Scientists discovered a rare moss containing substances similar to THC
- Medicinal cannabis is botanically an absolutely fascinating little plant that seemingly had no equal in nature until now
- The uniqueness of the cannabis plant is now being rivaled by a special type of moss that contains substances similar to cannabinoids
A certain rare species of moss has recently become the focus of scientists' attention. The main interest was sparked by the fact that this moss contains substances very similar to cannabis THC. While still far from becoming the world's most popular plant, it has already gained the attention of many doctors and scientists in a short time.
The so-called Liverwort (Marchantiophyta) is a moss strain capable of existing in many forms and subspecies. A remarkable property was observed in one of these subspecies.
"In the 'Radula' subspecies, the ability to produce perrottetinene (PET), which has a very similar structure to THC, was discovered."
Discovery of "moss THC"?
The discovery of the moss chemical PET occurred in 1994. We owe the finding to Japanese phytochemist Yoshinori Asakawa. However, only today have researchers begun to focus on the remarkable similarity between PET and THC, and decided to explore the phenomenon.
During observations of the PET chemical, scientists noticed that it behaves very similarly to THC in the human brain. The similarity primarily refers to the mechanism of action on brain receptors, where PET binds to the two main endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 during acute effect. Disappointingly for some recreational cannabis users, it also showed much lower psychoactivity and effect potency. Even so, during experiments on mouse subjects, researchers observed symptoms similar to THC effects - such as lowered body temperature and slowed movement.
It was also discovered that PET can reduce inflammation in molecules called prostaglandins during its effect. This mechanism is interesting because, despite the similarity between the substances, THC does not show an anti-inflammatory effect on prostaglandins. Some researchers believe that moss PET might act even better against inflammation than medicinal cannabis.
"Researchers are currently eagerly exploring the potential of the moss chemical PET for possible treatment of inflammatory diseases."
In an interview for Scientific American magazine, one of the scientists, Michael Shafroth, explains his perspective:
"These molecules, which we call prostaglandins, play a very significant role in processes such as memory loss, nerve cell inflammation, hair loss, or vasoconstriction. From a medical perspective, PET is a highly interesting substance, and we can already expect that the ratio of negative effects to potential medical advantages will work in PET's favor. Of course, we also expect interest in PET to be exclusively among patients. Recreational success similar to cannabis can hardly be expected."
The future of treatment, not just with cannabis, but with plants overall
Ethan Russo, a well-known neurologist and head of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute (ICCI), adds his knowledge about the new moss cannabinoid issue: "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 creating cyclooxygenase inhibition."
What does Ethan Russo mean in simple terms? Essentially, it's a potential discovery of a future pain and inflammation medication that can be applied without fear of negative side effects, including the possibility of overdose or addiction development, as is still the case with many current pharmaceuticals.
Where can I find "cannabis moss"?
So now to the point, where does such moss grow and where can we find it? First off, it's worth mentioning that 'Radula' naturally occurs only in certain areas of New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Japan. Experimental growers and amateur botanists who are already thinking about cultivating 'Radula' in their local environment should keep reading.
'Radula' is a moss and its reproduction does not occur through seeds, which means that home cultivation is appropriately complex and problematic. For the same reason, researchers are forced to use PET prepared through synthetic methods for their research.
Although 'Radula' will likely not become a full-fledged competitor to cannabis that could win the same number of hearts and fans worldwide, it is already making its way through the medical community, and we may hear much more about it in the plant medicine and science scene.
Source: leafly.com
Author: Rae Lland