Chemistry and Biological Activities of Cannflavins of the Cannabis Plant

Abstract

Background: Throughout history, Cannabis has had a significant influence on human life as one of the earliest plants cultivated by humans. The plant was a source of fibers used by the oldest known civilizations. Cannabis was also used medicinally in China, India, and ancient Egypt. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC), the main psychoactive compound in the plant was identified in 1964 followed by more than 125 cannabinoids. More than 30 flavonoids were isolated from the plant including the characteristic flavonoids called cannflavins, which are prenylated or geranylated flavones. Material and Methods: In this review, the methods of extraction, isolation, identification, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, analysis and pharmacological activity of these flavonoids are described. Results: The biosynthetic routes of the cannflavins from phenylalanine and malonyl CoA as well as the microbial biotransformation are also discussed. Details of the chemical synthesis are illustrated as an alternative to the isolation from the plant materials along with other possible sources of obtaining cannflavins. Detailed methods discussing the analysis of flavonoids in cannabis are presented, including the techniques used for separation and detection. Finally, the various biological activities of cannflavins are reviewed along with the available molecular docking studies. Conclusion: Despite the low level of cannflavins in cannabis hamper their development as naturally derived products, efforts need to be put in place to develop high yield synthetic or biosynthetic protocols for their production in order for their development as pharmaceutical products.

The Use of Compounds Derived from Cannabis sativa in the Treatment of Epilepsy, Painful Conditions, and Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Cannabis plants also have unique compounds, such as cannflavins, which are specific to the plant ( Figure 3 ) [ 57 ]. These compounds, including cannflavin A, cannflavin B, and cannflavin C, have been studied for their diverse biological activities, particularly their anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects [ 58 ]. In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, cannflavins have also demonstrated anticancer potential.…”

Commonly used anesthetics modify alcohol and (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in vivo effects on rat cerebral arterioles

“…Although alcohol consumption concomitant with marijuana has been reported as a trigger of cannabis-related strokes [ 21 ], studies on the effects of simultaneous alcohol-marijuana administration on cerebral artery or arteriole diameter are scarce. Our recent studies in male and female rats focused on THC as a major psychoactive substance with one of the highest percentual presence in marijuana leaves [ 13 , 22 ]. The study by Slayden et al [ 13 ] demonstrated that the in vivo constriction of cerebral arteries by simultaneous alcohol and THC administration in each sex did not statistically differ from constriction produced by alcohol alone.…”