Introduction:
Cannabis has a long association with human civilization. Over centuries, this has been part of several ancient civilizations. This is often regarded as marijuana or weed. However, marijuana or weed is often obtained from the dried flowers of the plants. The chemicals present in weed or marijuana have psychoactive properties. Because of this, it is considered taboo in modern society. However, the medicinal properties of cannabis are mentioned in many ancient literature. In modern times, scientists have been able to identify chemicals present in cannabis that have therapeutic values.
What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a by-product obtained from the medicinal plant Cannabis sativa, which has many medicinal benefits. It is also known as Indian hemp. This plant is originally native to central and western Asia. However, cannabidiol is also obtained from many cannabis and hemp plants. Almost 400 chemical compounds are present in this plant, among which 80 compounds are biologically active. Cannabinoids are the most important compound among these, which is formed by a terpene combined with resorcinol or a benzopyran ring system. Psychoactive active chemicals present in tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH), particularly the isomer delta. Other identified compounds are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and olivetol. Other products present in trace amounts are beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, piperidine, p-cymene, and flavonoids such as quercetin in synthetic cannabis-related drug products substances like dronabinol and nabilone.
Structure of CBD: CBD or cannabinoids are terpenophenolic compounds by nature. They are made up of twenty-one carbon atoms, which form a cyclohexene ring, a phenolic ring, and a pentyl side chain. In addition to this, a terpenic ring and an aromatic ring are present perpendicular to each other. The chemical activity of the CBD ring is facilitated by the hydroxyl groups present in the phenolic ring in two carbon positions. Due to this, CBD can interact with various biological molecules like amino acids such as threonine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, or glutamine through hydrogen bonding.
Mechanism of Action of CBD: The mechanism of action of CBD is not fully understood. It has a low affinity towards cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. However, CBD shows both favorable and unfavorable impacts on both of these receptors. Also, CBD acts on the 5-HT1A receptor (receptor for neuromodulation) and affects intercellular calcium release.
Dose of CBD: Considering its numerous health benefits, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the application of synthetic CBD in numerous diseases. These synthetic CBD contain pharmaceutically active products such as Dronabinol, or Nabilone. However, in 2018, oral suspension containing plant-based CBD was approved. In current condition, CBD is indicated in children aged two years or more. This compound is indicated in patients suffering from seizure-related disorders like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a rare and severe type of epilepsy) and Dravet syndrome (a type of epileptic disorder). In children, the dose of CBD should be 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight administered per day (0.0007 ounces per 2.202 pounds per day) initially. Gradually, this dose can be increased to 10 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day (0.0003 ounces per 2.202 pounds per day). Apart from this, CBD is also used for the treatment ofanxiety, depression, and Schizophrenia (a serious type of mental illness). Also, it has beneficial effects on pain and inflammation.
Clinical Application of CBD: The pharmacological effects of cannabidiols have numerous benefits. These include effects like an analgesic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, and antipsychotic activity.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH), present in the cannabidiol, acts as a mood elevator due to its euphoric action, which helps to act against psychological disorders.
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CBD binds to the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and causes negative allosteric modulation. Allosteric regulation of this G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) is achieved through the alteration of the activity of a receptor on a functionally distinct site. These sites can be either agonist or antagonist binding sites. These agonist and antagonist actions help to avoid psychomimetic effects like hallucination and depressant effects.
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It can be used in major depressive disorders for its anxiolytic actions. The anxiolytic action of cannabidiols is attributed to their effect on the 5-HT1A (receptor for neuromodulation) receptor.
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CBD is also helpful in reducing stress by blocking by blocking the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This causes anxiolytic (reduced anxiety) effects in brain regions like the bed nucleus and stria terminalis. Additionally, activation of 5-HT1A receptors may help reduce stress.
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Inflammation plays an important role in psychological disorders and psychological abnormalities. CBD causes the activation of GPR55, which is responsible for anti-inflammatory actions. Also, it has anticonvulsant effects. Agonist effects of CBD on adenosine A2A receptors help to reduce neuroinflammation.
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CBD is responsible for preventing the synthesis of superoxide radicals. This reduces the chances of oxidative stress.
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CBD blocks pathways for redox reactions and prevents the formation of free radicals. CBD is also associated with a reduction in the level of nitrous oxide. This antioxidant mechanism helps prevent inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
What Is CBN?
As already discussed, CBN or cannabinol is also obtained from the same plant source as CBD. However, it is considered a minor phytocannabinoid. In aged cannabis plants, the breaking down of tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH) takes place. However, this leads to the formation of a less potent cannabinoid called CBN. In the laboratory, it is produced by the oxidative degradation product of tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH).
- Mechanism of Action of CBN: CNB mainly acts on the various parts of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), like its signaling molecules, receptors, and enzymes. This affects the circadian rhythmicity (the physical clock of the human body). CBN also causes the activation of both cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Also, CBN causes calcium influx into the cells by activating calcium-dependent pathways in the cells.
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Clinical Application of CBN: The clinical potential of CBN is less explored and less studied. So far, scientists have identified its potential in sleep induction. The sleep induction properties of CBN can be beneficial in curing sleeping disorders. CBN also has anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties. This helps cure skin disorders like epidermolysis bullosa (a rare skin disease causing blistering in the skin).
What Are the Side Effects of CBN and CBD?
The most common side effect of CBN and CBD is dependency. Symptoms like drowsiness, irritability, loss of appetite, and mood swings are seen in cases. Dose control is necessary to eliminate such complications. Also, liver damage is seen in many cases. Apart from this, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and headache are common side effects.
Conclusion:
CBD and CBN are both obtained from cannabis. Both of these compounds have therapeutic values. CBD is used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. On the other hand, CBN is used for the treatment of sleep disorders and skin allergies. However, proper monitoring and consultation with the doctor is needed to avoid any complications.
