Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Allosteric Modulation of the CB1 Receptor by a Juniper Berry Seasoning Extract: Deoxypodophyllotoxin as the Major
Francisco J Ponce-Díaz1,2,3, Laura Cerero-Tejero1,2,3, Adela García-Martín1,2,3
1Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba , Córdoba14004, Spain.
Abstract:
Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) berries are widely used as a culinary spice and flavoring ingredient. While their volatile profile is well characterized, much less is known about the composition and biological activity of their nonvolatile constituents. Here, we show that a commercial carbonic extract prepared from juniper berry seasoning displays positive allosteric modulator (PAM)-like activity at the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R). Bioactivity-guided fractionation identified deoxypodophyllotoxin as a principal contributor to this effect. In the presence of a CB1R orthosteric agonist, this cyclolignan enhanced cAMP- and ERK-dependent signaling and β-arrestin recruitment, supporting a modulatory interaction with CB1R. Oral administration of the seasoning extract and related cyclolignans altered murine nociceptive responses without impairing motor coordination. These findings identify deoxypodophyllotoxin as a food-derived CB1R modulator and suggest that nonvolatile constituents of juniper berries may contribute to sensory responses associated with food consumption.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Allosteric Regulation
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism