Health benefits, pharmacological properties, and metabolism of cannabinol: A comprehensive review
Aya Khouchlaa a, Sara Khouri b, Ahmed Hajib c, Ikrame Zeouk d, Smail Amalich e, Soukaina Msairi f, Naoual El Menyiy g, Chaimae Rais h, Manal Lahyaoui i, Asaad Khalid j k, Ashraf N. Abdalla l, Salma E. Ibrahim m, Nasreddine El Omari i, Bey Hing Goh n o p, Yatinesh Kumari q, Sang Loon Tan n, Abdelhakim Bouyahya i
- a
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, BP 159, Principal, Taounate 34000, Morocco
- b
- Etablissement Public Hospitalier (EPH) El Hadjar Annaba Algeria, Algeria
- c
- Higher School of Education and Training (ESEF), Université Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
- d
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie- Toxicologie, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et de Médecine dentaire de Fès, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah
- e
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, BP 159, Principal, Taounate 34000, Morocco
- f
- Botanical and Valorization of Plant and Fungal Resources Team, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, 4 Avenue Ibn Batouta, B.P. 1014, Rabat, Morocco
- g
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, BP 159, Principal, Taounate 34000, Morocco
- h
- Laboratory of Botany, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants BP 159, Principal, Taounate 34000, Morocco
- i
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco
- j
- Health Research Center, Jazan University, P.O. Box: 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- k
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Traditional Medicine Research Institute, National Center for Research, P. O. Box 2404, Khartoum, Sudan
- l
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- m
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine in Al-Qunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
- n
- Sunway Biofunctional Molecules Discovery Centre (SBMDC), School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Selangor, Malaysia
- o
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- p
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- q
- Neurological disorder and aging research group (NDA), Neuroscience Research Strength (NRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
Affiliationer
Cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa. Although overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), CBN has been gaining attention due to its potential therapeutic properties. This review aims to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions of CBN. CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), primarily targeting the CB2 and CB1 cannabinoid receptors. It acts as a partial agonist for both receptors, modulating their activity and downstream signaling pathways. Through these interactions, CBN exhibits diverse effects on various physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, immune response, and neuroprotection. Moreover, CBN has been shown to affect non-cannabinoid receptors, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and serotonin receptors. These interactions contribute to the modulation of pain, inflammation, and mood regulation. The molecular mechanisms of CBN also involve its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CBN has been found to reduce oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting inflammatory mediators. This antioxidant activity potentially contributes to its neuroprotective effects and may have implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, CBN exhibits potential antimicrobial activity, acting against various bacteria, fungi, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The underlying mechanisms of this antimicrobial effect are still being elucidated, but may involve disruption of microbial cell membranes and interference with microbial biofilm formation. The molecular mechanisms underlying CBN’s pharmacological actions involve its interactions with the ECS, modulation of non-cannabinoid receptors, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and potential antimicrobial activity. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of CBN and its role in various disease states, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Due to its multiple interests, the isolation and synthesis of CBN has been investigated by several approaches. CBN synthesis involves various approaches, including oxidative conversions, isomerization reactions, enzymatic transformations, and biotransformation techniques. Advancements in synthetic methodologies and innovative strategies continue to contribute to the efficient production of CBN. Further research and optimization are necessary to enhance yields, purity, and scalability of the synthesis processes.