Discover how cannabis plants 'synthesize' pain killers

The fact that Canadian scientists in the lab discovered how cannabis produces pain-reducing compounds will help produce cannflavin - the painkiller - that has a 30-fold stronger anti-inflammatory effect than aspirin. .

According to sciencedirect.com, cannabis has been known to mankind for 5 centuries. And long ago, humans found in this plant substances that have analgesic effects. But only now do scientists know how painkillers are synthesized . Initially, marijuana extract was used as a medicine because of its ability to soothe pain, while plant fibers were prized for durability. It was not until later that the compounds found in marijuana were discovered to have psychotropic properties.

Humans have known cannabis for five centuries - (Photo: Shutterstock)

The most famous substance that exhibits such characteristics is cannabidiol (a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940), which has been well researched by scientists. But there is another class of compounds that exhibit similar activity, flavonoids . Flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These compounds are found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, tea, wine and even in marijuana.

In 1986, scientists discovered two flavonoids - cannflavin A and cannflavin B - found in marijuana. Both flavonoids have a 30-fold stronger anti-inflammatory effect than aspirin. The new study by scientists from the University of Guelph in Ontario (Canada) provides for the first time data on the genetic sequence that codes for the creation of cannflavin A and cannflavin B in Cannabis sativa.

Using a combination of genomics and biochemistry , the team was able to determine exactly which gene was responsible for producing these two substances. The results of the study show the first evidence of unique genetic ways to create pain relief in this plant. Turns out, it uses only two enzymes - substances that accelerate biochemical reactions - to create two types of painkillers.

However, the extraction and purification of these compounds from marijuana is impractical. Marijuana plants contain compounds at a rate of about 0.011% of the weight. Therefore, the researchers hope to use the data obtained to produce cannflavin in the laboratory.

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