Researchers have discovered a rare moss containing THC-like substances

Researchers have discovered a rare moss containing THC-like substances

A species of rare moss has recently become the focus of scientists' attention. The main concern was the fact that there are substances in this moss that are very similar to hemp THC . This moss is still a long way from achieving the title of the most popular plant in the world, but even so, it has already attracted the attention of many doctors and scientists in a short time.

The so-called Liverwort (Marchantiophyta), is a mossy strain capable of occurring in many other forms and subfamilies. It was in one of these sub-strains that a remarkable property was observed.

"The subgenus 'Radula' has been shown to produce perrottetinene (PET), which has a very similar structure to THC."

The discovery of "mossy THC"?

The discovery of the moss chemical PET took place in 1994. We owe the finding to the Japanese phytochemist Yoshinori Asakawa. However, it was only today that researchers began to focus on the marvelous similarity of PET and THC, after which they decided to explore the phenomenon.

During previous observations of the chemical PET, scientists have noticed that it behaves very similar to THC in the human brain. By similarity is meant in particular the mechanism of action on brain receptors, where PET binds to the two main endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 during the acute effect. It will probably be disappointing for some of the recreational cannabis users that much less psychoactivity and potency have also manifested themselves. Even so, during experiments on mouse subjects, the researchers noticed that the mice were exposed to a few similar symptoms similar to THC - such as lowering body temperature and slowing movement.

At the same time, it has been found that PET is able to reduce inflammation in molecules called prostaglandins during the effect in the body. This mechanism of action is particularly interesting because, despite the similarity of the substances, the anti-inflammatory effect on prostaglandins is not manifested in THC. Some researchers think that mossy PET could work even better than medical cannabis .

"Researchers are currently diligently investigating the potential of the moss chemical PET for the possible treatment of inflammatory diseases ."

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In an interview with Scientific American , one of the scientists, Michael Shafroth, explains:

"These molecules, which we call prostaglandins, play a very important role in processes such as memory loss, inflammation of nervous system cells , hair loss or even vasoconstriction. PET is a very interesting substance from a medical point of view, and it can already be expected that the ratio of negative effects to potential medical benefits will play PET into the cards. Of course, we also expect that, as a result, there will be interest in PET exclusively among patients. Cannabis-like recreational success can hardly be expected. ”

The future of treatment not only with cannabis, but with plants in general

Well-known neurologist Ethan Russo, including the head of the International Institute for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (ICCI), adds his knowledge and understanding to the new issue of moss cannabinoids: “The fundamental difference between perrottetinene and THC lies in its effect on prostaglandins. PET reduces the volume of prostaglandins D2 and E2 in the brain without inhibiting cyclooxygenase. ”

What does Ethan Russo mean in plain language? In essence, it is a possible finding of a future drug for pain and inflammation that can be applied without fear of negative side effects, including the possibility of overdose or addiction , as is still the case with many today's pharmaceuticals.

Where can I get "hemp moss"?

So now to the point where such moss grows and where can we get it? Right from the start, it is probably good to mention that 'Radula' occurs naturally only in certain areas of New Zealand, Costa Rica and Japan. Growers, experimenters and amateur botanists who are already thinking of growing 'Radula' locally should read for a while.

'Radula' is a moss and therefore does not reproduce with the help of seeds, which means that hand-growing is a properly complex and problematic process. For the same reason, researchers are also forced to use synthetic PET prepared for research.

So while 'Radula' may not be a full-fledged cannabis competitor who would be able to win the same number of hearts and fans around the world, "cannabis moss" is already making its way through the medical community and may be mentioned in the herbal medicine scene. and we still hear a lot of science.

Source: leafly.com