Terpenoids in marijuana may also alleviate THC-induced anxiety. Terpenoids are volatile compounds that provide the unique smell of marijuana. Cannabis produces over 100 terpenoids, many of which vaporize around the same temperature as THC. Terpenoids are lipophilic and permeate lipid membranes. Many cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after inhalation. Buchbauer et al. (1993) assayed the sedative effects of over 40 essential oils upon inhalation; many of the most sedative compounds are found in marijuana, including linalool, citronellol, andα -terpineol. Meschler & Howlett (1999) discussed several mechanisms by which terpenoids modulate THC activity: Some terpenoids may dock at cannabinoid receptors, such as thujone (Ki at CB1 = 130,000 nM). Terpenoids may modulate the affinity of THC for its own receptor — by sequestering THC, by perturbing annular lipids surrounding the receptor, or by increasing the fluidity of neuronal membranes. Further BIORESOURCE HEMP 2000, Wolfsburg 13.-16. September 2000, nova-institut.de biorohstoff-hanf.de - 5 - bioresource-hemp.de downstream, terpenoids may alter the signal cascade by remodeling G-proteins. Terpenoids may alter the pharmacokinetics of THC by changing the BBB; Cannabis extracts are known to cause a significant increase in BBB permeability (Agrawal et al. 1989). Terpenoids may affect anxiety and depression by modulating the activity of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and GABA (reviewed by McPartland & Pruitt 1999). Some terpenoids may decrease anxiety by attenuating corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression (Marcihac al. 1998). CRF is associated with anxiety; cannabinoids cause a release of CRF (Rodríguez de Fonseca et al. 1996). Flavonoids are aromatic, polycyclic phenols. Cannabis produces about 20 of these compounds (Turner et al. 1980). Many flavonoids are volatile, lipophilic, and permeate membranes. Some flavonoids, such as apigenin, apparently retain pharmacological activity in marijuana smoke (Sauer et al. 1983). Apigenin is a powerful anxiolytic agent. It is the primary active ingredient in chamomile, Matricaria recutita (Russo 2000). Apigenin selectively binds with high affinity to central benzodiazepine receptors, which are located on GABA A receptors (Salgueiro et al. 1997).
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 01:48:46 +0000
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