An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol

Modulation of Redox and Inflammatory Signaling in Human Skin Cells Using Phytocannabinoids Applied after UVA Irradiation: In Vitro Studies

UVA exposure disturbs the metabolism of skin cells, often inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, there is a need for bioactive compounds that limit such consequences without causing undesirable side effects. The aim of this study was to analyse in vitro the effects of the phytocannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD), which differ in terms of biological effects. Furthermore, the combined use of both compounds (CBG+CBD) has been analysed in order to increase their effectiveness in human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes protection against UVA-induced alternation. The results obtained indicate that the effects of CBG and CBD on the redox balance might indeed be enhanced when both phytocannabinoids are applied concurrently. Those effects include a reduction in NOX activity, ROS levels, and a modification of thioredoxin-dependent antioxidant systems. The reduction in the UVA-induced lipid peroxidation and protein modification has been confirmed through lower levels of 4-HNE-protein adducts and protein carbonyl groups as well as through the recovery of collagen expression. Modification of antioxidant signalling (Nrf2/HO-1) through the administration of CBG+CBD has been proven to be associated with reduced proinflammatory signalling (NFκB/TNFα). Differential metabolic responses of keratinocytes and fibroblasts to the effects of the UVA and phytocannabinoids have indicated possible beneficial protective and regenerative effects of the phytocannabinoids, suggesting their possible application for the purpose of limiting the harmful impact of the UVA on skin cells.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 1% Topical Cannabidiol Gel in Animal Models

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid isolated from cannabis plants, is an interesting candidate for studying its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the pre-clinical and animal models. Its anti-inflammatory effects, such as reduction of edema and arthritis, have been demonstrated in animal models. However, topical CBD administration requires further evaluation of CBD dosage and efficacy in animal models and clinical settings. Methods: This in vivo study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of topical CBD administration in an animal model. Scientific experiments, including the formalin test, writhing test, carrageenan-induced edema, histopathological examination, and detection of various proinflammatory mediators, were performed. Results: The anti-inflammatory effects in vivo after inflammation induction, represented by decreased times of paw licking, degree of paw edema, and decreased writhing response, showed that 1% of tropical CBD use had significantly comparable or better anti-inflammatory effects when compared with tropical diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were significant compared with the placebo. In addition, the histopathological examination showed that topical CBD drastically reduced leukocyte infiltration and the degree of inflammation. This study also showed that the levels of various proinflammatory mediators in the plasma of mice treated with topical CBD did not differ from those treated with diclofenac. Conclusions: The topical administration of 1% CBD gel is a potentially effective candidate for an anti-inflammatory agent. Candidate for an anti-inflammatory agent.

Optimizing medicinal hemp production with synergistic light-enhanced technologies and organic biorefinery approaches

This study explores the application of sustainable organic and biorefinery methods to increase the production of therapeutic hemp. Specifically, it focuses on Solodiol, Carmagnola, and Doctor Seedman strains. The study was carried out for 60 days in a highly controlled setting. It employed a unique combination of Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5 mg/L) and kinetin (0.5 mg/L), and augmented with organic additions such as coconut water. This distinctive amalgamation facilitated extraordinary expansion across all varieties. The Solodiol strain demonstrated remarkable growth characteristics in terms of the number of branches, leaves, shoots, and height, whilst Carmagnola and Doctor Seedman indicated significant differences in diameter. Carmagnola, specifically, flourished in specific conditions: a strict 16-h period of light followed by 8 h of darkness, particularly when exposed to blue light. The Carmagnola strain, grown using MS feed (2StemMS), produced a hemp oil extract with a high concentration of 3.85%, compared to the Solodiol and Doctor Seedman strains, and also showcases their potential in promoting an environmentally friendly and therapeutically helpful medicinal hemp industry.

Phytocannabinoids: Exploring Pharmacological Profiles and Their Impact on Therapeutical Use

Phytocannabinoids, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds extracted from the Cannabis plant, have attracted interest due to their potential pharmacological effects and medicinal uses. This comprehensive review presents the intricate pharmacological profiles of phytocannabinoids while exploring the diverse impacts these substances have on biological systems. From the more than one hundred cannabinoids which were identified in the Cannabis plant so far, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most extensively studied phytocannabinoids. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which exhibits potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties, making it a promising candidate for a wide array of medical conditions. THC, known for its psychoactive effects, possesses analgesic and antiemetic properties, contributing to its therapeutic potential. In addition to THC and CBD, a wide range of additional phytocannabinoids have shown intriguing pharmacological effects, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). The endocannabinoid system, made up of the enzymes involved in the production and breakdown of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), is essential for preserving homeostasis in several physiological processes. Beyond their effects on the endocannabinoid system, phytocannabinoids are studied for their ability to modify ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and anti-oxidative pathways. The complex interaction between phytocannabinoids and biological systems offers hope for novel treatment approaches and lays the groundwork for further developments in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine. This review summarizes the state of the field, points out information gaps, and emphasizes the need for more studies to fully realize the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids.

Permeation-Enhancing Strategies for Transdermal Delivery of Cannabinoids

Introduction: This review aims to provide an overview of the advancements and status of clinical studies and potential permeation-enhancing strategies in the transdermal delivery of cannabinoids. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive literature search across academic databases, search engines, and online sources to identify relevant literature on the transdermal administration of cannabinoids. Results: Cannabinoids have proven beneficial in the treatment of wide-ranging physical and psychological disorders. A shift toward legalized cannabinoid products has increased both interests in cannabinoid research and the development of novel medicinal exploitations of cannabinoids in recent years. Oral and pulmonary delivery of cannabinoids has several limitations, including poor bioavailability, low solubility, and potential side effects. This has diverted scientific attention toward the transdermal route, successfully overcoming these hurdles by providing higher bioavailability, safety, and patient compliance. Yet, due to the barrier properties of the skin and the lipophilic nature of cannabinoids, there is a need to increase the permeation of the drugs to the underneath layers of skin to reach desired therapeutic plasma levels. Literature describing detailed clinical trials on cannabinoid transdermal delivery, either with or without permeation-enhancing strategies, is limited. Conclusion: The limited number of reports indicates that increased attention is needed on developing and examining efficient transdermal delivery systems for cannabinoids, including patch design and composition, drug-patch interaction, clinical effectiveness and safety in vivo, and permeation-enhancing strategies.

The two synthetic cannabinoid compounds 4'-F-CBD and HU-910 efficiently restrain inflammatory responses of brain microglia and astrocytes

To study the anti-inflammatory potential of the two synthetic cannabinoids 4'-F-CBD and HU-910, we used post-natal brain cultures of mouse microglial cells and astrocytes activated by reference inflammogens. We found that 4'-F-CBD and HU-910 efficiently curtailed the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in microglia and astrocytes activated by the bacterial Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)4 ligand LPS. Upon LPS challenge, 4'-F-CBD and HU-910 also prevented the activation of phenotypic activation markers specific to microglia and astrocytes, that is, Iba-1 and GFAP, respectively. In microglial cells, the two test compounds also efficiently restrained LPS-stimulated release of glutamate, a non-cytokine inflammation marker for these cells. The immunosuppressive effects of the two cannabinoid compounds were concentration-dependent and observable between 1 and 10 μM. These effects were not dependent on cannabinoid or cannabinoid-like receptors. Both 4'-F-CBD and HU-910 were also capable of restraining the inflammogenic activity of Pam3CSK4, a lipopeptide that activates TLR2, and of BzATP, a prototypic agonist of P2X7 purinergic receptors, suggesting that these two cannabinoids could exert immunosuppressive effects against a variety of inflammatory stimuli. Using LPS-stimulated microglia and astrocytes, we established that the immunosuppressive action of 4'-F-CBD and HU-910 resulted from the inhibition of ROS produced by NADPH oxidase and subsequent repression of NF-κB-dependent signaling events. Our results suggest that 4'-F-CBD and HU-910 may have therapeutic utility in pathological conditions where neuroinflammatory processes are prominent.

Photochemical stability of chitosan films doped with cannabis oil

The effect of UV radiation from three different sources on chitosan (CS) films containing the addition of 10% by weight of cannabis oil was investigated. Cannabis oil (CBD) alone exposed to UV is unstable, but its photostability significantly increases in the chitosan matrix. The course of photochemical reactions, studied by FTIR spectroscopy, is slow and inefficient in chitosan with CBD, even under high-energy UV sources. The research also included chitosan films with CBD cross-linked with dialdehyde starch (DAS). Using AFM microscopy and contact angle measurements, the morphology and surface properties of prepared chitosan films with CBD were investigated, respectively. It was found that CBD embedded in CS is characterized by the best photostability under the influence of an LED emitting long-wave radiation. Using a monochromatic and polychromatic UV lamp (HPK and UV-C) emitting high-energy radiation, gradual degradation accompanied by oxidation was observed, both in the CS chains and in the CBD additive. Additionally, changes in surface properties are observed during UV irradiation. It was concluded that CS protects CBD against photodegradation, and a further improvement in photochemical stability is achieved after system cross-linking with DAS.

Research progress in the management of vascular disease with cannabidiol: a review

The morbidity and mortality rates associated with vascular disease (VD) have been gradually increasing. Currently, the most common treatment for VD is surgery, with the progress in drug therapy remaining slow. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural extract of Cannabis sativa L. with sedative, analgesic, and nonaddictive properties. CBD binds to 56 cardiovascular-related receptors and exerts extensive regulatory effects on the cardiovascular system, making it a potential pharmacological agent for the management of VD. However, most CBD studies have focused on neurological and cardiac diseases, and research on the management of VD with CBD is still rare. In this review, we summarize the currently available data on CBD in the management of VD, addressing four aspects: the major molecular targets of CBD in VD management, pharmacokinetic properties, therapeutic effects of CBD on common VDs, and side effects. The findings indicate that CBD has anti-anxiety, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit abnormal proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells; these effects suggest CBD as a therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis, stress-induced hypertension, diabetes-related vasculopathy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and vascular damage caused by smoking and alcohol abuse. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on CBD in the management of VD.

CBD: A Potential Lead against Hair Loss, Alopecia, and its Potential Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, the majority of the population suffers from the problem of hair loss. It leads to disturbed mental health, lower self-confidence, and a lot more problems. A lot of the hair loss therapies available are not reliable and lead to recurrence and side effects after some time. Cannabinoids (CBD) have recently become quite popular for their benefits against hair loss. CBD oil preparations have been used both internally and externally for oral and topical use, respectively. Due to the presence of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which naturally targets CB1 and CB2 receptors, the control of hair fall is possible. CBD is used topically for hair loss, whereas it is administered orally for the treatment and management of a medical condition, i.e., alopecia.

AIM/OBJECTIVE

The present review aimed to provide an in-depth study on hair loss and its management using CBD and its associated mechanisms.

METHODS

Electronic databases, such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley, Springer, and Scopus, were thoroughly searched for information about how CBD is used, how it works, and what role it plays in treating alopecia and hair loss.

RESULTS

This review has highlighted the use of CBD-based hair loss therapy, and described various types of hair loss and their treatments. This review also details the phytocannabinoids and the potential mechanisms of CBD's activity against hair loss and alopecia.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained from the literature regarding CBD and hair loss provide a scientific basis for CBD use in alopecia. Additionally, a more precise and comprehensive study concerning CBD needs to be carried out at the pre-clinical and clinical levels.

Sila-CBD Derivatives as Inhibitors of Heme-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome: Application in Hemolytic Diseases

Synthesis and biological evaluation of silicon-incorporated phytocannabinoids with improved pharmacological properties toward inflammatory diseases are described. The synthesized sila-analogues 15a, 15b, and 15c displayed potent inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 at 10 μM. Further, the release of heme during the lysis of red blood cells in hemolytic diseases is one of the major reasons for inflammation associated with the pathophysiology of these diseases. Due to scanty literature related to inhibitors of heme-mediated induction of the NLRP3 inflammasome, we decided to test these compounds against it. Compounds 15a and 15c significantly inhibited the heme-mediated induction of the NLRP3 inflammasome at a concentration of 0.1 μM. Interestingly, the sila-CBD derivatives also showed higher metabolic stability in contrast to their carbon analogues. Anti-NLRP3 inflammasome activity of compounds 15a and 15c were further validated in vivo against heme-mediated peritoneal inflammation. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds could be useful in treating diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia involving the hemolysis-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Hemp-Derived CBD Used in Food and Food Supplements

Cannabis sativa L., a plant historically utilized for textile fibers, oil, and animal feed, is progressively being recognized as a potential food source. This review elucidates the nutritional and functional attributes of hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) within the context of food science. Hemp is characterized by the presence of approximately 545 secondary metabolites, among which around 144 are bioactive cannabinoids of primary importance. The study looks in detail at the nutritional components of cannabis and the potential health benefits of CBD, encompassing anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects. The review deals with the legislation and potential applications of hemp in the food industry and with the future directions of cannabis applications as well. The paper emphasizes the need for more scientific investigation to validate the safety and efficacy of hemp components in food products, as current research suggests that CBD may have great benefits for a wide range of consumers.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the differential accumulation of phenylpropanoids and terpenoids in hemp autotetraploid and its diploid progenitor

BACKGROUND

Cannabis sativa, a dioecious plant that has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years, is known for its secondary metabolites, especially cannabinoids, which possess several medicinal effects. In this study, we investigated the autopolyploidization effects on the biosynthesis and accumulation of these metabolites, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to explore the gene expression and metabolic variations in industrial hemp autotetraploids and their diploid progenitors.

RESULTS

Through these analyses, we obtained 1,663 differentially expressed metabolites and 1,103 differentially expressed genes. Integrative analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis were regulated by polyploidization. No substantial differences were found in the cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol content between tetraploids and diploids. Following polyploidization, some transcription factors, including nine bHLH and eight MYB transcription factors, affected the metabolic biosynthesis as regulators. Additionally, several pivotal catalytic genes, such as flavonol synthase/flavanone 3-hydroxylase, related to the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, were identified as being modulated by polyploidization.

CONCLUSIONS

This study enhances the overall understanding of the impact of autopolyploidization in C. sativa and the findings may encourage the application of polyploid breeding for increasing the content of important secondary metabolites in industrial hemp.

Identification of novel plant cysteine oxidase inhibitors from a yeast chemical genetic screen

Hypoxic responses in plants involve Plant Cysteine Oxidases (PCOs). They catalyze the N-terminal cysteine oxidation of Ethylene Response Factors VII (ERF-VII) in an oxygen-dependent manner, leading to their degradation via the cysteine N-degron pathway (Cys-NDP) in normoxia. In hypoxia, PCO activity drops, leading to the stabilization of ERF-VIIs and subsequent hypoxic gene upregulation. Thus far, no chemicals have been described to specifically inhibit PCO enzymes. In this work, we devised an in vivo pipeline to discover Cys-NDP effector molecules. Budding yeast expressing AtPCO4 and plant-based ERF-VII reporters was deployed to screen a library of natural-like chemical scaffolds and was further combined with an Arabidopsis Cys-NDP reporter line. This strategy allowed us to identify three PCO inhibitors, two of which were shown to affect PCO activity in vitro. Application of these molecules to Arabidopsis seedlings led to an increase in ERF-VII stability, induction of anaerobic gene expression, and improvement of tolerance to anoxia. By combining a high-throughput heterologous platform and the plant model Arabidopsis, our synthetic pipeline provides a versatile system to study how the Cys-NDP is modulated. Its first application here led to the discovery of at least two hypoxia-mimicking molecules with the potential to impact plant tolerance to low oxygen stress.

Synthesis of cannabidiol-based compounds as ACE2 inhibitors with potential application in the treatment of COVID-19

Cannabis is a general name for plants of the genus Cannabis. Used as fiber, medicine, drug, for religious, therapeutic, and hedonistic purposes along the millenia, it is mostly known for its psychoactive properties. One of its major constituents, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive substance, among many other biological activities, has shown potential as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. In this work, three derivatives and an analogue of CBD were synthesized, and cell viability and antiviral activities were evaluated. None of the compounds showed cytotoxicity up to a maximum concentration of 100 μM and, in contrast, displayed a significant antiviral activity, superior to remdesivir and nafamostat mesylate, with IC50 values ranging from 9.4 to 1.9 μM. In order to search for a possible molecular target, the inhibitory activity of the compounds against ACE2 was investigated, with expressive results (IC50 ranging from 3.96 μM to 0.01 μM).

An overview on synthetic and biological activities of cannabidiol (CBD) and its derivatives

(-)-Cannabidiol is a class of non-psychoactive plant cannabinoids derived from cannabis plants. Currently, Epidiolex (Cannabidiol) has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy related diseases, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet (DS). In addition, Cannabidiol and its structural analogues have received increasing attention due to their potential therapeutic effects such as neuroprotection, anti-epilepsy, anti-inflammation, anti-anxiety, and anti-cancer. Based on literature review, no comprehensive reviews on the synthesis of Cannabidiol and its derivatives have been found in recent years. Therefore, this article summarizes the published synthesis methods of Cannabidiol and the synthesis routes of Cannabidiol derivatives, and introduces the biological activities of some Cannabidiol analogues that have been studied extensively and have significant activities.

Pharmacohistory of Cannabis Use-A New Possibility in Future Drug Development for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Humans have employed cannabis for multiple uses including medicine, recreation, food, and fibre. The various components such as roots, flowers, seeds, and leaves have been utilized to alleviate pain, inflammation, anxiety, and gastrointestinal disorders like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). It has occupied a significant space in ethnomedicines across cultures and religions. Despite multi-dimensional uses, the global prohibition of cannabis by the USA through the introduction of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937 led to prejudice about the perceived risks of cannabis, overshadowing its medicinal potential. Nevertheless, the discovery of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and the endocannabinoid system renewed scientific interest in understanding the role of cannabis in modulating different conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders. Preparations combining cannabidiol and THC have shown promise in mitigating gut symptoms through anti-inflammatory and motility-enhancing effects. This review revisits the ethnomedicinal use of cannabis in gastrointestinal diseases and emphasizes the need for further research to determine optimal dosages, formulations, and safety profiles of cannabis-based medicines. It also underscores the future potential of cannabinoid-based therapies by leveraging the role of the expanded endocannabinoid system, an endocannabinoidome, in the modulation of gastrointestinal ailments.

Unraveling the Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Bioactive Compounds Involved in the Modulation of Ischemic Stroke by Network Pharmacology

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is characterized by the partial or total occlusion of arteries that supply blood to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have shown properties that ameliorate the injury after IS and improve the patient's outcome, which has proven to be a potential therapeutic strategy due to their neuroprotective effects. Hence, in the present study, we use both systems pharmacology and chemoinformatic analyses to identify which NBCs have the most potential to be used against IS in clinics. Our results identify that flavonoids and terpenoids are the most studied NBCs, and, mainly, salidrosides, ginkgolides A, B, C, and K, cordycepin, curcumin, baicalin, resveratrol, fucose, and cannabidiol, target the main pathological processes occurring in IS. However, the medicinal chemistry properties of such compounds demonstrate that only six fulfill such criteria. However, only cordycepin and salidroside possess properties as leader molecules, suggesting that these compounds may be considered in developing novel drugs against IS.

Effects of CBD (Cannabidiol) on the physiology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromisn niloticus) as a chronic stress mitigating agent In-vivo

This study evaluates the effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the physiology of stressed and non-stressed Nile tilapia, reared in a recirculating aquaculture system. Tilapia were fed with and without CBD (0.001% of feed weight) and with and without hydrocortisone stress hormone (0.01% of body weight) every day for four weeks. This experiment compared the plasma cortisol, blood glucose and protein levels, liver and spleen somatic indices (HSI and SSI, respectively), and lysozyme activity of the fish. Stress group (S) had a significantly higher value than the control group (C) in two of the parameters, glucose and lysozyme activity, this is an indication of stress. CBD had a stress reducing effect under stressed conditions in lysozyme activity. Although not significant, the stress reducing effect of CBD on stress biomarkers such as glucose and HSI also seemed promising. Further investigation into the matter may not just be useful in stress mediation in aquatic organisms but may also have implications in human medicine as well.

Saturated Cannabinoids: Update on Synthesis Strategies and Biological Studies of These Emerging Cannabinoid Analogs

Natural and non-natural hexahydrocannabinols (HHC) were first described in 1940 by Adam and in late 2021 arose on the drug market in the United States and in some European countries. A background on the discovery, synthesis, and pharmacology studies of hydrogenated and saturated cannabinoids is described. This is harmonized with a summary and comparison of the cannabinoid receptor affinities of various classical, hybrid, and non-classical saturated cannabinoids. A discussion of structure-activity relationships with the four different pharmacophores found in the cannabinoid scaffold is added to this review. According to laboratory studies in vitro, and in several animal species in vivo, HHC is reported to have broadly similar effects to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, as demonstrated both in vitro and in several animal species in vivo. However, the effects of HHC treatment have not been studied in humans, and thus a biological profile has not been established.

Cannabicitran: Its unexpected racemic nature and potential origins

Cannabicitran is a cannabinoid found in levels up to ~10% in commercial "purified" cannabidiol (CBD) extracts. The structure of this natural product was first reported more than 50 years ago. However, few studies have investigated cannabicitran or its origin despite the rapidly increasing interest in the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of a wide range of physiological conditions. Following on a recent detailed NMR and computational characterization of cannabicitran, our group initiated ECD and TDDFT studies aimed at unequivocally determining the absolute configuration of cannabicitran present in Cannabis sativa extracts. To our surprise, we discovered the natural product was racemic, raising questions around its presumed enzymatic origin. Herein, we report the isolation and absolute configuration of (-)-cannabicitran and (+)-cannabicitran. Several possible scenarios for production of the racemate in the plant and/or during extract processing are discussed.

Diastereoselective and Scalable Synthesis of 6-(S)-Hydroxycannabidivarin

The synthesis of 6-(S)-hydroxycannabidivarin was required to assess its biological activity in the treatment of neurological disorders. A novel and scalable synthesis has been developed where the key step involves a Friedel-Crafts alkylation of phloroglucinol with (1S,2R,5R)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-3-en-1-ylbenzoate. Careful optimization of the reaction conditions identified trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in isopropyl acetate as the best catalyst/solvent combination, providing optimum regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity, and yield for this step. This enabled the multigram synthesis of 6-(S)-hydroxycannabidivarin in 10 steps from S-(+)-carvone.

CBD hydroxyquinone photo-isomerises to a highly reactive intermediate

The legalisation of hemp has led to wide commercial availability of cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products. Here we show that the CBD-hydroxyquinone (HU-331), a readily formed oxidation product and common impurity in CBD isolates, undergoes a previously unknown photo-isomerisation to produce a highly reactive intermediate in solution. Studies supported by calculations indicate that this intermediate rapidly reacts with oxygen to form a multitude of cannabinoid products. The purple colour observed in light-aged CBD-containing solutions is largely due to the anions of these by-products and is not significantly due to the HU-331 anion. Our findings suggest that these uncharacterized cannabinoid derivatives can be present in CBD-containing e-liquids and solutions that have been stored under ambient light conditions, calling for quality control processes that manage HU-331 contamination.

Review of the oral toxicity of cannabidiol (CBD)

Information in the published literature indicates that consumption of CBD can result in developmental and reproductive toxicity and hepatotoxicity outcomes in animal models. The trend of CBD-induced male reproductive toxicity has been observed in phylogenetically disparate organisms, from invertebrates to non-human primates. CBD has also been shown to inhibit various cytochrome P450 enzymes and certain efflux transporters, resulting in the potential for drug-drug interactions and cellular accumulation of xenobiotics that are normally transported out of the cell. The mechanisms of CBD-mediated toxicity are not fully understood, but they may involve disruption of critical metabolic pathways and liver enzyme functions, receptor-specific binding activity, disruption of testosterone steroidogenesis, inhibition of reuptake and degradation of endocannabinoids, and the triggering of oxidative stress. The toxicological profile of CBD raises safety concerns, especially for long term consumption by the general population.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Diastereomers of HHC and H4CBD

The characterization of any compound is important in the field of chemistry. As the field of cannabinoid chemistry grows so does the need for the characterization of new cannabinoids or rare cannabinoids that gain popularity within the consumer and research fields. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) a hydrogenated analogue of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also found in trace amounts naturally within the Cannabis sativa plant, has been gaining attention and popularity within the cannabis industry. Hexahydrocannabidiol (H4CBD) is a synthetic hydrogenated analogue to cannabidiol (CBD). Identifying the diastereomers of the cannabinoids with instrumentation plays a huge role within the chemistry field adding valuable information of the structure and the parameters for others to identify such cannabinoids. Elucidation and characterization of HHC and H4CBD were performed using current analytical techniques such as 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), effectively characterizing both the diastereomers of HHC and H4CBD.

Cannabidiol, a Regulator of Intracellular Calcium and Calpain

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant components of Cannabis and has long been used in Cannabis-based preparations. Recently, CBD has become a promising pharmacological agent because of its beneficial properties in the pathophysiology of several diseases. Although CBD is a kind of cannabinoid and acts on cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), molecular targets involved in diverse therapeutic properties of CBD have not been identified because CBD also interacts with other molecular targets. Considering that CBD alters the intracellular calcium level by which calpain activity is controlled, and both CBD and calpain are associated with various diseases related to calcium signaling, including neurological disorders, this review provides an overview of calpain and calcium signaling as possible molecular targets of CBD. As calpain is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of neurological disease, a deeper understanding of its relationship with CBD will be meaningful. To understand the role of CBD as a calpain regulator, in silico structural analysis on the binding mode of CBD with calpain was performed.

Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis for the Determination of Cannabinoids in Different Matrices

Cannabinoids, terpenophenolic chemicals found only in cannabis, are primarily responsible for cannabis pharmacologic effects; nearly 150 distinct cannabinoids have been identified thus far. Among these, the main psychoactive molecule, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the non-psychoactive counterpart, cannabidiol (CBD) are distinguishable. In the past decade, a CBD-containing pharmaceutical preparation was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of drug-resistant epileptic seizures in children, and research trials for a variety of additional medical conditions for which CBD has been suggested as a therapy are being conducted. Additionally, the number of "CBD-containing" dietary supplements, largely available online, is increasing rapidly. Consequently, the necessity for the development of qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the analysis of the bioactive components of Cannabis is rising because of the increase in the production of therapeutic cannabis products. One of the analytical methods with good potential in cannabinoids analysis is capillary electrophoresis (CE). It has advantages related to high separation efficiency, relatively short analysis time, and the small consumption of analytes and reagents which generates relatively lower operational costs than other methods. This review focuses on the use of CE techniques to examine biological matrices and plant materials for the presence of cannabinoids and other bioactive compounds found in cannabis. The advantages, drawbacks, and applicability of the various electromigration approaches are also assessed. The article provides an overview of the "state of the art" and the latest trends in CE-based methods for the determination of cannabinoids.

The role of cannabinoids in pain modulation in companion animals

The use of cannabinoids in both veterinary and human medicine is controversial for legal and ethical reasons. Nonetheless, the availability and therapeutic use of naturally occurring or synthetic phytocannabinoids, such as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabidiol and cannabidiol, have been the focus of attention in studies regarding their medical uses. This review aims to examine the role of cannabinoids in pain modulation by analyzing scientific findings regarding the signaling pathways of the endocannabinoid system and discussing the analgesic effects of synthetic cannabinoids compared to cannabinoid extracts and the extent and involvement of their receptors. In animals, studies have shown the analgesic properties of these substances and the role of the cannabinoid binding -1 (CB1) and cannabinoid binding -2 (CB2) receptors in the endocannabinoid system to modulate acute, chronic and neuropathic pain. This system consists of three main components: endogenous ligands (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), G protein-coupled receptors and enzymes that degrade and recycle the ligands. Evidence suggests that their interaction with CB1 receptors inhibits signaling in pain pathways and causes psychoactive effects. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are associated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic reactions and effects on the immune system. Cannabis extracts and their synthetic derivatives are an effective therapeutic tool that contributes to compassionate pain care and participates in its multimodal management. However, the endocannabinoid system interacts with different endogenous ligands and neurotransmitters, thus offering other therapeutic possibilities in dogs and cats, such is the case of those patients who suffer from seizures or epilepsy, contact and atopic dermatitis, degenerative myelopathies, asthma, diabetes and glaucoma, among other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, these compounds have been shown to possess antineoplastic, appetite-stimulating, and antiemetic properties. Ultimately, the study of the endocannabinoid system, its ligands, receptors, mechanism of action, and signaling, has contributed to the development of research that shows that hemp-derived and their synthetic derivatives are an effective therapeutic alternative in the multimodal management of pain in dogs and cats due to their ability to prevent peripheral and central sensitization.

Evaluation of decarboxylation efficiency of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiolic acid by UNODC method

PURPOSE

Decarboxylation of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ⁹-THCA) to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) by heating is a common method for determining total Δ⁹-THC. In the manual for cannabis identification and analysis, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) proposed decarboxylation conditions. Although the manual's primary analytical target is Δ⁹-THC, some reports also quantified cannabidiol (CBD). The authors assessed the efficiency of decarboxylation of Δ⁹-THCA and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), a carboxylated form of CBD, under four decarboxylation conditions, including the UNODC condition.

METHODS

Δ⁹-THCA and CBDA were heated in 2-mL glass vials at 150 °C for 12 min after the following treatment: condition A involves the addition of ethanol without capping, condition B involves non addition of solvent without capping, condition C involves non addition of solvent with capping, and condition D (UNODC condition) involves the addition of 0.5 mg/mL tribenzylamine (TBA) in ethanol without capping. The residue after heating was dissolved in methanol and then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The production of Δ⁹-THC and CBD was low (≤ 10.1%) under conditions A and B. Under condition C, Δ⁹-THC production was increased (53.4%), but CBD production was hardly improved (11.7%). Under condition D, Δ⁹-THC and CBD production dramatically increased to 83.2 and 71.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that TBA improved the production of Δ⁹-THC and CBD from their carboxylated forms; however, even in the presence of TBA, their production did not reach 100%. Forensic toxicologists should understand the effectiveness and limitations of decarboxylation under the UNODC condition.

Advances and Challenges of Cannabidiol as an Anti-Seizure Strategy: Preclinical Evidence

The use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes has been documented since ancient times, where one of its principal cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD), has emerged over the last few years as a promising molecule with anti-seizure potential. Here, we present an overview of recent literature pointing out CBD's pharmacological profile (solubility, metabolism, drug-drug interactions, etc.,), CBD's interactions with multiple molecular targets as well as advances in preclinical research concerning its anti-seizure effect on both acute seizure models and chronic models of epilepsy. We also highlight the recent attention that has been given to other natural cannabinoids and to synthetic derivatives of CBD as possible compounds with therapeutic anti-seizure potential. All the scientific research reviewed here encourages to continue to investigate the probable therapeutic efficacy of CBD and its related compounds not only in epilepsy but also and specially in drug-resistant epilepsy, since there is a dire need for new and effective drugs to treat this disease.

Natural product-based pharmacological studies for neurological disorders

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases are expected to rise sharply in the coming years, partly because of the world's aging population. Medicines for the treatment of the CNS have not been successfully made. Inadequate knowledge about the brain, pharmacokinetic and dynamic errors in preclinical studies, challenges with clinical trial design, complexity and variety of human brain illnesses, and variations in species are some potential scenarios. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are multifaceted and lack identifiable etiological components, and the drugs developed to treat them did not meet the requirements of those who anticipated treatments. Therefore, there is a great demand for safe and effective natural therapeutic adjuvants. For the treatment of NDDs and other memory-related problems, many herbal and natural items have been used in the Ayurvedic medical system. Anxiety, depression, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases (AD), as well as a plethora of other neuropsychiatric disorders, may benefit from the use of plant and food-derived chemicals that have antidepressant or antiepileptic properties. We have summarized the present level of knowledge about natural products based on topological evidence, bioinformatics analysis, and translational research in this review. We have also highlighted some clinical research or investigation that will help us select natural products for the treatment of neurological conditions. In the present review, we have explored the potential efficacy of phytoconstituents against neurological diseases. Various evidence-based studies and extensive recent investigations have been included, which will help pharmacologists reduce the progression of neuronal disease.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effects of Cannabinoids: An Updated Review with Future Perspectives and Current Challenges

The development of new antibiotics is urgently needed to combat the threat of bacterial resistance. New classes of compounds that have novel properties are urgently needed for the development of effective antimicrobial agents. The extract of Cannabis sativa L. has been used to treat multiple ailments since ancient times. Its bioactivity is largely attributed to the cannabinoids found in its plant. Researchers are currently searching for new anti-infective agents that can treat various infections. Although its phytocannabinoid ingredients have a wide range of medical benefits beyond the treatment of infections, they are primarily associated to psychotropic effects. Different cannabinoids have been demonstrated to be helpful against harmful bacteria, including Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, combination therapy involving the use of different antibiotics has shown synergism and broad-spectrum activity. The purpose of this review is to gather current data on the actions of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) extracts and its primary constituents such as terpenes and cannabinoids towards pathogens in order to determine their antimicrobial properties and cytotoxic effects together with current challenges and future perspectives in biomedical application.

Neuroprotection of Cannabidiol, Its Synthetic Derivatives and Combination Preparations against Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Neurological Disorders

The lack of effective treatment for neurological disorders has encouraged the search for novel therapeutic strategies. Remarkably, neuroinflammation provoked by the activated microglia is emerging as an important therapeutic target for neurological dysfunction in the central nervous system. In the pathological context, the hyperactivation of microglia leads to neuroinflammation through the release of neurotoxic molecules, such as reactive oxygen species, proteinases, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major pharmacologically active phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa L. CBD has promising therapeutic effects based on mounting clinical and preclinical studies of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, ischemic brain injuries, neuropathic pain, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. A number of preclinical studies suggested that CBD exhibited potent inhibitory effects of neurotoxic molecules and inflammatory modulators, highlighting its remarkable therapeutic potential for the treatment of numerous neurological disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of action underpinning CBD’s effects on neuroinflammation appear to be complex and are poorly understood. This review summarises the anti-neuroinflammatory activities of CBD against various neurological disorders with a particular focus on their main molecular mechanisms of action, which were related to the downregulation of NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS, TLR4-NFκB and IFN-β-JAK-STAT pathways. We also illustrate the pharmacological action of CBD’s derivatives focusing on their anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects for neurological disorders. We included the studies that demonstrated synergistic enhanced anti-neuroinflammatory activity using CBD and other biomolecules. The studies that are summarised in the review shed light on the development of CBD, including its derivatives and combination preparations as novel therapeutic options for the prevention and/or treatment of neurological disorders where neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathological components.

Serum Cannabinoid 24 h and 1 Week Steady State Pharmacokinetic Assessment in Cats Using a CBD/CBDA Rich Hemp Paste

Hemp based cannabinoids have gained popularity in veterinary medicine due to the potential to treat pain, seizure disorders and dermatological maladies in dogs. Cat owners are also using hemp-based products for arthritis, anxiety and neoplastic disorders with no studies assessing hemp cannabinoids, namely cannabidiol efficacy, for such disorders. Initial twenty-four pharmacokinetic and chronic dosing serum concentration in cats are sparse. The aim of our study was to assess 8 cats physiological and 24 h and 1-week steady state pharmacokinetic response to a cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) rich hemp in a palatable oral paste. Using a standard dose of paste (6.4 mg/CBD + CBDA 5.3 mg/gram) across 8 cats weighing between 4.2 and 5.4 kg showed an average maximal concentration of CBD at 282.0 ± 149.4 ng/mL with a half-life of ~2.1 ± 1.1 h, and CBDA concentrations of 1,011.3 ± 495.4 ng/mL with a half-life of ~2.7 ± 1.4 h, showing superior absorption of CBDA. After twice daily dosing for 1 week the serum concentrations 6 h after a morning dosing showed that the acidic forms of the cannabinoids were approximately double the concentration of the non-acidic forms like CBD and Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The results of this study compared to two other recent studies suggest that the absorption in this specific paste product may be superior to oil bases used previously, and show that the acidic forms of cannabinoids appear to be absorbed better than the non-acidic forms. More importantly, physical and behavioral examinations every morning after dosing showed no adverse events related to neurological function or behavioral alterations. In addition, bloodwork after 1 week of treatment showed no clinically significant serum biochemical alterations as a reflection of hepatic and renal function all remaining within the reference ranges set by the diagnostic laboratory suggesting that short-term treatment was safe.

The Origin and Biomedical Relevance of Cannabigerol

The constant search for new pharmacologically active compounds, especially those that do not exhibit toxic effects, intensifies the interest in plant-based ingredients and their potential use in pharmacotherapy. One of the plants that has great therapeutic potential is Cannabis sativa L., a source of the psychoactive Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), namely cannabidiol (CBD), which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and cannabigerol (CBG)-a biologically active compound that is present in much smaller quantities. CBG is generated during the non-enzymatic decarboxylation of cannabigerolic acid, a key compound in the process of biosynthesis of phytocannabinoids and consequently the precursor to various phytocannabinoids. By interacting with G-protein-coupled receptors, CBG exhibits a wide range of biological activities, inter alia, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activities, regulation of the redox balance, and neuromodulatory effects. Due to the wide spectrum of biological activities, CBG seems to be a very promising compound to be used in the treatment of diseases that require multidirectional pharmacotherapy. Moreover, it is suggested that due to the relatively rapid metabolism of cannabigerol, determination of the concentration of the phytocannabinoid in blood or oral fluid can be used to determine cannabis use. Therefore, it seems obvious that new therapeutic approaches using CBG can be expected.

Phytochemical Analysis of the Methanolic Extract and Essential Oil from Leaves of Industrial Hemp Futura 75 Cultivar: Isolation of a New Cannabinoid Derivative and Biological Profile Using Computational Approaches

Cannabis sativa L. is a plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family, cultivated for its psychoactive cannabinoid (Δ⁹-THC) concentration or for its fiber and nutrient content in industrial use. Industrial hemp shows a low Δ⁹-THC level and is a valuable source of phytochemicals, mainly represented by cannabinoids, flavones, terpenes, and alkaloids, with health-promoting effects. In the present study, we investigated the phytochemical composition of leaves of the industrial hemp cultivar Futura 75, a monoecious cultivar commercially used for food preparations or cosmetic purposes. Leaves are generally discarded, and represent waste products. We analyzed the methanol extract of Futura 75 leaves by HPLC and NMR spectroscopy and the essential oil by GC-MS. In addition, in order to compare the chemical constituents, we prepared the water infusion. One new cannabinoid derivative (1) and seven known components, namely, cannabidiol (2), cannabidiolic acid (3), β-cannabispirol (4), β-cannabispirol (5), canniprene (6), cannabiripsol (7), and cannflavin B (8) were identified. The content of CBD was highest in all preparations. In addition, we present the outcomes of a computational study focused on elucidating the role of 2α-hydroxy-Δ^3,7-cannabitriol (1), CBD (2), and CBDA (3) in inflammation and thrombogenesis.

Engineered Nucleotide Chemicapacitive Microsensor Array Augmented with Physics-Guided Machine Learning for High-Throughput Screening of Cannabidiol

The recent legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) to treat neurological conditions such as epilepsy has sparked rising interest across global pharmaceuticals and synthetic biology industries to engineer microbes for sustainable synthetic production of medicinal CBD. Since the process involves screening large amounts of samples, the main challenge is often associated with the conventional screening platform that is time consuming, and laborious with high operating costs. Here, a portable, high-throughput Aptamer-based BioSenSing System (ABS³ ) is introduced for label-free, low-cost, fully automated, and highly accurate CBD concentrations' classification in a complex biological environment. The ABS³ comprises an array of interdigitated microelectrode sensors, each functionalized with different engineered aptamers. To further empower the functionality of the ABS³ , unique electrochemical features from each sensor are synergized using physics-guided multidimensional analysis. The capabilities of this ABS³ are demonstrated by achieving excellent CBD concentrations' classification with a high prediction accuracy of 99.98% and a fast testing time of 22 µs per testing sample using the optimized random forest (RF) model. It is foreseen that this approach will be the key to the realistic transformation from fundamental research to system miniaturization for diagnostics of disease biomarkers and drug development in the field of chemical/bioanalytics.

Cannabidiol improves glucose utilization and modulates glucose-induced dysmetabolic activities in isolated rats' peripheral adipose tissues

Reduced glucose uptake and utilization, with concomitant lipolysis in adipose tissues has been linked to the pathogenesis of obesity and its complications. The present study investigated the effect of cannabinoid-stimulated glucose uptake on redox imbalance, glucose and lipid metabolisms, as well as cholinergic and purinergic dysfunctions in isolated rats' adipose tissues. Freshly Isolated rats' adipose tissues were incubated with glucose and different concentrations of cannabidiol for 2 h at 37 °C. The negative control consisted of incubation without cannabidiol, while normal control consisted of incubations without glucose and/or cannabidiol and Metformin served as the standard drug. Cannabidiol caused an increase in adipose-glucose uptake, with concomitant elevation of glutathione, triglyceride level, superoxide dismutase, catalase and 5'nucleoidase activities. It also caused suppression in malondialdehyde and cholesterol levels, acetylcholinesterase, ENTPDase, fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, glucose 6-phosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, and lipase activities. In silico studies revealed a strong molecular interaction of cannabidiol with adipose triglyceride lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase, and monoglyceride lipase. These results indicate that cannabidiol-enhanced glucose uptake in adipose tissues is associated with enhanced antioxidative activities, concomitant modulation of cholinergic and purinergic dysfunctions, and improved glucose - lipid homeostasis.

Design and Analysis of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Toxicological analysis of Cannabidiol analogs using in silico Tools

Background:

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non‐psychoactive phytocannabinoid from Cannabis Sativa, has become an interesting option for medicinal chemists in the development of new drug candidates

Objective:

Objective: This study aims to propose analogs with therapeutic potential from the CBD scaffold. Methods: The 16 analogs proposed were designed using the PubChem Sketcher V. 2.4® software. Already, CBD analogs were subjected to different in silico tools, such as Molinspiration®; SwissADME®; SwissTargetPrediction® and OSIRIS Property Explorer

Results and Discussio:

Results and Discussion: The screening of CBD analogs carried out in this study showed compounds 9 and 16 with good affinity for interactions with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Pharmacokinetic data showed that these two compounds have good oral absorption. Finally, in silico toxicity data showed that these compounds pose no risk of a toxic event in humans

Conclusion:

Conclusion: CBD analogs 9 and 16 would have a better profile of drug candidates to be further tested in vitro and in vivo models.: CBD analogs 9 and 16 would have a better profile of drug candidates to be further tested in vitro and in vivo models.

A narrative review of molecular mechanism and therapeutic effect of Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an abundant non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid in Cannabis extracts which has high affinity on a series of receptors, including type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2), GPR55, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). By modulating the activities of these receptors, CBD exhibits multiple therapeutic effects, including neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-cancer properties. CBD could also be applied to treat or prevent COVID-19 and its complications. Here, we provide a narrative review of CBD's applications in human diseases: from mechanism of action to clinical trials.

Enhancement of Conventional and Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Cervical Cancer with Cannabidiol

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Conventional treatments include surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy, however these are invasive and may cause severe side effects. Furthermore, approximately 70% of late-stage CC patients experience metastasis, due to treatment resistance and limitations. Thus, there is a dire need to investigate alternative therapeutic combination therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative CC treatment modality that has been clinically proven to treat primary CC, as well as to limit secondary metastasis. Since PDT is a non-invasive localized treatment, with fewer side effects and lessened resistance to dose repeats, it is considered far more advantageous. However, more clinical trials are required to refine its delivery and dosing, as well as improve its ability to activate specific immune responses to eradicate secondary CC spread. Cannabidiol (CBD) isolates have been shown to exert in vitro CC anticancer effects, causing apoptosis post treatment, as well as inducing specific immune responses, which obstruct tumor invasion and angiogenesis, and so hinder CC metastatic spread. This review paper discusses the current conventional and alternative PDT treatment modalities for CC, as well as their limitations over the last 10 years. It has a particular focus on the combinative administration of CBD with these treatments in order to prevent CC secondary migration and so possibly encourage future research studies to focus on this synergistic effect to eradicate CC.

Palladium-Catalyzed Direct γ-C(sp3)-H Arylation of β-Alkoxy Cyclohexenones: Reaction Scope and Mechanistic Insights

Direct γ-C(sp3)-arylation of unactivated electron-rich enones is a long-standing challenge. Herein, we report a mild Pd-catalyzed method for direct γ-C(sp3)-arylation of various unactivated β-alkoxy cyclohexenones. The method is not only...

A study of abnormal cannabidiols system-mediated cardiovascular protection in disrupted gut/brain axis associated depression

Uncontrolled stress can lead to vascular injury, hypertension, arrhythmia, compromised immune system alteration in microbiota activity, and neurobehavioral changes, including depression. The gut microbiota has been recently developed, not only for major depressive disorders but also cardiovascular problems, as a therapeutic concern. Since then, >100 studies have studied the link between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and have shown that depression is common (≈20%-35%) in patients with CVD, and seems to be indicative of negative heart effects in patients. Depressive symptoms patients have demonstrated an elevated platelet reactivity, reduced cardiac variability, and enhanced proinflammatory signals, which are all cardiovascular-related risk factors. The pathophysiology of depression-related CVD is nevertheless a challenge because of the heterogeneous depressive syndromes and the etiologies. The cardiovascular effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (the key psychotropic credential of cannabis) and endocannabinoids (THC endogenous equivalents which cause type 1 [CB1] and 2 [CB2] cannabinoids) have been extensively examined based on well-documented effects of marijuana smoke on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Therefore, the aim of the review article is to establish the relationship of abnormal cannabidiols system-mediated cardiovascular protection in disrupted gut/brain axis associated depression to determine the translational potential of targeting abnormal cannabidiols receptors in clinical studies.

A review on the syntheses of Dronabinol and Epidiolex as classical cannabinoids with various biological activities including those against SARS-COV2

The very important psychoactive phytocannabinoid from Cannabis Δ⁹ tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and its non-psychotropic member is cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds have a variety of pharmacological activities. THC has been approved for the treatment of nausea caused by chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis and chronic and neuropathic pain and research is underway to use it to treat stimulation of dementia, anorexia nervous and Tourette’s syndrome. CBD has therapeutic benefits in Epilepsy, neuroprotective, cancer, inflammatory and anxiety. Recognizing candidate drugs efficiently in the new SARS-CoV2 disease 2019 (Covid-19) is crucial. Cannabidiol and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. They can reduce the uncontrolled cytokine production of acute lung injury. Although THD and CBD can be extracted from natural sources due to the disadvantages of this method such as difficulty in purification, cultivation, etc. It has been proven that chemical-synthesis methods of these two compounds can solve these problems. This review briefly summarizes the chemical-synthetic strategies of Dronabinol and Epidiolex from THC and CBD.

The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol: Past, Present, and Prospective for Cardiovascular Diseases

In the past, cannabis was commonly associated with mysticism and illegality. Fortunately, in recent years perspectives and discourses have changed. More prominence has been given to the rigorous scientific effort that led to the discovery of cannabis' many physiological actions and endogenous signalling mechanisms. The endocannabinoid system is a complex and heterogeneous pro-homeostatic network comprising different receptors with several endogenous ligands, numerous metabolic enzymes and regulatory proteins. Therefore, it is not surprising that alterations and dysfunctions of the endocannabinoid system are observed in almost every category of disease. Such high degree of pathophysiological involvement suggests the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target and prompted the translation of resurgent scientific findings into clinical therapies. Shifting attitudes toward cannabis also raised other matters such as increased patient awareness, prescription requests, self-medication, recreational use, recognition of new knowledge gaps, renewed scientific activity, and seemingly exponential growth of the cannabis industry. This review, following a general overview of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, assiduously describes its role within the context of cardiovascular diseases, paying particular attention to the Janus influence that endocannabinoid system modulators can have on the cardiovascular system.

Cannabis and Athletic Performance

Cannabis is widely used for both recreational and medicinal purposes on a global scale. There is accumulating interest in the use of cannabis and its constituents for athletic recovery, and in some instances, performance. Amidst speculation of potential beneficial applications, the effects of cannabis and its two most abundant constituents, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), remain largely un-investigated. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the literature describing the effects of whole cannabis, THC, and CBD, on athletic performance and recovery. While investigations of whole cannabis and THC have generally shown either null or detrimental effects on exercise performance in strength and aerobic-type activities, studies of sufficient rigor and validity to conclusively declare ergogenic or ergolytic potential in athletes are lacking. The ability of cannabis and THC to perturb cardiovascular homeostasis warrants further investigation regarding mechanisms by which performance may be affected across different exercise modalities and energetic demands. In contrast to cannabis and THC, CBD has largely been scrutinized for its potential to aid in recovery. The beneficial effects of CBD on sleep quality, pain, and mild traumatic brain injury may be of particular interest to certain athletes. However, research in each of these respective areas has yet to be thoroughly investigated in athletic populations. Elucidating the effects of whole cannabis, THC, and CBD is pertinent for both researchers and practitioners given the widespread use of these products, and their potential to interact with athletes' performance and recovery.

The perceived effects of cannabis products in the management of seizures in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

INTRODUCTION

CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD) is a severe treatment-resistant form of early-onset epilepsy. Current treatment options are often ineffective and associated with adverse effects, forcing families to seek alternative therapies for their children including products derived from cannabis. Reportsof miraculous cures and a public preferencefor 'natural' therapies have resulted in considerable public interest, and so this study aimed to characterize the use of cannabis in these individuals, as well as compare caregiver perceptions of efficacy and safety to objective evidence of seizure control and number of antiepileptic drugs used.

METHODS

Families from the International CDKL5 Disorder Database were invited to complete questionnaires which included data relating to their child's current and past treatments, including use of any cannabis-derived preparations. Perceived effects on seizure control, as well as additional benefits and adverse effects were reported. Seizure frequency and number of antiepileptic drugs were compared between those actively using cannabis products and those who were not. Longitudinal analysis was performed on a subset of the study population to compare these same variables at pre-treatment and post-treatment time points.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twelve caregivers answered questions regarding their child's use of antiepileptic medications. Of these, 82 (26%) described use of cannabis preparations either at present, or in the past, with the most common being cannabidiol. Of 70 caregivers that described their perceived effect on seizure control, more than two thirds reported an improvement in seizure control, either temporary (16%) or lasting (54%). Additional benefits included improvements in attention, cognition, and sleep. The majority of responses (78%) described adverse effects as 'none', though some reported an increase in sedation and gastrointestinal upset. There was no reduction in the median seizure frequency nor the number of different antiepileptic drugs, for those who were actively using cannabis products compared to those who were not. Similarly, individuals who were not using cannabis products at an initial time point had no differences in seizure frequency nor number of antiepileptic drugs at a second timepoint when they had started using this treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this is an observational study, limited by potential participation bias and the unreliable nature of unblinded self-assessment, it suggests that caregivers perceive cannabis products, especially cannabidiol, to have a tolerable adverse effect profile and adequate efficacy. Despite this, cannabis was not associated with a reduction in seizure frequency nor number of antiepileptic drugs when compared to non-users or when compared to pre-treatment. Randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to more reliably assess this treatment's safety and efficacy.