What is cannabidivarin (CBDV)?
Since they have a very similar name, it would stand to reason that CBDV is the same as its cannabinoid twin, CBD. And for the most part, this assumption would be correct. At the molecular level, the chemical structure of CBDV resembles that of CBD. But if we take a few steps back in their anabolic pathways (the reactions that different cannabinoids create), we can identify some of the main differences that CBDV presents.
We need to go back about two steps to understand how CBDV is created. One of the original cannabinoids, CBGVA, reacts in the presence of the CBDA enzyme to become CBDVA. Although we are closer now, we still need to remove the acidic compounds to create a more concentrated and stable cannabinoid. When heat is applied to CBDVA, the compound in question, CBDV, is obtained. Although it has taken scientists a long time to figure out how CBDV is created, this cannabinoid has already captured the attention of the international pharmaceutical industry.
What makes CBDV different?
The main reason pharmaceutical companies are interested in cannabidivarin is the way it interacts with our bodies. The two most important cannabinoids, CBD and THC, cause reactions due to the way they stimulate our endocannabinoid system. Specifically, they bind to/antagonize the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are linked to the endocannabinoid system. CBDV is unique in that it does not cause a reaction at any type of CB receptor. Instead, the secret to CBDV’s therapeutic potential comes from the way it activates or desensitizes our transient potential receptor channels (TRP channels).
What are TRP channels?
An easy way to understand TRP channels is to think of them like the headlight boards on a car. Your body is the car, and the different parts of the engine are your cells. Our TRP channels act as indicators designed to control the various sensations that occur in plasma cells. Just like in a car, if the TRP channels lean towards one end of the indicator, then there is a problem. In a car that has a breakdown, the temperature gauge will reach excessive quotas, or if it starts to malfunction, the pressure gauge will be fluctuating. Something similar happens with TRP channels, since cells use them to decide what action to take when they experience sensations such as pain, heat or pressure.
Don’t be fooled by the complicated name of these channels. They play a very important role. Without them, the human body could not accurately measure many sensations. TRP channels are classified into families, depending on which plasma cells they are found in. You might be wondering what TRP channels have to do with the cannabinoid CBDV. Do you remember how channels mediate the sensations of cells?
Relationship between TRP channels and epilepsy
A certain family of TRP channels (TRPV1) is related to the appearance of various types of epilepsy. When the TRPV1 flag is disrupted, it causes too many signals to be sent to cells. Hyperexcitability of these channels contributes to seizures and epileptic activity. And this is where CBDV comes in. Preliminary studies have shown that precise doses of CBDV desensitize TRPV1 channels, providing antiepileptic activity. CBDV calms the channels, restoring balance and preventing a bombardment of signals from occurring.
TRP channels are found throughout the body, so their mediation is of vital importance. Restoring balance, or homeostasis, is a natural process in the body. A balanced biological system prevents the occurrence of numerous harmful disorders. In the case of TRP channels, neurodegenerative diseases have been linked to certain mutations. This makes CBDV research critical, as this cannabinoid could have a greater positive effect throughout the body.
Relationship between CBDV and 2-AG
The second most important attribute of CBDV is its ability to affect the production of 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), one of the endocannabinoids in the body. It is also a feature that further differentiates it from CBD. By preventing the creation of the enzyme diacylglycerol lipase, the body is unable to synthesize 2-AG as it normally would. Although the clinical implications of CBDV’s ability to inhibit 2-AG are unknown, this does not prevent CBDV from carrying out its antiepileptic functions.
Improved absorption of cannabinoids
All of these potential uses for CBDV sound great, but there’s a problem: CBDV has very low water solubility, which means it’s not easily absorbed by the body, and is often destroyed by digestive enzymes before it can make its way. effect. When CBDV is taken orally, only less than 6% reaches the bloodstream. This presents a huge challenge for pharmaceutical companies. The actual effectiveness of CBDV could fail, not because of its properties, but because it is not well absorbed by the body.
Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of liposomes, which are small spherical shields made of phospholipids. These phospholipids work in layers so that drugs can be delivered in more concentrated doses. By placing an active compound inside a liposome, the chemical will be protected during processing by the body’s digestive enzymes. In the case of CDBV, its low solubility in water can be overcome by protecting the compound with liposomes. This same approach can also be applied to other cannabinoids, improving their potency (bioavailability) and efficacy.
The future of CBDV
Currently, our knowledge of CBDV is very limited. However, what has been discovered could be of crucial importance for the treatment of several conditions. Fortunately, this is a perspective shared by pharmaceutical companies, as this cannabinoid is gaining acceptance in academic circles. With the help of future research, our understanding of CBDV’s true potential is only a matter of time.
