There will be advancements in our knowledge of cannabinoids and their effects on the human body. The arrival of semi-synthetic cannabis components was a topic of conversation when I sat down with a chemist. We zeroed in on Hydrogenated CBD, a cannabis variant with a minor twist that has the potential to revolutionise the entire industry.
Hydrogenation is the chemical interaction between hydrogen (H2) and another substance or element. This reaction is facilitated by the addition of a catalyst, such as nickel, palladium, or platinum. This process is used to bring about a reduction or saturation of organic compounds. Endowing them with characteristics that were not present in the starting molecules. The industrial and medical uses for cannabinoid analogues (also called semi-synthetic compounds) are extensive.
Hydrogenation just slightly alters the molecular structure of the substances that the cannabis plant makes naturally. By “adding hydrogens across the double bonds,” as Barone puts it, “the molecular weight, the shape, and the impact on the body are all altered.”
Hydrogenated cannabinoids have many advantages
Hydrogenation helps improve both heat resistance and shelf life because it provides molecular stability. Hydrogenation, as described by Scialdone, “is a chemical change on unsaturated molecules to improve their stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative breakdown,” which occurs when these compounds are exposed to air. The same reaction causes fats to oxidise when left out in the open, which is why you shouldn’t store cooking oils under a window sill. By eliminating the unsaturation, hydrogenation increases the oxidative stability.
The effects of cannabinoids and Hydrogenated CBD Wholesale on tumour growth in mice were investigated in a study cited in Bona Voluntate (US10071127B2 & US9694040B2). Specifically, Hexahydrocannabinolic acid (HHCA) exhibited a 39.70% reduction in tumour growth and HCBDA showed a 55.83% reduction (compared to non-hydrogenated substances THCA at 37.67% and CBDA at 47.02%). (source).
Hexahydrocannabinoid (HHC), being more stable than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and less prone to dehydrogenation (converting to DHC and CBN), may have an effect on resistance against oxidative metabolic breakdown in the liver; however, this hypothesis has not been critically examined as of yet. Hydrogenated substances are resistant to this type of degradation, as seen in metabolic investigations, and this may be true with hydrogenated cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids, Natural and Semi-Synthetic
The chemical distinctions between hydrogenated and their plant-derived cannabinoids are highly significant, but there is still much work to be done to establish the exact pharmacological differences. According to Scialdone, “Tetrahydrocannabinoids like THC are metabolised into the 11-Hydroxy-THC-metabolite and finally the nor-carboxy-THC-metabolite; because we’ve converted the THC to HHC, metabolites will differ from those obtained from THC.” Hydrogenated compounds will have a unique pharmacokinetic profile due to their distinct metabolites. The hydrogenated molecules may have a longer half life and bind to distinct ECS receptors.
Research
In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, researchers compared the ability of several cannabis analogues to bind to the cannabinoid receptor and to alter the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in diverse metabolic processes (CB1). Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl (CBD-DMH) were shown to have bioactivities distinct from their parent compounds when hydrogenated (source). We looked specifically at the anti-inflammatory and immunological responses seen in the non-analogue molecules.
Hydrogenated CBD was evaluated in terms of their capacity to inhibit the release of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), nitric oxide (NO), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha from activated macrophages in vitro. Substances 7 and 4 showed enhanced NO, TNF-, and ROI suppression. Compounds 7 and 8 both have a high affinity for the central cannabinoid receptor (CB1), but they work in opposite ways when it comes to regulating the release of inflammatory mediators.
It has been observed that isolated cannabidiol (CBD) had tumour growth inhibitory properties, with functions similar to hydrogenated CBD, in comparison to the effects of natural cannabinoids (source). More study is needed to fully understand the differences between the two, however bioavailability and slower degradation of the hydrogenated molecules are two key indicators.
Ben-Gurion University researchers hypothesised that Hydrogenated CBD Wholesale might have anti-inflammatory. Immunosuppressive effects in murine collagen-induced arthritis. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry found that these compounds bind well to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) but have different effects on inflammation. Because the hydrogenated cannabinoids appear to have a potent effect on hyper-inflammation, alleviating joint pain and swelling is a likely side effect.
The Interests of Public Safety
It’s vital to think about health and safety while working with novel substances. Scialdone noted that research is needed to determine whether hydrogenation improves the biological functions of Hydrogenated CBD Wholesale. What effects it has on the metabolic profile.
A product like this won’t be on store shelves for consumers for at least another five years. Hydrogenated cannabinoids may enter the medical and recreational markets sooner. But thorough research on these chemicals will be impossible so long as federal rules prohibit it. According to the Federal Analog Act, any substance with the same intended human consumption. As a schedule I or II substance is to be handled as a substance of the same schedule. Barone continues, “Pseudo-synthetic cannabinoids should be allowed in my opinion. But only following rigorous consideration of the SOPs and quality control circumstances. I think it should be required that states without the means to do so require manufacturers to use outside chemical manufacturers for quality assurance purposes.
As more is learned about Hydrogenated CBD and their effects on the human body. Study in this area will yield more insight. Barone said, “I would like to stress that human contact with this chemical is the driving force of evolution.” The molecules are there, but they are uncharted territory until the idea and the person are introduced. The cannabis plant has more to offer than was previously understood, thanks to the boundless innovation of science.
Is There a Difference Between HHC and THC?
The structures of HHC and THC are virtually interchangeable. The top ring structure of THC typically contains one double bond, whereas HHC lacks this feature.
Because of this, HHC is more stable than THC in the long run. It can bind differently to different receptors in the body.
HHC is around 80% as potent as THC (others think it’s stronger), and it has nearly identical characteristics.
In terms of how they make you feel, HHC and THC are virtually interchangeable. Psychoactive effects can be expected from any type of THC with more than three carbons in its side chain. The strength of the psychoactive effects is proportional to the number of carbon atoms present in the chain.
The Conversion of THC into HHC
THC of any isomer, including delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10, can be Hydrogenated CBD Wholesale to produce HHC. The majority of the procedures described herein turn THCA into HHC.
High pressure, hydrogen atoms, and a catalyst made of inert metals. Like iridium, palladium, rhodium, nickel, ruthenium, platinum, or rhenium are used in the process.
THC’s structural double bond is essentially broken by the process, rendering the molecule unstable. The addition of hydrogen molecules (thus the term “hydrogenation”) is required to ensure the stability of the molecule.
Takeaway
Both cannabidiol (CBD) and H4CBD Both are generally accepted as safe. But you should take into account the potential for adverse effects and drug interactions. Before using cannabis or CBD, talk to your doctor or a trained clinician.