Analytical approaches for the determination of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids in human matrices

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the role played by phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids in medicine has gained increasing interest in the scientific community. Upon identification of the plant compound Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and of the endogenous substance anandamide (AEA), different methodological approaches and innovative techniques have been developed, in order to evaluate the content of these molecules in various human matrices. In this review, we discuss the analytical methods that are currently used for the identification of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids, and we summarize the benefits and limitations of these procedures. Moreover, we provide an overview of the main biological matrices that have been analyzed to date for qualitative detection and quantitative determination of these compounds.

Bioanalytical and Methodological Challenges in the Evaluation of Fetal Cannabis Exposure

“…Validated confirmatory methods are essential for predicting intrauterine exposure to cannabinoids, offering greater safety for results [10,16]. Most of the samples used for this purpose are solid or semisolid specimens and fortification is not totally possible.…”

“…The matrix effect is also an important factor, because despite the use of high-performance detectors, the analysis can be strongly affected by chemical complexity of the sample. Thus, it is crucial to establish a sample pretreatment capable of efficiently removing the interfering compounds that could cause ion suppression/enhancement [10].…”

“…Cannabis presents hundreds of phytocannabinoids and metabolites, and their levels are still unknown even in conventional and especially in fetal exposure matrices [10,11]. Analytically, the ideal selection method is to identify the largest number of compounds (if there is no biomarker in the available literature pointing to a single substance as gold standard) to evaluate efficiently cannabinoids exposure in utero.…”

A rapid capillary electrophoresis method with LED-induced native fluorescence detection for the analysis of cannabinoids in oral fluid

“…The widespread use of illegal cannabis is generally the reason that cannabinoids are intensively studied and that the search for possible new methods for determining usage is still very active 5,6 . The quest for the development of an analytical method is targeted at the ability to identify the narcotics used by drivers/criminals as quickly as possible, so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken.…”

The current situation with cannabinoids

“…The various analytical approaches for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids in conventional and various alternative biological matrices, including the benefits and limitations of these procedures, is comprehensively reviewed by Battista et al [5] in this issue. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), results from a study by Thieme et al [6] presented in this issue, indicate that large doses of THC affect circulating endocannabinoids.…”