Cannabinoid compounds are closely related to gender plants Cannabishemp. A relationship that is manifested in the same name of these compounds, among which perhaps the most recognizable are THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) and the CBD (Cannabidiol). However, this link is not exclusive.
The Lanudo umbrella. The Lanudo Umbed (Helichrysum Umbraculigerum) is a plant originally from South Africa that stands out for containing 40 compounds of the cannabinoid familymany of them disconodful so far. This plant belongs to the genre known as paper or helicriso flower, a genus very raised from cannabis, and closer to plants such as sunflowers or lettuce.
Beyond the striking of this fact (as contrast, in the plants of the genre Cannabis More than 100 cannabinoid compounds can be found), the team responsible for the analysis indicates that the finding can help us in the development of new therapies linked to these compounds.
“We have found an important new source of cannabinoids and developed tools for sustained production, which can help explore its enormous therapeutic potential,” pointed in a press release Shirley (Paula) Berman, member of the team responsible for the finding.
Diverse therapies. Although in some contexts we do not have solid evidence of its effectiveness, the therapeutic use of Cannabinoids It has been extending as long as the study of its biochemical and therapeutic properties progresses. A context in which these compounds do highlight is that of the relief of nausea in people in aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy.
Other potential uses are in the treatment of pain, anxiety and epilepsy. As explained by the team responsible for the new study, the fact that molecular receptors capable of interacting with these compounds are common in humans and extending beyond our brain throughout the body makes their potential huge. This also explains that your study is so extensive, covering from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer.
Synthesizing compounds. If we want to develop treatments through these compounds, understand how they are naturally synthesized in plants is vital. That is why it is relevant to the fact that the team managed to reveal the biochemical process used by the plant in the production of these compounds.
In his study, the team used high -resolution mass spectroscopy, with which he identified the Cannabinoids contained in the plant. He combined with nuclear magnetic resonance with the aim of finding the structure of some of the compounds found. From there, the team could reveal the biochemical “path” followed by the plant when it comes to synthesizing these cannabinoids.
The details of the process were published In an article In the magazine Nature Plants.
CBG. Of the 40 compounds found in the plant, only half a dozen are present in marijuana. In fact, the team points out, neither the THC nor the CBD are present in the Lanudo umbrella. The compound that is common to both plants is the CBG (cannabigerol).
From the ritual to the laboratory. The discovery of cannabinoids in this plant is not entirely new. The clues that pointed to this fact date back decades. As explained by the team responsible for the new study, the Lanudo umbrella used to be used in rituals in which he burned to generate “intoxicating” fumes, which encourages us that the tracks were already there.
In Xataka | The marijuana paradox: in full legalizing fever, we are increasingly clear than smoking it is harmful
Image | Sagit Meir / United States Fish and Wildlife Service
