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Dal Martello R, Min R, Stevens CJ, Qin L, Fuller DQ. Morphometric approaches to Cannabis evolution and differentiation from archaeological sites: interpreting the archaeobotanical evidence from bronze age Haimenkou, Yunnan. VEGETATION HISTORY AND ARCHAEOBOTANY 2023; 33:503-518. [PMID: 38803353 PMCID: PMC11127845 DOI: 10.1007/s00334-023-00966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis grains are frequently reported from archaeological sites in Asia, and hypothesized centers of origins are China and Central Asia. Chinese early cannabis remains are often interpreted as evidence of hemp fabric production, in line with early textual evidence describing ritualistic hemp cloth use and hemp cultivation as a grain crop. Modern measurements on cannabis varieties show distinct sizes between fibre or oil/fibre and psychoactive varieties, the former having larger seeds on average than the latter. This paper reviews the current macro-botanical evidence for cannabis across East, Central and South Asia and builds a comparative framework based on modern cannabis seed measurements to help identify cannabis use in the past, through the metric analysis of archaeologically preserved seeds. Over 800 grains of cannabis were retrieved from the 2008 excavation of Haimenkou, Yunnan, Southwest China, dating to between 1650 and 400 bc. These are compared with other known archaeological cannabis and interpreted through the metric framework. This offers a basis for exploration of the seed morphometrics potential to infer cannabis cultivation and diversification in uses. At Haimenkou, cannabis seeds size mostly plot in the range of overlapping psychoactive/fibre types; we therefore suggest that the cannabis assemblage from Haimenkou is indicative of a crop beginning to undergo evolution from its early domesticated form towards a diversified crop specialized for alternative uses, including larger oilseed/fibre adapted varieties. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00334-023-00966-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Dal Martello
- Department of Asian and North African studies, Ca’ Foscari University, Dorsoduro 3462, 30123 Venice, Italy
- Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Kahlaische Straße 10, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Rui Min
- Yunnan Province Institute for Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Kunming, 650118 China
| | - Chris J. Stevens
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-33 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY UK
- Department of Archaeology, Cambridge University, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ UK
| | - Ling Qin
- School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University, Yiheyuan Rd. 5, Haidian District, Beijing, 10087 China
| | - Dorian Q. Fuller
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-33 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY UK
- School of Cultural Heritage, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 Shaanxi China
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2
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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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3
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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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4
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Guerra-Doce E, Rihuete-Herrada C, Micó R, Risch R, Lull V, Niemeyer HM. Direct evidence of the use of multiple drugs in Bronze Age Menorca (Western Mediterranean) from human hair analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4782. [PMID: 37024524 PMCID: PMC10079862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31064-2] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human hair dated to Late Prehistory is exceedingly rare in the Western Mediterranean. Archaeological excavations in the Bronze Age burial and cult cave of Es Càrritx, in Menorca (Balearic Islands) provided some human hair strands involved in a singular funerary rite. This finding offered the opportunity to explore the possible use of drug plants by Late Bronze Age people. Here we show the results of the chemical analyses of a sample of such hair using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The alkaloids ephedrine, atropine and scopolamine were detected, and their concentrations estimated. These results confirm the use of different alkaloid-bearing plants by local communities of this Western Mediterranean island by the beginning of the first millennium cal BCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Guerra-Doce
- Departamento de Prehistoria, Arqueología, Antropología Social y Ciencias y Técnicas Historiográficas, Universidad de Valladolid, Plaza del Campus sn, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - C Rihuete-Herrada
- Departament de Prehistòria, Facultat de Lletres, Carrer de la Fortuna, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Micó
- Departament de Prehistòria, Facultat de Lletres, Carrer de la Fortuna, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Risch
- Departament de Prehistòria, Facultat de Lletres, Carrer de la Fortuna, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Lull
- Departament de Prehistòria, Facultat de Lletres, Carrer de la Fortuna, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - H M Niemeyer
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
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5
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Sainz Martinez A, Lanaridi O, Stagel K, Halbwirth H, Schnürch M, Bica-Schröder K. Extraction techniques for bioactive compounds of cannabis. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:676-717. [PMID: 36625451 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00059h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Historically, cannabis has always constituted a component of the civilized world; archaeological discoveries indicate that it is one of the oldest crops, while, up until the 19th century, cannabis fibers were extensively used in a variety of applications, and its seeds comprised a part of human and livestock nutrition. Additional evidence supports its exploitation for medicinal purposes in the ancient world. The cultivation of cannabis gradually declined as hemp fibers gave way to synthetic fibers, while the intoxicating ability of THC eventually overshadowed the extensive potential of cannabis. Nevertheless, the proven value of certain non-intoxicating cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBN, has recently given rise to an entire market which promotes cannabis-based products. An increase in the research for recovery and exploitation of beneficial cannabinoids has also been observed, with more than 10 000 peer-reviewed research articles published annually. In the present review, a brief overview of the history of cannabis is given. A look into the classification approaches of cannabis plants/species as well as the associated nomenclature is provided, followed by a description of their chemical characteristics and their medically valuable components. The application areas could not be absent from the present review. Still, the main focus of the review is the discussion of work conducted in the field of extraction of valuable bioactive compounds from cannabis. We conclude with a summary of the current status and outlook on the topics that future research should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Sainz Martinez
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Olga Lanaridi
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kristof Stagel
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Heidi Halbwirth
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/166, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schnürch
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna, Austria.
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6
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Almeida Neto J, Amando Nery D, Simoni Bezerra Lima K, Eduarda Gomes da Cruz Silva M, Cícero de Lima Araújo T, Andrezza Carvalho de Souza N, Hideki Vicente Nishimura R, de Souza Araújo C, Paula de Oliveira A, Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida J, Araújo Rolim L. Phytochemical Characterization of Cannabis sativa L. Roots from Northeastern Brazil. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202201039. [PMID: 36662379 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201039] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the phytochemical study of Cannabis sativa roots from northeastern Brazil. The dried plant material was pulverized and subjected to exhaustive maceration with ethanol at room temperature, obtaining the crude ethanolic extract (Cs-EEBR). The volatile compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which allowed to identify 22 compounds by comparing the linear retention index (LRI), the similarity index (SI) and the fragmentation pattern of the constituents with the literature. By this technique the major compounds identified were: friedelan-3-one and β-sitosterol. In addition, two fractions were obtained from Cs-EEBR by classical column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. These fractions were analyzed by NMR and IR and together with the mass spectrometry data allowed to identify the compounds: epifriedelanol, friedelan-3-one, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. The study contributed to the phytochemical knowledge of Cannabis sativa, specifically the roots, as there are few reports on the chemical constituents of this part of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaine Almeida Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Biosciences - PPGB, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
| | - Daniel Amando Nery
- Bachelor in Pharmacy, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Rodolfo Hideki Vicente Nishimura
- Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
- Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife/PE, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula de Oliveira
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Sertão Pernambuco - IF-Sertão-PE, Floresta/PE, Brazil
| | - Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida
- Postgraduate Program in Biosciences - PPGB, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
- Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
| | - Larissa Araújo Rolim
- Postgraduate Program in Biosciences - PPGB, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
- Federal University of Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina/PE, Brazil
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7
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Li W, Thuan Lu H, Doblin MS, Bacic A, Stevens GW, Mumford KA. A novel efficient liquid-liquid solvent extraction process for cannabinoid mimic recovery. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.123011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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8
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Wiles D, Shanbhag BK, O'Brien M, Doblin MS, Bacic A, Beddoe T. Heterologous production of Cannabis sativa-derived specialised metabolites of medicinal significance - Insights into engineering strategies. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 203:113380. [PMID: 36049526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113380] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. has been known for at least 2000 years as a source of important, medically significant specialised metabolites and several bio-active molecules have been enriched from multiple chemotypes. However, due to the many levels of complexity in both the commercial cultivation of cannabis and extraction of its specialised metabolites, several heterologous production approaches are being pursued in parallel. In this review, we outline the recent achievements in engineering strategies used for heterologous production of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids along with their strength and weakness. We provide an overview of the specialised metabolism pathway in C. sativa and a comprehensive list of the specialised metabolites produced along with their medicinal significance. We highlight cannabinoid-like molecules produced by other species. We discuss the key biosynthetic enzymes and their heterologous production using various hosts such as microbial and eukaryotic systems. A brief discussion on complementary production strategies using co-culturing and cell-free systems is described. Various approaches to optimise specialised metabolite production through co-expression, enzyme engineering and pathway engineering are discussed. We derive insights from recent advances in metabolic engineering of hosts with improved precursor supply and suggest their application for the production of C. sativa speciality metabolites. We present a collation of non-conventional hosts with speciality traits that can improve the feasibility of commercial heterologous production of cannabis-based specialised metabolites. We provide a perspective of emerging research in synthetic biology, allied analytical techniques and plant heterologous platforms as focus areas for heterologous production of cannabis specialised metabolites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Wiles
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Bhuvana K Shanbhag
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Martin O'Brien
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Monika S Doblin
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia; La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Antony Bacic
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia; La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Travis Beddoe
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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9
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Bachir F, Eddouks M, Arahou M, Fekhaoui M. Origin, Early History, Cultivation, and Characteristics of the Traditional Varieties of Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:603-615. [PMID: 34860578 PMCID: PMC9587784 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0020] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabis has been cultivated and used for centuries in the north Moroccan Rif (local name is kif). However, its history is poorly known and the date of its first introduction and dispersal in Morocco is still difficult to be precise. Aim: The purpose of the present work is to review the literature on the origin, history, and cultivation of Cannabis in Morocco, as well as data on the morphological, genetic, and phytochemical characteristics of local cultivated varieties. Discussion: Considering the importance of preserving the fragile environment of the Rif and the future development of the Moroccan medical Cannabis market, which will require authentication of the raw material, the use of local strains which are well adapted to the particular environment of the Rif is highly recommended. However, there is no document that summarizes and clarifies the nomenclature and the characteristics of local Moroccan Cannabis. In addition, the recent adoption by Rif growers of improved hybrid cultivars is obliterating the traits and peculiarities of Moroccan Cannabis through genetic introgression. Conclusion: Summarizing and discussing the data from the literature on the characteristics of local Moroccan Cannabis varieties may be useful for their identification and the localization of the areas of the Rif region where their cultivation is still practiced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Bachir
- Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Eddouks
- Team of Ethnopharmacology and Pharamcognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Arahou
- Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Fekhaoui
- Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
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10
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Developing Oligo Probes for Chromosomes Identification in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11151900. [PMID: 35893604 PMCID: PMC9332022 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L., 2n = 20) is a valuable crop that is successfully used as a food, technical and medicinal crop. It is a dioecious plant with an XX\XY sex determination system. Some chromosomes of C. sativa have almost the same lengths and centromeric indexes. Cytogenetic markers help to distinguish similar plant chromosomes, including sex chromosomes, which is important for the breeding process. Two repeats (CS-1 and CS-237) were used to develop labeled oligo-probes for rapid and low-cost oligo-FISH. These oligos can be recommended for use as cytological markers to distinguish sex chromosomes (X and Y) and somatic chromosome pairs 3, 6, and 8 by rapid oligo-FISH in a short time.
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11
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Porcu S, Tuveri E, Palanca M, Melis C, La Franca IM, Satta J, Chiriu D, Carbonaro CM, Cortis P, De Agostini A, Ricci PC. Rapid In Situ Detection of THC and CBD in Cannabis sativa L. by 1064 nm Raman Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10435-10442. [PMID: 35848818 PMCID: PMC9330313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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The need to find a rapid and worthwhile technique for
the in situ
detection of the content of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and
cannabidiol (CBD) in Cannabis sativa L. is an ever-increasing problem in the forensic field. Among all
the techniques for the detection of cannabinoids, Raman spectroscopy
can be identified as the most cost-effective, fast, noninvasive, and
nondestructive. In this study, 42 different samples were analyzed
using Raman spectroscopy with 1064 nm excitation wavelength. The use
of an IR wavelength laser showed the possibility to clearly identify
THC and CBD in fresh samples, without any further processing, knocking
out the contribution of the fluorescence generated by visible and
near-IR sources. The results allow assigning all the Raman features
in THC- and CBD-rich natural samples. The multivariate analysis underlines
the high reproducibility of the spectra and the possibility to distinguish
immediately the Raman spectra of the two cannabinoid species. Furthermore,
the ratio between the Raman bands at 1295/1440 and 1623/1663 cm–1 is identified as an immediate test parameter to evaluate
the THC content in the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Porcu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.p. no. 8 Km 0700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Enrica Tuveri
- Scientific Investigation Department (RIS) of Cagliari, Via Ludovico Ariosto, 24, 09129 Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Marco Palanca
- Scientific Investigation Department (RIS) of Cagliari, Via Ludovico Ariosto, 24, 09129 Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Claudia Melis
- Scientific Investigation Department (RIS) of Cagliari, Via Ludovico Ariosto, 24, 09129 Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | | | - Jessica Satta
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.p. no. 8 Km 0700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Daniele Chiriu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.p. no. 8 Km 0700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Carbonaro
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.p. no. 8 Km 0700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Cortis
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Sant'Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Antonio De Agostini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Sant'Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Pier Carlo Ricci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.p. no. 8 Km 0700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
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12
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Gouvêa-Silva JG, Costa-Oliveira CD, Ramos YJ, Mantovanelli DF, Cardoso MS, Viana-Oliveira LD, Costa JL, Moreira DDL, Maciel-Magalhães M. Is There Enough Knowledge to Standardize a Cannabis sativa L. Medicinal Oil Preparation with a High Content of Cannabinoids? Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022. [PMID: 35763833 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. medicinal oils are good therapeutic options due to their wide spectrum of pharmacological applications and the easy adjustment of individual doses. The lack of standardization of methodology in the preparation of medicinal oil using the Cannabis crude extract results in elevated variability of cannabinoid concentration in the final product. The elevated variability impairs the understanding of beneficial and adverse effects related to dose-response pharmacological activities. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a review on the current methods of Cannabis oil preparation present in the literature, to demonstrate the most appropriate methodologies to ensure a product with high content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Results: The decarboxylation stage is essential for the conversion of acid cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids, which are substances with the highest bioavailability. Lower temperatures for longer periods of time instead of high temperatures in less time are highly recommended to ensure that all the acidic cannabinoids have passed through decarboxylation. For the guarantee of a high terpene content, the separate addition of essential oil to the fixed oil prepared from the crude extract should be considered. Ultrasound-assisted extraction is one of the best performing methodologies because it is cheaper than other techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, besides that, ultrasound extraction is effective in short extraction times and uses small amounts of solvent when compared with other techniques. Conclusion: Although the literature about the methods of preparation of Cannabis medicinal oil is scarce, it is possible to standardize an optimized, low-cost, and effective Cannabis extractive methodology from the results found in the literature; however, this will depend on new research for methodological validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Gabriel Gouvêa-Silva
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,APEPI-Associação de Apoio à Pesquisa e à Pacientes de Cannabis Medicinal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudete da Costa-Oliveira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,APEPI-Associação de Apoio à Pesquisa e à Pacientes de Cannabis Medicinal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ygor Jessé Ramos
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Davyson de Lima Moreira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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13
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Sionov RV, Steinberg D. Anti-Microbial Activity of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids in the Light of Their Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030631. [PMID: 35327432 PMCID: PMC8945038 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become an increasing challenge in the treatment of various infectious diseases, especially those associated with biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic materials. There is an urgent need for new treatment protocols that can also target biofilm-embedded bacteria. Many secondary metabolites of plants possess anti-bacterial activities, and especially the phytocannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa L. varieties have reached a renaissance and attracted much attention for their anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities at concentrations below the cytotoxic threshold on normal mammalian cells. Accordingly, many synthetic cannabinoids have been designed with the intention to increase the specificity and selectivity of the compounds. The structurally unrelated endocannabinoids have also been found to have anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities. Recent data suggest for a mutual communication between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiota. The present review focuses on the anti-microbial activities of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids integrated with some selected issues of their many physiological and pharmacological activities.
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14
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Falasca V, Falasca M. Targeting the Endocannabinoidome in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:320. [PMID: 35204820 PMCID: PMC8869154 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is an aggressive and lethal form of cancer with a very high mortality rate. High heterogeneity, asymptomatic initial stages and a lack of specific diagnostic markers result in an end-stage diagnosis when the tumour has locally advanced or metastasised. PDAC is resistant to most of the available chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, making surgery the most potent curative treatment. The desmoplastic tumour microenvironment contributes to determining PDAC pathophysiology, immune response and therapeutic efficacy. The existing therapeutic approaches such as FDA-approved chemotherapeutics, gemcitabine, abraxane and folfirinox, prolong survival marginally and are accompanied by adverse effects. Several studies suggest the role of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents. Cannabinoid receptors are known to be expressed in pancreatic cells, with a higher expression reported in pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of the endocannabinoid system might offer therapeutic benefits in pancreatic cancer. In addition, emerging data suggest that cannabinoids in combination with chemotherapy can increase survival in transgenic pancreatic cancer murine models. This review provides an overview of the regulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome, in PDAC and will explore the potential of targeting this system for novel anticancer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Falasca
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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15
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Khoury M, Cohen I, Bar-Sela G. “The Two Sides of the Same Coin”—Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Immunity: Pros and Cons Explained. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020389. [PMID: 35214123 PMCID: PMC8877666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, as a natural medicinal remedy, has long been used for palliative treatment to alleviate the side effects caused by diseases. Cannabis-based products isolated from plant extracts exhibit potent immunoregulatory properties, reducing chronic inflammatory processes and providing much needed pain relief. They are a proven effective solution for treatment-based side effects, easing the resulting symptoms of the disease. However, we discuss the fact that cannabis use may promote the progression of a range of malignancies, interfere with anti-cancer immunotherapy, or increase susceptibility to viral infections and transmission. Most cannabis preparations or isolated active components cause an overall potent immunosuppressive impact among users, posing a considerable hazard to patients with suppressed or compromised immune systems. In this review, current knowledge and perceptions of cannabis or cannabinoids and their impact on various immune-system components will be discussed as the “two sides of the same coin” or “double-edged sword”, referring to something that can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. We propose that much is still unknown about adverse reactions to its use, and its integration with medical treatment should be conducted cautiously with consideration of the individual patient, effector cells, microenvironment, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Khoury
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
- Oncology & Hematology Division, Emek Medical Center, Yitshak Rabin Boulevard 21, Afula 1834111, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-6495725; Fax: +972-4-6163992
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16
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Balant M, Gras A, Ruz M, Vallès J, Vitales D, Garnatje T. Traditional uses of Cannabis: An analysis of the CANNUSE database. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 279:114362. [PMID: 34171396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cannabis is one of the most versatile genera in terms of plant use and has been exploited by humans for millennia. Nowadays, Cannabis is the centre of many scientific studies, most of them focusing on chemical composition and medicinal values. While new and varied applications are continuously being developed, the knowledge surrounding less common uses of the plant is slowly disappearing. AIM OF THE REVIEW We have analysed diversity of global data of Cannabis traditional uses, to investigate if certain plant parts are significantly associated with particular Cannabis use. We wanted to uncover potential associations between the plant parts used for the treatment of different body systems and ailments. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have analysed the extensive database of Cannabis traditional uses (CANNUSE). This database contains 2330 data entries of Cannabis ethnobotanical uses from over 40 countries across the world. The dataset was divided into five general groups based on the type of use: medicinal, alimentary, psychoactive, fibre and other uses. Given the abundance of human medicinal uses, detailed analysis was done on the subset of 1167 data entries. We analysed the relationship between 16 body system categories and ailments treated with Cannabis plant parts. We used a Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact test, to determine which Cannabis parts are characteristic of treatment for specific ailments. RESULTS In this dataset, the majority of reports were represented by medicinal (75.41%), followed by psychoactive (8.35%) and alimentary (7.29%) use. The most commonly used plant parts were leaf (50.51%), seed (15.38%) and inflorescence (11.35%). We found that different Cannabis plant parts were significantly associated with different uses; the leaf was typically used for medicinal, seed for alimentary and inflorescence for psychoactive use. Regarding the human medicinal uses, most common were reports for treatments of the digestive system and nutritional disorders (17.66%), nervous system and mental disorders (16.24%), followed by pain and inflammations (12.21%). We found a significant relationship between the use of certain Cannabis parts and treatment of ailments and body systems categories; leaf was significantly associated with treatment of two categories: skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and circulatory system and blood disorders; seed use was associated with musculoskeletal system disorders and traumas; while inflorescence use shows a statistical support for treatment of nervous system and mental disorders. CONCLUSION Several pharmaceutical companies are intensely working on developing new drugs with isolated chemical compounds or crude extracts, almost exclusively from Cannabis inflorescences. However, our review revealed that use of leaf or seed in traditional medicine is often more important than use of inflorescence for the treatment of certain ailments. A review of traditional medicine provides a body of knowledge and an initial pathway to identify landraces and plant parts that could have an important role in future medicinal research. We are confident that traditional medicine still has a large potential for modern medicine. As more information on Cannabis diversity (genetics, biochemistry, and clinical studies) becomes available, ethnobotanical data are poised to be of much greater significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manica Balant
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC - Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s/n, 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Airy Gras
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC - Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s/n, 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Mario Ruz
- Laboratori de Botànica (UB), Unitat Associada Al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació - Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Joan Vallès
- Laboratori de Botànica (UB), Unitat Associada Al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació - Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Estudis Catalans (IEC), Carrer del Carme, 47, 08001, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Daniel Vitales
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC - Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s/n, 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratori de Botànica (UB), Unitat Associada Al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació - Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Teresa Garnatje
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC - Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s/n, 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Malík M, Velechovský J, Tlustoš P. The overview of existing knowledge on medical cannabis plants growing. PLANT, SOIL AND ENVIRONMENT 2021. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.17221/96/2021-pse] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
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18
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Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:583211. [PMID: 34512404 PMCID: PMC8426550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
"Medicinal cannabis" is defined as the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of an illness. Investigations of cannabis compounds in psychiatric and neurological illnesses primarily focus on the major cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which are hypothesised to benefit multiple illnesses manifesting cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration and neuro-inflammation, as well as chronic pain, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. The cannabis plant contains >500 compounds, including terpenes responsible for the flavour and fragrance profiles of plants. Recently, research has begun providing evidence on the potential use of certain plant-derived terpenes in modern medicine, demonstrating anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of these compounds. This review examined the effects of two key terpenes, pinene and linalool, on parameters relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders, highlighting gaps in the literature and recommendations for future research into terpene therapeutics. Overall, evidence is mostly limited to preclinical studies and well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Nevertheless, existing data suggests that pinene and linalool are relevant candidates for further investigation as novel medicines for illnesses, including stroke, ischemia, inflammatory and neuropathic pain (including migraine), cognitive impairment (relevant to Alzheimer's disease and ageing), insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Linalool and pinene influence multiple neurotransmitter, inflammatory and neurotrophic signals as well as behaviour, demonstrating psycho-activity (albeit non-intoxicating). Optimising the phytochemical profile of cannabis chemovars to yield therapeutic levels of beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids, such as linalool, pinene and CBD, could present a unique opportunity to discover novel medicines to treat psychiatric and neurological illnesses; however, further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Weston-Green
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Clunas
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos Jimenez Naranjo
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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19
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Bai Y, Jiang M, Xie T, Jiang C, Gu M, Zhou X, Yan X, Yuan Y, Huang L. Archaeobotanical evidence of the use of medicinal cannabis in a secular context unearthed from south China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 275:114114. [PMID: 33848611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As one of the first plants used by ancient people, cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The long history of medicinal cannabis use contrasts with the paucity of archaeobotanical records. Moreover, physical evidence of medicinal cannabis use in a secular context is much rarer than evidence of medicinal cannabis use in religious or ritual activities, which impedes our understanding of the history of medicinal cannabis use. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to provide archaeobotanical evidence of medicinal cannabis use and analyse the specific medicinal usage of cannabis in a secular context in ancient times. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plant remains were collected from the Laoguanshan Cemetery of the Han Dynasty in Chengdu, South China, with the archaeological flotation process and were identified based on morphological and anatomical characteristics. The examination of the medicinal significance of the remains relied on the investigation of the documentation on unearthed medical bamboo slips, the diseases of the tomb occupants, the cemetery's cultural background and Chinese historical records. RESULTS The botanical remains were accurately identified as cannabis. More than 120 thousand fruits were found, which represents the largest amount of cannabis fruit remains that have been statistically analysed from any cemetery in the world thus far. The cannabis fruits are suspected to have been used for medical purposes in a secular context and were most likely used to stop severe bleeding of the uterus and treat lumbago and/or arthralgia. CONCLUSIONS The cannabis fruit remains reported here likely represent the first physical evidence of medicinal cannabis use for the treatment of metrorrhagia, severe lumbago, and/or arthralgia. This study emphasizes the importance of the evidence of the diseases suffered by the occupants of the tomb in determining the medicinal use of cannabis in a secular context and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the ancient history of medicinal cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjun Bai
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Chengdu, 610071, China
| | - Tao Xie
- Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Chengdu, 610071, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Man Gu
- Institute of China History of Medicine and Medical Literature, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xinying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xue Yan
- Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Chengdu, 610071, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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20
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The Interplay between the Immune and the Endocannabinoid Systems in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061282. [PMID: 34064197 PMCID: PMC8224348 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa has been recognized since ancient times. Phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids activate two major G protein-coupled receptors, subtype 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). Cannabinoids (CBs) modulate several aspects of cancer cells, such as apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness. Moreover, agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors inhibit angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of cancer in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains a plethora of innate and adaptive immune cells. These cells play a central role in tumor initiation and growth and the formation of metastasis. CB2 and, to a lesser extent, CB1 receptors are expressed on a variety of immune cells present in TME (e.g., T cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, eosinophils). The activation of CB receptors modulates a variety of biological effects on cells of the adaptive and innate immune system. The expression of CB2 and CB1 on different subsets of immune cells in TME and hence in tumor development is incompletely characterized. The recent characterization of the human cannabinoid receptor CB2-Gi signaling complex will likely aid to design potent and specific CB2/CB1 ligands with therapeutic potential in cancer.
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21
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Stasiłowicz A, Tomala A, Podolak I, Cielecka-Piontek J. Cannabis sativa L. as a Natural Drug Meeting the Criteria of a Multitarget Approach to Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E778. [PMID: 33466734 PMCID: PMC7830475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. turned out to be a valuable source of chemical compounds of various structures, showing pharmacological activity. The most important groups of compounds include phytocannabinoids and terpenes. The pharmacological activity of Cannabis (in epilepsy, sclerosis multiplex (SM), vomiting and nausea, pain, appetite loss, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, glaucoma, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)), which has been proven so far, results from the affinity of these compounds predominantly for the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), type two (CB2), and the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55)) but, also, for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), glycine receptors, serotonin receptors (5-HT), transient receptor potential channels (TRP), and GPR, opioid receptors. The synergism of action of phytochemicals present in Cannabis sp. raw material is also expressed in their increased bioavailability and penetration through the blood-brain barrier. This review provides an overview of phytochemistry and pharmacology of compounds present in Cannabis extracts in the context of the current knowledge about their synergistic actions and the implications of clinical use in the treatment of selected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stasiłowicz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, 61-781 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Anna Tomala
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (A.T.); (I.P.)
| | - Irma Podolak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (A.T.); (I.P.)
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, 61-781 Poznan, Poland;
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22
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Singh A, Bilichak A, Kovalchuk I. The genetics of Cannabis-genomic variations of key synthases and their effect on cannabinoid content. Genome 2020; 64:490-501. [PMID: 33186070 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2020-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite being a controversial crop, Cannabis sativa L. has a long history of cultivation throughout the world. Following recent legalization in Canada, Cannabis is emerging as an important plant for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Recent progress in genome sequencing of both cannabis and hemp varieties allow for systematic analysis of genes coding for enzymes involved in the cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding regions of cannabinoid synthases play an important role in determining plant chemotype. Deep understanding of how these variants affect enzyme activity and accumulation of cannabinoids will allow breeding of novel cultivars with desirable cannabinoid profiles. Here we present a short overview of the major cannabinoid synthases and present the data on the analysis of their genetic variants and their effect on cannabinoid content using several in-house sequenced Cannabis cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Andriy Bilichak
- Morden Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Morden, MB R6M 1Y5, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
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Johnstad PG. Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. J Cannabis Res 2020; 2:30. [PMID: 33526128 PMCID: PMC7819316 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-020-00032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While cannabis has a long history of spiritual use, its normalization in Western societies during the last decades has led to more recreational use. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of spiritual cannabis use as compared to recreational use and to the use of psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin. METHODS The study employed a mixed methods research design that involved both qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. Participants in interviews (N = 29) were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews via private messaging, and were queried in depth about their use of entheogens such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT in spiritual contexts. The Cannabis and Psychedelics User Survey (CPUS) was constructed on the basis of the reports from these interviews, and recruited 319 participants (median age 33; 81% male) from seven different online communities. The online survey consisted of three main sections, with the first asking about demographics, personality, current and past affiliation to spiritual or religious traditions, and non-psychedelic drug use, and the second and third sections containing questions about motivations for, experience with, and consequences of cannabis and psychedelics use. The main statistical analyses used were multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis, which identified the effect from having a spiritual motivation for cannabis use on various aspects of the cannabis experience while controlling for a range of demographic, personality, and drug use variables. RESULTS Respondents differentiated clearly between the use of psychedelics and cannabis. Their use of the psychedelic drug they chose for the survey was restricted to a median of 1-10 use occasions per year, and 69% of participants endorsed having a spiritual motivation for use. Cannabis, on the other hand, was used a median of 51-100 times per year, and 25% of participants endorsed having a spiritual motivation for use. This minority of spiritual cannabis users differed significantly from non-spiritual users in how they approached cannabis use and in the type of experiences their use gave rise to. In multivariate logistic regression models, spiritual motivation was a significant predictor (p < .05) of experiences of insight, connectedness, joy, love, and unity with transcendent forces. CONCLUSIONS The study found evidence of a group of spiritual cannabis users who tended to regard cannabis as an entheogen. These spiritual cannabis users had a different mode of engagement with cannabis than recreational users, and reported cannabis experiences that in some aspects resembled experiences with psychedelics. Recent research has not given much attention to spiritual aspects of cannabis use, but the study indicates that spiritually motivated use remains prevalent and deserves further study.
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Salami SA, Martinelli F, Giovino A, Bachari A, Arad N, Mantri N. It Is Our Turn to Get Cannabis High: Put Cannabinoids in Food and Health Baskets. Molecules 2020; 25:E4036. [PMID: 32899626 PMCID: PMC7571138 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is an annual plant with a long history of use as food, feed, fiber, oil, medicine, and narcotics. Despite realizing its true value, it has not yet found its true place. Cannabis has had a long history with many ups and downs, and now it is our turn to promote it. Cannabis contains approximately 600 identified and many yet unidentified potentially useful compounds. Cannabinoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and alkaloids are some of the secondary metabolites present in cannabis. However, among a plethora of unique chemical compounds found in this plant, the most important ones are phytocannabinoids (PCs). Over hundreds of 21-22-carbon compounds exclusively produce in cannabis glandular hairs through either polyketide and or deoxyxylulose phosphate/methylerythritol phosphate (DOXP/MEP) pathways. Trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are those that first come to mind while talking about cannabis. Nevertheless, despite the low concentration, cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabinodiol (CBND), and cannabinidiol (CBDL) may have potentially some medical effects. PCs and endocannabinoids (ECs) mediate their effects mainly through CB1 and CB2 receptors. Despite all concerns regarding cannabis, nobody can ignore the use of cannabinoids as promising tonic, analgesic, antipyretic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anticancer agents, which are effective for pain relief, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, nausea and vomiting, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, and appetite stimulation. The scientific community and public society have now increasingly accepted cannabis specifically hemp as much more than a recreational drug. There are growing demands for cannabinoids, mainly CBD, with many diverse therapeutic and nutritional properties in veterinary or human medicine. The main objective of this review article is to historically summarize findings concerning cannabinoids, mainly THC and CBD, towards putting these valuable compounds into food, feed and health baskets and current and future trends in the consumption of products derived from cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Alireza Salami
- Faculty of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj 31587, Iran
| | - Federico Martinelli
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giovino
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification (CREA-DC), 90011 Bagheria (PA), Italy;
| | - Ava Bachari
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (A.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Neda Arad
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Nitin Mantri
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (A.B.); (N.M.)
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25
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Matešić N, Jurina T, Benković M, Panić M, Valinger D, Gajdoš Kljusurić J, Jurinjak Tušek A. Microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Cannabis sativa L.: optimization and kinetics study. SEP SCI TECHNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2020.1804938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Matešić
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tamara Jurina
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Benković
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Manuela Panić
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Valinger
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Ana Jurinjak Tušek
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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26
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Almogi-Hazan O, Or R. Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System and Immunity-the Journey from the Bedside to the Bench and Back. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124448. [PMID: 32585801 PMCID: PMC7352399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cannabis plant contains numerous components, including cannabinoids and other active molecules. The phyto-cannabinoid activity is mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids affect the nervous system and play significant roles in the regulation of the immune system. While Cannabis is not yet registered as a drug, the potential of cannabinoid-based medicines for the treatment of various conditions has led many countries to authorize their clinical use. However, the data from basic and medical research dedicated to medical Cannabis is currently limited. A variety of pathological conditions involve dysregulation of the immune system. For example, in cancer, immune surveillance and cancer immuno-editing result in immune tolerance. On the other hand, in autoimmune diseases increased immune activity causes tissue damage. Immuno-modulating therapies can regulate the immune system and therefore the immune-regulatory properties of cannabinoids, suggest their use in the therapy of immune related disorders. In this contemporary review, we discuss the roles of the endocannabinoid system in immunity and explore the emerging data about the effects of cannabinoids on the immune response in different pathologies. In addition, we discuss the complexities of using cannabinoid-based treatments in each of these conditions.
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Kovalchuk I, Pellino M, Rigault P, van Velzen R, Ebersbach J, Ashnest JR, Mau M, Schranz ME, Alcorn J, Laprairie RB, McKay JK, Burbridge C, Schneider D, Vergara D, Kane NC, Sharbel TF. The Genomics of Cannabis and Its Close Relatives. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 71:713-739. [PMID: 32155342 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-081519-040203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is an important yet controversial plant with a long history of recreational, medicinal, industrial, and agricultural use, and together with its sister genus Humulus, it represents a group of plants with a myriad of academic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, industrial, and social interests. We have performed a meta-analysis of pooled published genomics data, andwe present a comprehensive literature review on the evolutionary history of Cannabis and Humulus, including medicinal and industrial applications. We demonstrate that current Cannabis genome assemblies are incomplete, with ∼10% missing, 10-25% unmapped, and 45S and 5S ribosomal DNA clusters as well as centromeres/satellite sequences not represented. These assemblies are also ordered at a low resolution, and their consensus quality clouds the accurate annotation of complete, partial, and pseudogenized gene copies. Considering the importance of genomics in the development of any crop, this analysis underlines the need for a coordinated effort to quantify the genetic and biochemical diversity of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kovalchuk
- Department of Biology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - M Pellino
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4J8, Canada;
| | - P Rigault
- Gydle Inc., Québec, Québec G1S 1E7, Canada
- Center for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - R van Velzen
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, 6703 BD Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Bedrocan International, 9640 CA Veendam, The Netherlands
| | - J Ebersbach
- Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - J R Ashnest
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4J8, Canada;
| | - M Mau
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4J8, Canada;
| | - M E Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, 6703 BD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Alcorn
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - R B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - J K McKay
- College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | - C Burbridge
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - D Schneider
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - D Vergara
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - N C Kane
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - T F Sharbel
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4J8, Canada;
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Identification and quantification of cannabinol as a biomarker for local hemp retting in an ancient sedimentary record by HPTLC-ESI-MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:2633-2644. [PMID: 32060580 PMCID: PMC7136313 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02492-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis products have been used in various fields of everyday life for many centuries, and applications in folk medicine and textile production have been well-known for many centuries. For traditional textile production, hemp fibers were extracted from the stems by water retting in stagnant or slow-moving waters. During this procedure, parts of the plant material' among them phytocannabinoids' are released into the water. Cannabinol (CBN) is an important degradation product of the predominant phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis species. Thus, it is an excellent indicator for present as well as ancient hemp water retting. In this study, we developed and validated a simple and fast method for the determination of CBN in sediment samples using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), thereby testing different extraction and cleanup procedures' as well as various sorbents and solvents for planar chromatography. This method shows a satisfactory overall analytical performance with an average recovery rate of 73%. Our protocol enabled qualitative and quantitative analyses of CBN in samples of a bottom sediment core' having been obtained from a small lake in Northern India, where intense local retting of hemp was suggested in the past. The analyses showed a maximum CBN content in pollen zone 4 covering a depth range of 262-209 cm, dating from approximately 480 BCE to 1050 CE. These findings correlate with existing records of Cannabis-type pollen. Thus, the method we propose is a helpful tool to track ancient hemp retting activities. Graphical Abstract.
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Stahl V, Vasudevan K. Comparison of Efficacy of Cannabinoids versus Commercial Oral Care Products in Reducing Bacterial Content from Dental Plaque: A Preliminary Observation. Cureus 2020; 12:e6809. [PMID: 32038896 PMCID: PMC6991146 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dental plaque is a complex biofilm that gets formed on the teeth and acts as a reservoir of different microbes. It is the root cause for the occurrence of several dental problems and diseases, including cavities, bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Therefore, it should be regularly removed using suitable oral care aids. Objectives The present study compared the efficacy of oral care products and cannabinoids in reducing the bacterial content of dental plaques. Methods Sixty adults aged 18 to 45 years were categorized into six groups based on the Dutch periodontal screening index. Dental plaques of the adults were collected using paro-toothpick sticks and spread on two Petri dishes, each with four divisions. On Petri dish-A, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) were used, and on Petri dish-B, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Oral B, Colgate, and Cannabite F (a toothpaste formulation of pomegranate and algae) were used. The Petri dishes were sealed and incubated, followed by counting the number of colonies. Results By evaluating the colony count of the dental bacteria isolated from six groups, it was found that cannabinoids were more effective in reducing the bacterial colony count in dental plaques as compared to the well-established synthetic oral care products such as Oral B and Colgate. Conclusion Cannabinoids have the potential to be used as an effective antibacterial agent against dental plaque-associated bacteria. Moreover, it provides a safer alternative for synthetic antibiotics to reduce the development of drug resistance.
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30
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Schurman LD, Lu D, Kendall DA, Howlett AC, Lichtman AH. Molecular Mechanism and Cannabinoid Pharmacology. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 258:323-353. [PMID: 32236882 PMCID: PMC8637936 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since antiquity, Cannabis has provoked enormous intrigue for its potential medicinal properties as well as for its unique pharmacological effects. The elucidation of its major cannabinoid constituents, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), led to the synthesis of new cannabinoids (termed synthetic cannabinoids) to understand the mechanisms underlying the pharmacology of Cannabis. These pharmacological tools were instrumental in the ultimate discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system, which consists of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and endogenously produced ligands (endocannabinoids), which bind and activate both cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors mediate the cannabimimetic effects of THC and are highly expressed on presynaptic neurons in the nervous system, where they modulate neurotransmitter release. In contrast, CB2 receptors are primarily expressed on immune cells. The endocannabinoids are tightly regulated by biosynthetic and hydrolytic enzymes. Accordingly, the endocannabinoid system plays a modulatory role in many physiological processes, thereby generating many promising therapeutic targets. An unintended consequence of this research was the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids sold for human consumption to circumvent federal laws banning Cannabis use. Here, we describe research that led to the discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system and show how knowledge of this system benefitted as well as unintentionally harmed human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley D Schurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Research on Substance Use and Addiction, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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31
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Worob A, Wenthur C. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice/K2). ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 11:3881-3892. [PMID: 31799831 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This Review covers the background, pharmacology, adverse effects, synthesis, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and history of synthetic cannabinoid compounds. Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of novel psychoactive substances that act as agonists at cannabinoid receptors. This class of compounds is structurally diverse and rapidly changing, with multiple generations of molecules having been developed in the past decade. The structural diversity of synthetic cannabinoids is supported by the breadth of chemical space available for exploitation by clandestine chemists and incentivized by attempts to remain ahead of legal pressures. As a class, synthetic cannabinoid products have a more serious adverse effect profile than that of traditional phytocannabinoids, including notable risks of lethality, as well as a history of dangerous adulteration. Most synthetic cannabinoids are rapidly metabolized to active species with prolonged residence times and peripheral tissue distribution, and analytical confirmation of use of these compounds remains challenging. Overall, the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids serves as a noteworthy example of the pressing public health challenges associated with the increasing development of easily synthesized, structurally flexible, highly potent, psychoactive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Worob
- Divisions of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Cody Wenthur
- Divisions of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Páez JA, Campillo NE. Innovative Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptors as Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease and Less Well-Known Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3300-3340. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180226095132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
:
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors at the beginning of the 1990s, CB1 cloned
in 1990 and CB2 cloned in 1993, and the availability of selective and potent cannabimimetics
could only be justified by the existence of endogenous ligands that are capable of binding to
them. Thus, the characterisation and cloning of the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) led to the
isolation and characterisation of the first endocannabinoid, arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA),
two years later and the subsequent identification of a family of lipid transmitters known as the
fatty acid ester 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
:
The endogenous cannabinoid system is a complex signalling system that comprises transmembrane
endocannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands (the endocannabinoids), the
specific uptake mechanisms and the enzymatic systems related to their biosynthesis and degradation.
:
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a wide diversity of biological processes,
in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, including memory, learning, neuronal development,
stress and emotions, food intake, energy regulation, peripheral metabolism, and
the regulation of hormonal balance through the endocrine system.
:
In this context, this article will review the current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of
cannabinoid receptor as a target in Alzheimer’s disease and other less well-known diseases
that include, among others, multiple sclerosis, bone metabolism, and Fragile X syndrome.
:
The therapeutic applications will be addressed through the study of cannabinoid agonists acting
as single drugs and multi-target drugs highlighting the CB2 receptor agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Páez
- Instituto de Quimica Medica (IQM-CSIC). C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria E. Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC). C/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Lyu D, Backer R, Robinson WG, Smith DL. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria for Cannabis Production: Yield, Cannabinoid Profile and Disease Resistance. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1761. [PMID: 31456755 PMCID: PMC6698789 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Legal Cannabis production is now experiencing growing consumer demand due to changing legislation around the world. However, because of heavy restrictions on cannabis cultivation over the past century, little scientific research has been conducted on this crop, in particular around use of members of the phytomicrobiome to improve crop yields. Recent developments in the field of plant science have demonstrated that application of microbes, isolated from the rhizosphere, have enormous potential to improve yields, in particular under stressful growing conditions. This perspective carefully examines the potential for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve marijuana and hemp yield and quality. It then explores the potential use of PGPR for biological control of plant pathogens, which is particularly interesting given the stringent regulation of pesticide residues on this crop. As an industry-relevant example, biocontrol of powdery mildew, a common and deleterious pathogen affecting cannabis production, is assessed. Finally, two PGPR in genera frequently associated with higher plants (Pseudomonas and Bacillus) were selected as case studies for the potential effects on growth promotion and disease biocontrol in commercial cannabis production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Lyu
- Crop Physiology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rachel Backer
- Crop Physiology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Donald L. Smith
- Crop Physiology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ren M, Tang Z, Wu X, Spengler R, Jiang H, Yang Y, Boivin N. The origins of cannabis smoking: Chemical residue evidence from the first millennium BCE in the Pamirs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaaw1391. [PMID: 31206023 PMCID: PMC6561734 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaw1391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the oldest cultivated plants in East Asia, grown for grain and fiber as well as for recreational, medical, and ritual purposes. It is one of the most widely used psychoactive drugs in the world today, but little is known about its early psychoactive use or when plants under cultivation evolved the phenotypical trait of increased specialized compound production. The archaeological evidence for ritualized consumption of cannabis is limited and contentious. Here, we present some of the earliest directly dated and scientifically verified evidence for ritual cannabis smoking. This phytochemical analysis indicates that cannabis plants were burned in wooden braziers during mortuary ceremonies at the Jirzankal Cemetery (ca. 500 BCE) in the eastern Pamirs region. This suggests cannabis was smoked as part of ritual and/or religious activities in western China by at least 2500 years ago and that the cannabis plants produced high levels of psychoactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, P. R. China
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zihua Tang
- Key Laboratory of Cenozoic Geology and Environment, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xinhua Wu
- Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 100710, P. R. China
| | - Robert Spengler
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Hongen Jiang
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yimin Yang
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Nicole Boivin
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena 07745, Germany
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Banister SD, Arnold JC, Connor M, Glass M, McGregor IS. Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2160-2175. [PMID: 30689342 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis ( Cannabis sativa) is the most widely used illicit drug in the world, with an estimated 192 million users globally. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is (-)- trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a compound with a diverse range of pharmacological actions. The unique and distinctive intoxication caused by Δ9-THC primarily reflects partial agonist action at central cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Δ9-THC is an approved therapeutic treatment for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis, and is being investigated in indications such as anorexia nervosa, agitation in dementia, and Tourette's syndrome. It is available as a regulated pharmaceutical in products such as Marinol, Sativex, and Namisol as well as in an ever-increasing range of unregistered medicinal and recreational cannabis products. While cannabis is an ancient medicament, contemporary use is embroiled in legal, scientific, and social controversy, much of which relates to the potential hazards and benefits of Δ9-THC itself. Robust contemporary debate surrounds the therapeutic value of Δ9-THC in different diseases, its capacity to produce psychosis and cognitive impairment, and the addictive and "gateway" potential of the drug. This review will provide a profile of the chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of Δ9-THC as well as the historical and societal import of this unique, distinctive, and ubiquitous psychoactive substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science and School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Science and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science and School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Amin MR, Ali DW. Pharmacology of Medical Cannabis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:151-165. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J. Roulette
- Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Barry S. Hewlett
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Vancouver
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Bonini SA, Premoli M, Tambaro S, Kumar A, Maccarinelli G, Memo M, Mastinu A. Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 227:300-315. [PMID: 30205181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) is an annual dioecious plant, which shares its origins with the inception of the first agricultural human societies in Asia. Over the course of time different parts of the plant have been utilized for therapeutic and recreational purposes, for instance, extraction of healing oils from seed, or the use of inflorescences for their psychoactive effects. The key psychoactive constituent in C. sativa is called Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC). The endocannabinoid system seems to be phylogenetically ancient, as it was present in the most primitive vertebrates with a neuronal network. N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are the main endocannabinoids ligands present in the animal kingdom, and the main endocannabinoid receptors are cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor and cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor. AIM OF THE STUDY The review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation, from the ancient times to our days, of the ethnological, botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of C. sativa, with a vision for promoting further pharmaceutical research to explore its complete potential as a therapeutic agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was performed by reviewing in extensive details the studies on historical significance and ethnopharmacological applications of C. sativa by using international scientific databases, books, Master's and Ph.D. dissertations and government reports. In addition, we also try to gather relevant information from large regional as well as global unpublished resources. In addition, the plant taxonomy was validated using certified databases such as Medicinal Plant Names Services (MPNS) and The Plant List. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A detailed comparative analysis of the available resources for C. sativa confirmed its origin and traditional spiritual, household and therapeutic uses and most importantly its popularity as a recreational drug. The result of several studies suggested a deeper involvement of phytocannabinoids (the key compounds in C. sativa) in several others central and peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms such as food intake, inflammation, pain, colitis, sleep disorders, neurological and psychiatric illness. However, despite their numerous medicinal benefits, they are still considered as a menace to the society and banned throughout the world, except for few countries. We believe that this review will help lay the foundation for promoting exhaustive pharmacological and pharmaceutical studies in order to better understand the clinical relevance and applications of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases and help to improve the legal status of C. sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Pisanti S, Bifulco M. Medical
Cannabis
: A plurimillennial history of an evergreen. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:8342-8351. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana” University of Salerno Salerno Italy
| | - M. Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
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Sánchez-Carnerero Callado C, Núñez-Sánchez N, Casano S, Ferreiro-Vera C. The potential of near infrared spectroscopy to estimate the content of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L.: A comparative study. Talanta 2018; 190:147-157. [PMID: 30172491 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been one of the oldest source of food, textile fiber and psychotropic substances. Cannabinoids are the main biologically active constituents of the Cannabis genus, with a demonstrated medicinal value. Its production is becoming legalized and regulated in many countries, thus increasing the need for a rapid analysis method to assess the content of cannabinoids. Gas chromatography (GC) is the preferred analytical method for the determination of these compounds, although is a slow and costly technique. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) has the potential for the quantitative prediction of quality parameters, and also of pharmacologically active compounds, but no references about cannabinoids prediction has been previously reported. The aim of the present research was to develop a fast, economical, robust and environmentally friendly method based on NIR technology that allow the quantification of the main cannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa L. SAMPLES A total of 189 grinded and dried samples from different genotypes and registered varieties were used. The content of the cannabinoids CBDV, Δ9-THCV, CBD, CBC, Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC, CBG and CBN were determined by gas chromatography. Spectra were collected in a dispersive NIR Systems 6500 instrument, and in a Fourier transform near Infrared (FT-NIR) equipment. The sample group was divided into calibration and validation sets, to develop modified partial lest squares (PLS) regression models with WINISI IV software with the dispersive data, and PLS models using OPUS 7.2 with the FT-NIR ones. Excellent coefficient of determination of cross validation (R2CV from 0.91 to 0.99), were obtained for the prediction of CBD, CBC, Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC, CBG and CBN, with standard error of prediction (SEP) values among 1.5-3 times the standard error of laboratory (SEL); and good for CBDV and Δ9-THCV cannabinoids (R2 values of 0.89 and 0.83, respectively) with the dispersive instrument. Similar calibration and validation statistics have been obtained with the FT-NIR instrument with the same sample sets, using its specific OPUS software. In conclusion, a methodology of quantitative determination of cannabinoids in Cannabis raw materials has been developed for the first time using NIR and FT-NIR instruments, with similar good predictive results. This new analytical method would allow a simpler, more robust and precise estimation than the current standard GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sánchez-Carnerero Callado
- Phytoplant Research S.L., The Science and Technology Park of Córdoba-Rabanales 21, Astronoma Cecilia Payne Street, Centauro Building, B-1, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - N Núñez-Sánchez
- Department of Animal Production, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, Ctra Nacional IV-km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - S Casano
- Phytoplant Research S.L., The Science and Technology Park of Córdoba-Rabanales 21, Astronoma Cecilia Payne Street, Centauro Building, B-1, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - C Ferreiro-Vera
- Phytoplant Research S.L., The Science and Technology Park of Córdoba-Rabanales 21, Astronoma Cecilia Payne Street, Centauro Building, B-1, 14014 Córdoba, Spain.
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Zhu GY, Yang J, Yao XJ, Yang X, Fu J, Liu X, Bai LP, Liu L, Jiang ZH. (±)-Sativamides A and B, Two Pairs of Racemic Nor-Lignanamide Enantiomers from the Fruits of Cannabis sativa. J Org Chem 2018; 83:2376-2381. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b02765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Yuan Zhu
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ji Yang
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jing Fu
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Li-Ping Bai
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Jiang
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute
for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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ElSohly MA, Radwan MM, Gul W, Chandra S, Galal A. Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017; 103:1-36. [PMID: 28120229 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa, or hemp) and its constituents-in particular the cannabinoids-have been the focus of extensive chemical and biological research for almost half a century since the discovery of the chemical structure of its major active constituent, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The plant's behavioral and psychotropic effects are attributed to its content of this class of compounds, the cannabinoids, primarily Δ9-THC, which is produced mainly in the leaves and flower buds of the plant. Besides Δ9-THC, there are also non-psychoactive cannabinoids with several medicinal functions, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG), along with other non-cannabinoid constituents belonging to diverse classes of natural products. Today, more than 560 constituents have been identified in cannabis. The recent discoveries of the medicinal properties of cannabis and the cannabinoids in addition to their potential applications in the treatment of a number of serious illnesses, such as glaucoma, depression, neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and alleviation of symptoms of HIV/AIDS and cancer, have given momentum to the quest for further understanding the chemistry, biology, and medicinal properties of this plant.This contribution presents an overview of the botany, cultivation aspects, and the phytochemistry of cannabis and its chemical constituents. Particular emphasis is placed on the newly-identified/isolated compounds. In addition, techniques for isolation of cannabis constituents and analytical methods used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of cannabis and its products are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A ElSohly
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc., 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA.
| | - Mohamed M Radwan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
| | - Waseem Gul
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc., 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA
| | - Suman Chandra
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Ahmed Galal
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
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Brand EJ, Zhao Z. Cannabis in Chinese Medicine: Are Some Traditional Indications Referenced in Ancient Literature Related to Cannabinoids? Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:108. [PMID: 28344554 PMCID: PMC5345167 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) has a long history of utilization as a fiber and seed crop in China, and its achenes (“seeds”) as well as other plant parts have been recorded in Chinese medical texts for nearly 2000 years. While the primary applications of cannabis in Chinese medicine center around the use of the achenes, ancient indications for the female inflorescence, and other plant parts include conditions such as pain and mental illness that are the subject of current research into cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, little previous research has been conducted to analyze the Chinese medical literature in light of recent advances in the pharmacology and taxonomy of cannabis, and most of the relevant Chinese historical records have not yet been translated into Western languages to facilitate textual research. Furthermore, many key questions remain unresolved in the Chinese literature, including how various traditional drug names precisely correspond to different plant parts, as well as the implications of long-term selection for fiber-rich cultivars on the medical applications of cannabis in Chinese medicine. In this article, prominent historical applications of cannabis in Chinese medicine are chronologically reviewed, and indications found in ancient Chinese literature that may relate to cannabinoids such as CBD and Δ9-THC are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Joseph Brand
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhongzhen Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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44
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Open sesame: Identification of sesame oil and oil soot ink in organic deposits of Tang Dynasty lamps from Astana necropolis in China. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0158636. [PMID: 28234998 PMCID: PMC5325208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamp illuminants evidence the exploitation of natural resources, animal and plant domestication, commerce, religious practices and nutrition of ancient populations. However, the physicochemical analysis of their major constituent—burned, degraded and aged mixture of triacylglycerols is imprecise and may lead to ambiguous interpretations. We applied proteomics to analyze fuel deposits from eight lamps dated by 6th to 8th centuries AD that were excavated at the Astana necropolis (Xinjiang, China) and determined their origin by identifying organism-specific proteins. Proteomics evidence corroborated and detailed the assignments of source organism relying upon comparative profiling of intact triacylglycerols by shotgun lipidomics. We found that ruminant (mostly, sheep) fat, cattle ghee and sesame oil were common combustibles in Astana and concluded that sesame as an oilseed appeared in China under Tang Dynasty concomitantly with the expansion of Buddhism.
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45
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Stevens CJ, Murphy C, Roberts R, Lucas L, Silva F, Fuller DQ. Between China and South Asia: A Middle Asian corridor of crop dispersal and agricultural innovation in the Bronze Age. THE HOLOCENE 2016; 26:1541-1555. [PMID: 27942165 PMCID: PMC5125436 DOI: 10.1177/0959683616650268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The period from the late third millennium BC to the start of the first millennium AD witnesses the first steps towards food globalization in which a significant number of important crops and animals, independently domesticated within China, India, Africa and West Asia, traversed Central Asia greatly increasing Eurasian agricultural diversity. This paper utilizes an archaeobotanical database (AsCAD), to explore evidence for these crop translocations along southern and northern routes of interaction between east and west. To begin, crop translocations from the Near East across India and Central Asia are examined for wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) from the eighth to the second millennia BC when they reach China. The case of pulses and flax (Linum usitatissimum) that only complete this journey in Han times (206 BC-AD 220), often never fully adopted, is also addressed. The discussion then turns to the Chinese millets, Panicum miliaceum and Setaria italica, peaches (Amygdalus persica) and apricots (Armeniaca vulgaris), tracing their movement from the fifth millennium to the second millennium BC when the Panicum miliaceum reaches Europe and Setaria italica Northern India, with peaches and apricots present in Kashmir and Swat. Finally, the translocation of japonica rice from China to India that gave rise to indica rice is considered, possibly dating to the second millennium BC. The routes these crops travelled include those to the north via the Inner Asia Mountain Corridor, across Middle Asia, where there is good evidence for wheat, barley and the Chinese millets. The case for japonica rice, apricots and peaches is less clear, and the northern route is contrasted with that through northeast India, Tibet and west China. Not all these journeys were synchronous, and this paper highlights the selective long-distance transport of crops as an alternative to demic-diffusion of farmers with a defined crop package.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leilani Lucas
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, UK
| | - Fabio Silva
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, UK
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46
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Szaflarski JP, Bebin EM. Cannabis, cannabidiol, and epilepsy--from receptors to clinical response. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 41:277-82. [PMID: 25282526 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.08.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Recreational cannabis use in adults with epilepsy is widespread. The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is also becoming more prevalent. For this purpose, various preparations of cannabis of varying strengths and content are being used. The recent changes in the legal environment have improved the availability of products with high cannabidiol (CBD) and low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations. There is some anecdotal evidence of their potential efficacy, but the mechanisms of such action are not entirely clear. Some suspect an existence of synergy or "entourage effect" between CBD and THC. There is strong evidence that THC acts via the cannabinoid receptor CB1. The mechanism of action of CBD is less clear but is likely polypharmacological. The scientific data support the role of the endocannabinoid system in seizure generation, maintenance, and control in animal models of epilepsy. There are clear data for the negative effects of cannabis on the developing and mature brain though these effects appear to be relatively mild in most cases. Further data from well-designed studies are needed regarding short- and long-term efficacy and side effects of CBD or high-CBD/low-THC products for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy in children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy P Szaflarski
- UAB Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - E Martina Bebin
- UAB Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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47
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Tang YN, Li X, Yao YF, Ferguson DK, Li CS. Environmental reconstruction of Tuyoq in the Fifth Century and its bearing on Buddhism in Turpan, Xinjiang, China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86363. [PMID: 24475109 PMCID: PMC3903531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Thousand Buddha Grottoes of Tuyoq, Turpan, Xinjiang, China were once a famous Buddhist temple along the ancient Silk Road which was first constructed in the Fifth Century (A.D.). Although archaeological researches about the Grottoes have been undertaken for over a century, the ancient environment has remained enigmatic. Based on seven clay samples from the Grottoes’ adobes, pollen and leaf epidermis were analyzed to decipher the vegetation and climate of Fifth Century Turpan, and the environmental landscape was reconstructed in three dimensions. The results suggest that temperate steppe vegetation dominated the Tuyoq region under a warmer and wetter environment with more moderate seasonality than today, as the ancient mean annual temperature was 15.3°C, the mean annual precipitation was approximately 1000 mm and the temperature difference between coldest and warmest months was 24°C using Co-existence Approach. Taken in the context of wheat and grape cultivation as shown by pollen of Vitis and leaf epidermis of Triticum, we infer that the Tuyoq region was an oasis with booming Buddhism in the Fifth Century, which was probably encouraged by a 1°C warmer temperature with an abundant water supply compared to the coeval world that experienced the 1.4 k BP cooling event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Na Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Li
- School of Chinese Classics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Feng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (CSL); yaoyf@ ibcas.ac.cn (YFY)
| | - David Kay Ferguson
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Paleontology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cheng-Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (CSL); yaoyf@ ibcas.ac.cn (YFY)
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48
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Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. The behavioral effects of acute Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and heroin (diacetylmorphine) exposure in adult zebrafish. Brain Res 2013; 1543:109-19. [PMID: 24216135 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of psychotropic drugs in clinical and translational brain research continues to grow, and the need for novel experimental models and screens is becoming widely recognized. Mounting evidence supports the utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for studying various pharmacological manipulations, as an alternative model complementing the existing rodent paradigms in this field. Here, we explore the effects of acute 20-min exposure to two commonly abused psychotropic compounds, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and heroin, on adult zebrafish behavior in the novel tank test. Overall, THC administration (30 and 50 mg/L) produces an anxiogenic-like reduction of top swimming, paralleled with a slower, continuous bottom swimming. In contrast, heroin exposure (15 and 25 mg/L) evoked a hyperlocomotor response (with rapid bouts of bottom swimming and frequent 'bouncing' motions) without altering anxiety-sensitive top/bottom endpoints. The behavioral effects of these two compounds in zebrafish seem to parallel the respective rodent and human findings. Collectively, this emphasizes the growing significance of novel emerging aquatic models in translational drug abuse research and small molecule screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) and ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) and ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell 70458, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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49
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Li JF, Abuduresule I, Hueber FM, Li WY, Hu XJ, Li YZ, Li CS. Buried in sands: environmental analysis at the archaeological site of Xiaohe cemetery, Xinjiang, China. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68957. [PMID: 23894382 PMCID: PMC3718815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palynomorphs extracted from the mud coffins and plant remains preserved at the archaeological site of Xiaohe Cemetery (Cal. 3980 to 3540 years BP) in Lop Nur Desert of Xinjiang, China were investigated for the reconstruction of the ancient environments at the site. The results demonstrate that the Xiaohe People lived at a well-developed oasis, which was surrounded by extensive desert. The vegetation in the oasis consisted of Populus, Phragmites, Typha and probably of Gramineae, while the desert surrounding the oasis had some common drought-resistant plants dominated by Ephedra, Tamarix, Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae. This present work provides the first data of the environmental background at this site for further archaeological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Insititue of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Francis M. Hueber
- Department of Paleobiology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Wen-Ying Li
- Xinjiang Cultural Relics and Archaeology Institute, Urumchi, China
| | - Xin-Jun Hu
- Xinjiang Cultural Relics and Archaeology Institute, Urumchi, China
| | - Yue-Zhuo Li
- Sanya Museum of Natural History, Sanya, China
| | - Cheng-Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Insititue of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Docimo T, Consonni R, Coraggio I, Mattana M. Early phenylpropanoid biosynthetic steps in Cannabis sativa: link between genes and metabolites. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:13626-44. [PMID: 23812081 PMCID: PMC3742207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140713626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), Cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) catalyze the first three steps of the general phenylpropanoid pathway whereas chalcone synthase (CHS) catalyzes the first specific step towards flavonoids production. This class of specialized metabolites has a wide range of biological functions in plant development and defence and a broad spectrum of therapeutic activities for human health. In this study, we report the isolation of hemp PAL and 4CL cDNA and genomic clones. Through in silico analysis of their deduced amino acid sequences, more than an 80% identity with homologues genes of other plants was shown and phylogenetic relationships were highlighted. Quantitative expression analysis of the four above mentioned genes, PAL and 4CL enzymatic activities, lignin content and NMR metabolite fingerprinting in different Cannabis sativa tissues were evaluated. Furthermore, the use of different substrates to assay PAL and 4CL enzymatic activities indicated that different isoforms were active in different tissues. The diversity in secondary metabolites content observed in leaves (mainly flavonoids) and roots (mainly lignin) was discussed in relation to gene expression and enzymatic activities data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Docimo
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, CNR, Via Bassini 15, Milan 20133, Italy; E-Mails: (T.D.); (I.C.)
| | - Roberto Consonni
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, NMR Department, CNR, Via Bassini 15, Milan 20133, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Immacolata Coraggio
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, CNR, Via Bassini 15, Milan 20133, Italy; E-Mails: (T.D.); (I.C.)
| | - Monica Mattana
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, CNR, Via Bassini 15, Milan 20133, Italy; E-Mails: (T.D.); (I.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-02-2369-9677; Fax: +39-02-2369-9411
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