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Molecular Targets of the Phytocannabinoids: A Complex Picture
Paula Morales1, Dow P Hurst1, Patricia H Reggio2
1Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC, 27412, USA.
Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products
|January 26, 2017
Summary
Cannabis sativa L. compounds, known as phytocannabinoids, offer medicinal and psychotropic effects. Research reveals these compounds interact with multiple targets beyond the previously assumed cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cannabis Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cannabis sativa L. has a long history of medicinal and psychotropic use.
- These effects are attributed to phytocannabinoids, with over 120 identified.
- Phytocannabinoids are C21 aromatic hydrocarbons found in Cannabis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular pharmacology of phytocannabinoids.
- To investigate the diverse molecular targets of phytocannabinoids.
- Focus on the actions of Δ9-THC and CBD at their respective targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on phytocannabinoid pharmacology.
- Analysis of known phytocannabinoid interactions.
- Focus on molecular targets beyond CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Main Results:
- Phytocannabinoid effects are mediated by multiple molecular targets.
- The traditional view of CB1 and CB2 receptor mediation is incomplete.
- Δ9-THC and CBD interact with a complex network of targets.
Conclusions:
- The molecular pharmacology of phytocannabinoids is complex and multifaceted.
- Understanding these multiple targets is crucial for therapeutic applications.
- Further research into phytocannabinoid-target interactions is warranted.
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