What is cbn cannabinol
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Understanding Cannabinol (CBN): A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is formed through the oxidation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis1 2. Unlike THC, CBN is not psychoactive, making it an area of interest for various therapeutic applications without the associated "high"3.
CBN and Sleep Disorders
Potential Therapeutic Effects on Insomnia
Recent studies have explored the potential of CBN as a treatment for insomnia. Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder with limited effective pharmacotherapies. CBN has been hypothesized to impact sleep due to its interaction with the endogenous cannabinoid system, which regulates circadian sleep-wake cycles1 2 5.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of CBN on sleep in patients with insomnia. Participants received either 30 mg or 300 mg of CBN or a placebo. The primary outcome measured was sleep continuity, specifically wake after sleep onset minutes, using polysomnography. Secondary outcomes included changes in sleep micro-architecture and traditional sleep staging1 2 5. These studies aim to provide preliminary data on the efficacy and safety of CBN for sleep disorders, potentially informing larger clinical trials1 2 5.
Biological and Pharmacological Profile
Historical Context and Synthesis
CBN has historically been overshadowed by more prominent cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, it has significant pharmacological potential. CBN is known for its minimal central nervous system (CNS) activity, which makes it a candidate for therapeutic use without psychoactive effects3. The synthesis and study of CBN have also contributed to the development of new synthetic methodologies in cannabinoid research3.
Toxicity and Safety
A study on zebrafish embryos exposed to CBN revealed dose-dependent toxic effects, including morphological malformations and altered heart physiology. These findings highlight the importance of understanding CBN's safety profile, especially given the increasing use of cannabis products globally4. The study indicated that CBN could act both as a stimulant and a sedative, affecting movement and heart rate in zebrafish larvae4.
Immunomodulatory Effects
Impact on Immune Function
CBN has been shown to modulate immune responses through its interaction with cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB2. It inhibits the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling cascade, which plays a crucial role in immune cell function. Studies demonstrated that CBN could inhibit lymphoproliferative responses and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion in activated thymocytes, suggesting its potential as an immunosuppressive agent6 9.
Drug Metabolism and Interactions
Interaction with Drug Metabolizing Enzymes
CBN is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450) enzymes, specifically CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. These enzymes are also involved in the metabolism of other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Understanding CBN's role as a substrate, inhibitor, or inducer of these enzymes is crucial for predicting potential drug interactions8.
Cross-Reactivity in Drug Testing
CBN can cross-react with immunoassays designed to detect THC metabolites, potentially leading to false-positive results in drug tests. This cross-reactivity underscores the need for confirmatory testing when immunoassay results are inconsistent with clinical expectations7.
Conclusion
Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid with significant therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of sleep disorders and immune modulation. While preliminary studies suggest promising effects on sleep and immune function, further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. As the use of cannabis products continues to rise, understanding the pharmacological profile and potential drug interactions of CBN will be essential for its clinical application.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
0346 Cannabinol (CBN) effects in insomnia disorder: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, clinical trial protocol
Cannabinol (CBN) at 30 and 300 mg doses may improve sleep continuity and next-day function in adults with insomnia disorder.
RCTCannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder (‘CUPID’ study): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, three-arm, proof-of-concept trial
Cannabinol (CBN) may be an effective and safe treatment for insomnia disorder, as demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
RCTCannabinol: History, Syntheses, and Biological Profile of the Greatest “Minor” Cannabinoid
Cannabinol (CBN, 5a) is a significant "minor" cannabinoid with promising pharmacological potential and significant impact on the development of new synthetic methodologies.
Rigorous JournalCannabinol in the spotlight: Toxicometabolomic study and behavioral analysis of zebrafish embryos exposed to the unknown cannabinoid.
Cannabinol exposure increases toxic effects on zebrafish larvae, causing malformations and behavioral changes, with a dose-dependent LD50 value.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyP066 A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, crossover, pilot study investigating the effects of cannabinol (CBN) 30 mg and 300 mg on sleep architecture and next-day function in insomnia disorder
Cannabinol (CBN) 30 and 300 mg may improve sleep continuity and next-day function in adults with insomnia disorder, potentially benefiting larger clinical trials.
RCTInhibition of the cyclic AMP signaling cascade and nuclear factor binding to CRE and kappaB elements by cannabinol, a minimally CNS-active cannabinoid.
Cannabinol, a minimally CNS-active cannabinoid, inhibits immune function and cAMP signaling in mouse lymphoid cells, supporting the involvement of CB2 receptors in immune modulation by cannabimimetic agents.
In Vitro Study
Highly CitedCannabinol (CBN) Cross-Reacts with Two Urine Immunoassays Designed to Detect Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Metabolite.
Cannabinol (CBN) shows cross-reactivity with two commercial urine immunoassays designed to detect THC metabolite, highlighting the need for confirmatory testing when results from THC metabolite testing are inconsistent.
In Vitro StudyExogenous cannabinoids as substrates, inhibitors, and inducers of human drug metabolizing enzymes: a systematic review
Exogenous cannabinoids can influence human drug metabolism, but their clinical significance remains unclear due to limited human data.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedCannabinol-Mediated Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-k B , cAMP Response Element-Binding Protein , and Interleukin-2 Secretion by Activated Thymocytes 1
Cannabinol inhibits thymocyte function and IL-2 production by inhibiting CREB/ATF and NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors in activated thymocytes.
The multidrug transporter ABCG2 (BCRP) is inhibited by plant‐derived cannabinoids
Cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, inhibit the multidrug transporter ABCG2 in vitro, potentially reducing side effects of cancer chemotherapy.
Highly Cited