Exploring the Chemistry and Pharmacology of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Valeria Camila^*
*Correspondence: Valeria Camila, Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza Street 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland, Email:

Introduction

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While it shares structural similarities with the more well-known Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8-THC possesses distinct properties that have garnered attention in both the scientific and medical communities. This article aims to delve into the chemistry and pharmacology of Δ8-THC, exploring its mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential and current research findings [1].

Description

Chemistry of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol

Δ8-THC, like Δ9-THC, is a psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Structurally, it differs from Δ9-THC only in the placement of a double bond, which is located on the 8th carbon rather than the 9th carbon of the molecule. This subtle variation in structure results in differences in pharmacological effects.

The synthesis of Δ8-THC typically involves the conversion of cannabidiol (CBD) into Δ8-THC through a chemical process known as isomerization. This process involves the rearrangement of atoms within the CBD molecule to yield Δ8-THC. Isomerization can occur through various methods, including acidic or basic conditions, heat, or catalytic reactions [2].

Pharmacology of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol

The pharmacological effects of Δ8-THC are similar to those of Δ9-THC, albeit with some important distinctions. Like Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC interacts primarily with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it exhibits a lower affinity for these receptors compared to Δ9-THC, leading to milder psychoactive effects.

Research suggests that Δ8-THC may possess antiemetic, anxiolytic, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. These effects make it a potential candidate for therapeutic applications, particularly in the management of nausea and vomiting, anxiety disorders, pain and neurodegenerative diseases [3].

Furthermore, Δ8-THC has been shown to have a more stable molecular structure than Δ9-THC, which could contribute to its longer shelf life and potential advantages in pharmaceutical formulations.

Therapeutic potential and current research

Studies exploring the therapeutic potential of Δ8-THC are still in their infancy, but preliminary findings are promising. Research has demonstrated its efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with various conditions, including chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, neuropathic pain and anxiety.

In a study published in the journal Life Sciences, Δ8-THC was found to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with fewer psychotropic side effects compared to Δ9-THC.

Another study published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior reported that Δ8-THC exhibited anxiolytic effects in animal models of anxiety, suggesting its potential utility in the treatment of anxiety disorders [4,5].

Moreover, research on the neuroprotective properties of Δ8-THC has shown promising results in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These findings highlight the potential of Δ8-THC as a therapeutic agent for mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with these conditions.

Conclusion

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol represents a fascinating area of research within the field of cannabinoid pharmacology. Its distinct chemical structure and pharmacological profile offer unique therapeutic opportunities, particularly in the treatment of conditions such as nausea, pain, anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases.

While further research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile, Δ8-THC holds promise as a valuable addition to the armamentarium of pharmacological agents derived from the cannabis plant. As scientific understanding of cannabinoids continues to evolve, Δ8-THC may emerge as a valuable therapeutic option for patients in need of effective and well-tolerated treatments.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Mutius, Von. "The rising trends in asthma and allergic disease." Clin Exp Allergy 28 (1998): 45-49.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Jin, Guorui, Molamma P. Prabhakaran, Dan Kai and Seeram Ramakrishna. "Controlled release of multiple epidermal induction factors through core-shell nanofibers for skin regeneration." Eur J Pharm BioPharm 85 (2013): 689-698.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Savage, Jessica and Christina B. Johns. "Food allergy: Epidemiology and natural history." Immunol Allergy Clin 35 (2015): 45-59.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Ningrum, Dina Nur Anggraini, Sheng-Po Yuan, Woon-Man Kung and Chieh-Chen Wu, et al. "Deep learning classifier with patient’s metadata of dermoscopic images in malignant melanoma detection." J Multidiscip Healthc (2021): 877-885.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Teresa Donato, M., Ramiro Jover and M. Jose Gomez-Lechon. "Hepatic cell lines for drug hepatotoxicity testing: Limitations and strategies to upgrade their metabolic competence by gene engineering." Curr Drug Metab 14 (2013): 946-968.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at