The cannabinoid acids: nonpsychoactive derivatives with therapeutic potential.
The discovery of carboxylic acid metabolites of the cannabinoids (CBs) dates back more than three decades. Their lack of psychotropic activity was noted early on, and this resulted in a total absence of further research on their possible role in the actions of the CBs. More recent studies have revealed that the acids possess both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to the actions of the parent drug. A synthetic analog showed similar actions at considerably lower doses. In this review, a brief survey of the extensive literature on metabolism of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol to the acids is presented, while more emphasis is given to the recent findings on the biological actions of this class of CBs. A possible mechanism involving effects on eicosanoids for some of these actions is also suggested. Finally, an analogy with a putative metabolite of anandamide, an endogenous CB, is discussed.
Burstein
S H
SH
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655-0103, USA.
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D006801:Humans; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000700:Analgesics; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; C078814:anandamide