Phytocannabinoids
| Type | Skeleton | Cyclization |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabigerol-type CBG |
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| Cannabichromene-type CBC |
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| Cannabidiol-type CBD |
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| Tetrahydrocannabinol- and Cannabinol-type THC, CBN |
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| Cannabielsoin-type CBE |
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| iso- Tetrahydrocannabinol- type iso-THC |
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| Cannabicyclol-type CBL |
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| Cannabicitran-type CBT |
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| Main classes of natural cannabinoids | ||
Phytocannabinoids (also called natural cannabinoids, herbal cannabinoids, and classical cannabinoids) are known to occur in several different plant species. These include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Acmella oleracea, Helichrysum umbraculigerum, and Radula marginata. The best known herbal cannabinoids are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from Cannabis and the lipophilic alkamides (alkylamides) from Echinacea species.
A significant number of cannabinoids are found in both Cannabis and Echinacea plants. In Cannabis, these cannabinoids are concentrated in a viscous resin produced in structures known as glandular trichomes. In Echinacea species, cannabinoids are found throughout the plant structure, but are most concentrated in the roots and stems. Tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins have an affinity for human cannabinoid receptors.
Phytocannabinoids are nearly insoluble in water but are soluble in lipids, alcohols, and other non-polar organic solvents. However, as phenols, they form more water-soluble phenolate salts under strongly alkaline conditions.
All-natural cannabinoids are derived from their respective 2-carboxylic acids (2-COOH) by decarboxylation (catalyzed by heat, light, or alkaline conditions).
Read more about this topic: Cannabinoid