A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol

Summary & key facts

Researchers isolated a new natural cannabis compound called Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP) and its CBD counterpart (CBDP). In lab tests, Δ9-THCP bound very strongly to the human CB1 receptor (Ki = 1.2 nM) and caused THC-like effects in mice (less movement, pain relief, catalepsy, and lower body temperature). The authors say Δ9-THCP may help explain some effects of certain cannabis varieties, but the evidence comes from cell tests and mouse experiments, not human studies.

Key facts:

• A new phytocannabinoid named Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP) was isolated and fully characterized from the Italian FM2 medicinal cannabis variety.
• The corresponding cannabidiol homolog with a seven-carbon side chain, called cannabidiphorol (CBDP), was also isolated and matched to a synthetic standard.
• Δ9-THCP bound to the human CB1 receptor in an in vitro radioligand assay with a Ki of 1.2 nM.
• For comparison in the same type of test, the potent full CB1 agonist CP55940 had a Ki of 0.9 nM.
• In mouse 'tetrad' behavioral tests, Δ9-THCP caused hypomotility (less movement), analgesia (reduced pain), catalepsy (rigid posture), and decreased rectal temperature—effects that indicate THC-like cannabimimetic activity.
• The authors report that Δ9-THCP showed in vivo cannabimimetic activity described as higher than Δ9-THC, based on their experiments.
• These results come from laboratory receptor binding tests and from behavioral tests in mice; they do not directly demonstrate effects in humans.

Topics

Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research GABA and Rice Research

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Agonist Biochemistry Biology Botany Cannabidiol Cannabinoid Cannabinoid receptor Cannabis Cannabis sativa Catalepsy Chemistry Dopamine Dronabinol Endocrinology Haloperidol Medicine Pharmacology Psychiatry Receptor Stereochemistry Tetrahydrocannabinol