Phytocannabinoids: Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential
Gogula Priya, Chinthaginjala Haranath, Donnepati Pradeep Sai, Konda Sai Megha, Sugur Samhitha, Vallapureddy Vasanthi, Kopparapu Maddi Venkata Ramu, Talapula Santhosh Kumar, Lingadahalli Bilwa Malini, Kotra Mounika
Cannabis sativa is the primary source of phytocannabinoids, which are meroterpenoids with a resorcinol core that are also present in other plant species such as Helichrysum and Echinacea. There are over more than 100 phytocannabinoids known to exist, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-⁹THC), Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) are the most commonly used. Based on lead structures, these compounds are categorized into eleven major chemical classes. The effects of phytocannabinoids on endocannabinoid systems in the human brain occur primarily through cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly located in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the immune system. The entourage effect is a therapeutic effect produced by the combination of phtocannabinoid and endocannabinoid. Hydrodistillation, hydrodynamic extraction, pressurized hot water extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, focused ultrasound extraction, Soxhlet extraction, dynamic maceration, supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and freeze-drying are among the methods applied to extract phytocannabinoids from plant material. Each method possesses advantages in terms of active component preservation, yield, and selectivity. Phytocannabinoids are weakly soluble in water but highly lipophilic and therefore exhibit less oral bioavailability. They are extensively metabolized in the liver mainly by cytochrome P450 enzymes and quickly spread into organs with good vascularization. The administration route influences bioavailability and absorption. Drugs like Sativex for multiple sclerosis and Epidiolex for epilepsy have been approved in several countries. In India, use and production of Cannabis sativa are illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, except for research or certain plant parts like bhang.
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