In Vitro Biological Target Screening and Colloidal Aggregation of Minor Cannabinoids

J Nat Prod. 2024 Dec 27;87(12):2881-2886. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00608. Epub 2024 Nov 19.

Abstract

There is limited information on interactions between cannabinoids and many pharmacologically and toxicologically relevant targets in humans (e.g., receptors, ion channels, enzymes, and transporters). To address this data gap, seven cannabinoids were screened against a panel of 44 safety-related biological targets in competitive ligand binding or enzymatic activity assays. Diverse binding profiles were observed among the cannabinoids; however, colloidal aggregates were detected by dynamic light scattering and a detergent-sensitive enzyme inhibition assay. These aggregates may nonspecifically inhibit targets, yielding false positives. Although screening identified aggregates, additional testing is required to confirm cannabinoid aggregation in individual in vitro assays.

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids* / chemistry
  • Cannabinoids* / pharmacology
  • Colloids / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Colloids