure of Δ9-THC but with a seven-term alkyl side chain was identified. The natural compound was isolated and fully characterized and its stereochemical configuration was assigned by match with the same compound obtained by a stereoselective synthesis. This new phytocannabinoid has been called (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP). Along with Δ9-THCP, the corresponding cannabidiol (CBD) homolog with seven-term side alkyl chain (CBDP) was also isolated and unambiguously identified by match with its synthetic counterpart. The binding activity of Δ9-THCP against human CB1 receptor in vitro (Ki = 1.2 nM) resulted similar to that of CP55940 (Ki = 0.9 nM), a potent full CB1 agonist. In the cannabinoid tetrad pharmacological test, Δ9-THCP induced hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy and decreased rectal temperature indicating a THC-like cannabimimetic activity. The presence of this new phytocannabinoid could account for the pharmacological properties of some cannabis varieties difficult to explain by the presence of the sole Δ9-THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Citti
- Mediteknology spin-off company of the National Council of Research (CNR), Via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Forni
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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