Everything about Cannabidiol totally explained
Cannabidiol, also known as
CBD, is a
cannabinoid found in
Cannabis. It is a major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% in its extracts.
CBD alone isn't intoxicating, but it appears to moderate the
euphoric effect of
THC (which is an
isomer of cannabidiol) and add a
sedative quality. Some research, however, indicates that CBD can increase alertness.
It may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the
metabolism of THC in the
liver. CBD doesn't appear to affect either the CB
1 or CB
2 receptors.
Medically, it appears to relieve
convulsion,
inflammation,
anxiety, and
nausea, and to inhibit
cancer cell growth. Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as
atypical antipsychotics in treating
schizophrenia.
In November 2007 it was reported that CBD reduces growth of aggressive human
breast cancer cells
in vitro and reduces their invasiveness. It thus represents the first non-toxic exogenous agent that can lead to down-regulation of tumor aggressiveness.
Medicinal use
In April
2005, Canadian authorities approved the marketing of
Sativex, a mouth spray for
multiple sclerosis to alleviate pain. Sativex contains tetrahydrocannabinol together with cannabidiol. It is marketed in
Canada by GW Pharmaceuticals.
Pharmacology
Cannabidiol doesn't bind to
CB1 or
CB2 receptors but it does block the effects of
cannabinoid agonists by an unknown indirect way. Recently it was found to be an antagonist at the putative new cannabinoid receptor,
GPR55, a
GPCR expressed in the
caudate nucleus and
putamen.
Cannabidiol has also been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, with low potency in non-cancer cells. Although the inhibitory mechanism isn't yet fully understood, Ligresti et al suggest that "cannabidiol exerts its effects on these cells through a combination of mechanisms that include either direct or indirect activation of CB
2 and
TRPV1 receptors, and induction of
oxidative stress, all contributing to induce
apoptosis."
In November
2007, researchers at the
California Pacific Medical Center reported that CBD shows promise for controlling the spread of
metastatic breast cancer.
In-vitro CBD downregulates the activity of the gene
Id-1 which is responsible for tumor metastasis.
Chemistry
Cannabidiol is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. At room temperature it's a colorless crystalline solid. In strongly basic medium and the presence of air it's oxidized to a
quinone. Under acidic conditions it cyclizes to
THC. The synthesis of cannabidiol has been accomplished by several research groups.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Cannabidiol'.
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