Related Experiment Videos
Chemical basis of hashish activity
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 7, 1970
Summary
The primary psychoactive compound in hashish is Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Other cannabinoids do not significantly alter its activity in monkeys, indicating Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main active component.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hashish, a cannabis derivative, contains numerous compounds with potential psychoactive effects.
- Identifying the specific active components of hashish is crucial for understanding its pharmacology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the effects of hashish.
- To investigate the potential contribution of other cannabinoids to hashish's activity.
Main Methods:
- Sequential extraction of hashish using petroleum ether, benzene, and methanol.
- Intravenous administration of extracted fractions to monkeys.
- Further fractionation of the active petroleum ether extract.
- Testing the isolated Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with other cannabinoids.
Main Results:
- The petroleum ether fraction was the only active extract in monkeys.
- Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol was identified as the sole active compound isolated.
- Co-administration of other cannabinoids (cannabinol, cannabidiol, etc.) with Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol did not alter its activity.
Conclusions:
- Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol is the principal psychotomimetically active compound in hashish.
- Major, psychotomimetically active compounds other than Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol are not present in significant amounts in hashish.