Science
South Korea: Researchers identify new cannabinoid 'cannabielsoxa' and discover anti-tumor potential of other cannabinoids in neuroblastoma
A team of South Korean researchers has identified a new cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, called cannabielsoxa. In addition to this, the scientists recorded several other chemical compounds, some of which had never been previously identified in cannabis flowers. This discovery revolutionizes the understanding of the chemical profile of cannabis and its therapeutic applications, particularly in anti-tumor activity in neuroblastoma, a type of cancer with a high mortality rate in children.
The research was conducted by researchers from several academic and government institutions in South Korea, namely Wonkwang University, Kyung Hee University and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The results were published in the journal Pharmaceuticals. The research not only allowed the discovery of new cannabinoids, but also led to the exploration of the anti-tumor potential of several cannabis-derived compounds in neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that predominantly affects young children and has a high infant mortality rate.
What is Cannabielsoxa? A new addition to the cannabinoid family
The focus of the study was on cannabielsoxa, a previously unidentified cannabinoid that is now confirmed to be produced naturally by the cannabis plant. In contrast to more prevalent cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, this new compound expands the biochemical complexity of the plant. Although cannabielsoxa did not demonstrate significant antitumor activity in the current analysis, its discovery lays the foundation for future pharmacological investigations and therapeutic evaluations.
In addition to cannabielsoxa, the researchers identified six known cannabinoids and four chlorin-like compounds, including some never before identified in cannabis. Two of the chlorin-like compounds—132-hydroxyphosphorbide ethyl ester b and ligulariaphytin A—are particularly notable because they represent a new class of chemicals derived from cannabis flowers.
The results of the study suggest that cannabis has an even richer chemical diversity than previously considered, reinforcing the importance of carrying out more in-depth phytochemical investigations.
Cannabinoids and cancer: promising results against neuroblastoma
The main purpose of the research was to analyze the anti-tumor activity of cannabis compounds in neuroblastoma cells. Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent solid tumor in children and represents the main cause of death associated with malignant neoplasms in children.
The research team evaluated 11 compounds extracted from cannabis, and found that seven of them demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on neuroblastoma cells. The compounds in question included:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Cannabidiolic Acid Methyl Ester (CBDA-ME)
- Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- In addition, two additional chlorin-like compounds
The cannabinoids studied demonstrated more potent anti-cancer activity compared to chlorin-type compounds. This result highlights the potential of these cannabinoids in the development of new treatments for pediatric cancer.
The research used advanced chromatographic techniques to isolate and identify the chemical structures of the compounds. The scientists then subjected the samples to a metabolic toxicity test to assess the effects of the substances in question on neuroblastoma cells. These precise methodologies ensured the reliability of the results and opened up new avenues for future exploration of cannabis pharmacology.
Implications for medicinal cannabis and pharmaceutical development
This discovery adds to the scientific case for the use of medicinal cannabis in cancer treatment. While THC and CBD have received a great deal of attention, this study highlights the need to explore lesser-known cannabinoids for their unique therapeutic properties.
Furthermore, the research represents a crucial step in the development of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, particularly those targeting refractory and lethal pediatric cancers, such as neuroblastoma. In addition, it promotes continued research into the safety, efficacy and mechanism of action of these compounds in clinical settings.
Expanding the horizons of cannabis research
Although cannabielsoxa itself did not demonstrate cytotoxic activity in this particular study, its identification represents a milestone in cannabinoid research. Understanding how this novel cannabinoid interacts with the human endocannabinoid system may reveal previously undiscovered medicinal benefits.
As cannabis legalization expands globally, the demand for in-depth, scientifically validated research will increase. Discoveries like these will help shape the future of cannabis medicine, paving the way for new treatments and expanding the window of therapeutic tools available to modern medicine.
The discovery of cannabielsoxa and other newly discovered compounds in cannabis highlights the untapped potential of this ancient plant. The significant anti-tumor activity observed in several cannabinoids raises new hope for the development of cannabis-based cancer therapies, especially for childhood neuroblastoma, from which very few children survive.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.
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