RECENT interesting findings

[Sam_Skunkman]

Antifungal activity of the volatiles of high potency Cannabis sativa L. against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Wanas, A. S., Radwan, M. M., Mehmedic, Z., Jacob, M., Khan, I. A., and Elsohly, M. A. (2016). Rec. Nat. Prod. 10, 214–220.
Abstract: The n-hexane extracted volatile fraction of high potency Cannabis sativa L (Cannabaceae). was assessed in vitro for antifungal, antibacterial and antileishmanial activities. The oil exhibited selective albeit modest, antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans with an IC50 value of 33.1 μg/mL. Biologically- guided fractionation of the volatile fraction resulted in the isolation of three major compounds (1-3) using various chromatographic techniques. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were identified as α- humulene (1), -caryophyllene (2) and caryophyllene oxide (3) using GC/FID, GC/MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses, respectively. Compound 1 showed potent and selective antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans with IC50 and MIC values of 1.18 g/mL and 5.0 g/mL respectively. Whereas compound 2 showed weak activity (IC50 19.4 μg/mL), while compound 3 was inactive against C. neoformans.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Survey on the Germplasm Resources of Cannabis sativa L.
WANG Hua-dong, WEI Ying-fang. (2012)
Cannabis sativa L.is the main original plant of medicinal material FRUCTUS CANNABIS that has a long cultivation history in China.Although numerous rare varieties have been formed,the planting area of C.sativa is sharply reduced due to the adjustment of industrial structure in recent years,which results in the great changes of resources distribution.We find,most of the wild resources in the main producing areas have been consumed,only a small part of which are restricted to Sinkiang Province,Yunnan Province and Shandong Province.Currently,C.sativa is cultivated extensively in Anhui, Yunnan, Gansu, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, Henan and other provinces of China,sporadically cultivated in Ningxia, Shaanxi, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan and Shanxi,and seldom cultivated in the east coastal regions.Therefore,it is imperative to establish the germplasm resource library and nursery garden for special purpose in order to realize the protective development and utilization of C.sativa Furthermore,seeds of native varieties should be screened based upon the drug properties to ensure the effectiveness and safety of its medicinal material FRUCTUS CANNABIS and to guide its rational use.

 

[oldchuck]

What the hell is Fructus Cannabis?

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

http://old.tcmwiki.com/wiki/fructus-cannabis

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Genetic Diversity of Cannabis sativa L Based on AFLP Analysis
HU Zun-hong，GUO Hong-yan，HU Xue-li，CHEN Xuan，LIU Xu-yun，GUO Meng-bi，ZHANG Qing-ying，XU Yan-ping，GUO Li-fen，YANG Ming. (2012)
Abstract:
Genetic diversity of 13 Cannabis populations from different sources was analyzed by POPGENE 3.2 Software. AFLP analysis showed that the Yunnan population had the highest level of genetic diversity ( PPB =88． 82% ，He = 0． 3011，I = 0． 4571) ，and then the Heilongjiang population ( PPB = 75． 66% ，He = 0． 2572，I =0． 3897) . The percentage of polymorphic loci ( PPB) of 13 Cannabis populations was 92.11% ． Nei's total genetic diversity ( Ht) was 0.3837，the genetic diversity ( Hs) was 0.1640．Coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations ( Gst) was 0.5725，it means that 57.25% of the total genetic variation occurred among populations，and 42.75% genetic variation in different populations． To further analyze the genetic differentiation among populations，the genetic distance and genetic identity of Cannabis were calculated according to Nei's ( 1978) method．The results showed that the genetic identity among populations was from 0.6556 to 0.9258，the highest degree of consensus between Guangxi population and Sichuan population was 0.9258． Genetic identity between Yunnan population and Guizhou population or Sichuan population were 0.9196 and 0.9173．Gansu and Shanxi population with lowest genetic identity in all populations was 0.6556．The results indicated that rich genetic diversity among 13 cannabis populations．This study analyzed genetic diversity of cannabis populations in molecular level，provided scientific evidence for the protection of seeds，breeding，evolution study of industrial hemp．

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Development of indole sulfonamides as cannabinoid receptor negative allosteric modulators
Iain R. Greiga, Gemma L. Bailliea, Mostafa Abdelrahmanc, Laurent Trembleauc, Ruth A. Rossa (2016)
Abstract
Existing CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) fall into a limited range of structural classes. In spite of the theoretical potential of CB1 NAMs, published in vivo studies have generally not been able to demonstrate the expected therapeutically-relevant CB1-mediated effects. Thus, a greater range of molecular tools are required to allow definitive elucidation of the effects of CB1 allosteric modulation. In this study, we show a novel series of indole sulfonamides. Compounds 5e and 6c (ABD1075) had potencies of 4 and 3 nM respectively, and showed good oral exposure and CNS penetration, making them highly versatile tools for investigating the therapeutic potential of allosteric modulation of the cannabinoid system.

 

[weedaholic721]

Would love to see the structure, sulfonamides can lead to the sulfa drug allergic response in some people.

CB1 NAMs are substances with effects similar to CBD, for anyone wondering.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Did you check on sci-hub.cc? It is there.
-SamS

Would love to see the structure, sulfonamides can lead to the sulfa drug allergic response in some people.

CB1 NAMs are substances with effects similar to CBD, for anyone wondering.

 

[weedaholic721]

Thank you, very helpful site.

 

[phdilly]

A Belated Green Revolution for Cannabis: Virtual Genetic Resources to Fast-Track Cultivar Development


Matthew T. Welling,1 Tim Shapter,1,2 Terry J. Rose,1 Lei Liu,1 Rhia Stanger,1 and Graham J. King1,*
Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965456/

Abstract
Cannabis is a predominantly diecious phenotypically diverse domesticated genus with few if any extant natural populations. International narcotics conventions and associated legislation have constrained the establishment, characterization, and use of Cannabis genetic resource collections. This has resulted in the underutilization of genepool variability in cultivar development and has limited the inclusion of secondary genepools associated with genetic improvement strategies of the Green Revolution. The structured screening of ex situ germplasm and the exploitation of locally-adapted intraspecific traits is expected to facilitate the genetic improvement of Cannabis. However, limited attempts have been made to establish the full extent of genetic resources available for pre-breeding. We present a thorough critical review of Cannabis ex situ genetic resources, and discuss recommendations for conservation, pre-breeding characterization, and genetic analysis that will underpin future cultivar development. We consider East Asian germplasm to be a priority for conservation based on the prolonged historical cultivation of Cannabis in this region over a range of latitudes, along with the apparent high levels of genetic diversity and relatively low representation in published genetic resource collections. Seed cryopreservation could improve conservation by reducing hybridization and genetic drift that may occur during Cannabis germplasm regeneration. Given the unique legal status of Cannabis, we propose the establishment of a global virtual core collection based on the collation of consistent and comprehensive provenance meta-data and the adoption of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. This would enable representative core collections to be used for systematic phenotyping, and so underpin breeding strategies for the genetic improvement of Cannabis.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Ok paper, but I like post #159 better?

A Belated Green Revolution for Cannabis: Virtual Genetic Resources to Fast-Track Cultivar Development


Matthew T. Welling,1 Tim Shapter,1,2 Terry J. Rose,1 Lei Liu,1 Rhia Stanger,1 and Graham J. King1,*
Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965456/

View ImageAbstract
Cannabis is a predominantly diecious phenotypically diverse domesticated genus with few if any extant natural populations. International narcotics conventions and associated legislation have constrained the establishment, characterization, and use of Cannabis genetic resource collections. This has resulted in the underutilization of genepool variability in cultivar development and has limited the inclusion of secondary genepools associated with genetic improvement strategies of the Green Revolution. The structured screening of ex situ germplasm and the exploitation of locally-adapted intraspecific traits is expected to facilitate the genetic improvement of Cannabis. However, limited attempts have been made to establish the full extent of genetic resources available for pre-breeding. We present a thorough critical review of Cannabis ex situ genetic resources, and discuss recommendations for conservation, pre-breeding characterization, and genetic analysis that will underpin future cultivar development. We consider East Asian germplasm to be a priority for conservation based on the prolonged historical cultivation of Cannabis in this region over a range of latitudes, along with the apparent high levels of genetic diversity and relatively low representation in published genetic resource collections. Seed cryopreservation could improve conservation by reducing hybridization and genetic drift that may occur during Cannabis germplasm regeneration. Given the unique legal status of Cannabis, we propose the establishment of a global virtual core collection based on the collation of consistent and comprehensive provenance meta-data and the adoption of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. This would enable representative core collections to be used for systematic phenotyping, and so underpin breeding strategies for the genetic improvement of Cannabis.

 

[Betterhaff]

http://old.tcmwiki.com/wiki/fructus-cannabis[/QUOTno mention of the proteins?

 

[sadpanda]

Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents
Published July 2016 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27285147
Full: http://www.cocbd.com/uploads/8/6/0/1/86016880/current_status_and_prospects_for_cbd__2016_.pdf
1 The National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS.
2 Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS.
3 Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS.
([big pharma $$$ -> politicians pockets] ... i guess who else but Mississippi Uni could it've been!? pfft)

Abstract
States and the federal government are under growing pressure to legalize the use of cannabis products for medical purposes in the United States. Sixteen states have legalized (or decriminalized possession of) products high in cannabidiol (CBD) and with restricted ∆(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (∆(9) -THC) content. In most of these states, the intent is for use in refractory epileptic seizures in children, but in a few states, the indications are broader. This review provides an overview of the pharmacology and toxicology of CBD; summarizes some of the regulatory, safety, and cultural issues relevant to the further exploitation of its antiepileptic or other pharmacologic activities; and assesses the current status and prospects for clinical development of CBD and CBD-rich preparations for medical use in the United States. Unlike Δ(9) -THC, CBD elicits its pharmacologic effects without exerting any significant intrinsic activity on the cannabinoid receptors, whose activation results in the psychotropic effects characteristic of Δ(9) -THC, and CBD possesses several pharmacologic activities that give it a high potential for therapeutic use. CBD exhibits neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and antiinflammatory properties. In combination with Δ(9) -THC, CBD has received regulatory approvals in several European countries and is currently under study in trials registered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the United States. A number of states have passed legislation to allow for the use of CBD-rich, limited Δ(9) -THC-content preparations of cannabis for certain pathologic conditions. CBD is currently being studied in several clinical trials and is at different stages of clinical development for various medical indications. Judging from clinical findings reported so far, CBD and CBD-enriched preparations have great potential utility, but uncertainties regarding sourcing, long-term safety, abuse potential, and regulatory dilemmas remain.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

http://old.tcmwiki.com/wiki/fructus-cannabis[/QUOTno mention of the proteins?

Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview
Euphytica 140: 65–72, (2004).
J.C. Callaway

Summary
The seed of Cannabis sativa L. has been an important source of nutrition for thousands of years in Old World cultures. Non-drug varieties of Cannabis, commonly referred to as hemp, have not been studied extensively for their nutritional potential in recent years, nor has hempseed been utilized to any great extent by the industrial processes and food markets that have developed during the 20th century. Technically a nut, hempseed typically contains over 30% oil and about 25% protein, with considerable amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Hempseed oil is over 80% in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and is an exceptionally rich source of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-3). The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (n6/n3) in hempseed oil is normally between 2:1 and 3:1, which is considered to be optimal for human health. In addition, the biological metabolites of the two EFAs, gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-6; ‘GLA’) and stearidonic acid (18:4 omega-3; ‘SDA’), are also present in hempseed oil. The two main proteins in hempseed are edestin and albumin. Both of these high-quality storage proteins are easily digested and contain nutritionally significant amounts of all essential amino acids. In addition, hempseed has exceptionally high levels of the amino acid arginine. Hempseed has been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years in traditional oriental medicine. Recent clinical trials have identified hempseed oil as a functional food, and animal feeding studies demonstrate the long-standing utility of hempseed as an important food resource.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

I just wanted to say this paper is really great, not for any new info but for the references and all the different infos distilled into one paper, to me one of the best this year, and this decade. This is quite close to my own approach 30+ years ago, except today we have DNA to help guide our research and work. Molecular Biology using DNA marker assisted breeding will be the future of Cannabis be it for Industrial, Medical, or Recreational applications. Like done for Corn, Wheat, Rice, and dozens of other crops. You do not have to use the info to make GMO Cannabis, you can work strictly with Cannabis using Classical breeding but guided by the DNA sequencing results. This allows breeders to check what genes are in the lines they use for breeding and select the best lines or individuals for a trait or resistance, or breed against a trait, problem or susceptibility. Cannabis breeding will change fast, exciting times.
I hope you enjoy the paper as much as I did.
-SamS

A Belated Green Revolution for Cannabis: Virtual Genetic Resources to Fast-Track Cultivar Development


Matthew T. Welling,1 Tim Shapter,1,2 Terry J. Rose,1 Lei Liu,1 Rhia Stanger,1 and Graham J. King1,*
Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965456/

View ImageAbstract
Cannabis is a predominantly diecious phenotypically diverse domesticated genus with few if any extant natural populations. International narcotics conventions and associated legislation have constrained the establishment, characterization, and use of Cannabis genetic resource collections. This has resulted in the underutilization of genepool variability in cultivar development and has limited the inclusion of secondary genepools associated with genetic improvement strategies of the Green Revolution. The structured screening of ex situ germplasm and the exploitation of locally-adapted intraspecific traits is expected to facilitate the genetic improvement of Cannabis. However, limited attempts have been made to establish the full extent of genetic resources available for pre-breeding. We present a thorough critical review of Cannabis ex situ genetic resources, and discuss recommendations for conservation, pre-breeding characterization, and genetic analysis that will underpin future cultivar development. We consider East Asian germplasm to be a priority for conservation based on the prolonged historical cultivation of Cannabis in this region over a range of latitudes, along with the apparent high levels of genetic diversity and relatively low representation in published genetic resource collections. Seed cryopreservation could improve conservation by reducing hybridization and genetic drift that may occur during Cannabis germplasm regeneration. Given the unique legal status of Cannabis, we propose the establishment of a global virtual core collection based on the collation of consistent and comprehensive provenance meta-data and the adoption of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. This would enable representative core collections to be used for systematic phenotyping, and so underpin breeding strategies for the genetic improvement of Cannabis.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Another very good review paper:


New developments in fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) breeding
Elma M.J. Salentijna, Qingying Zhangb, Stefano Amaduccic, Ming Yangb, Luisa M. Trindade
Industrial Crops and Products (2014)
Fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a sustainable and high yielding industrial crop that can help to meet the high global demand for fibers. Hemp can be grown for fiber, seeds, and/or for dual purpose in a wide range of geographic zones and climates. Currently the main hemp producing regions in the world are China, Europe, and Canada. The number of new cultivars developed for each of these regions has gradually increased, with each region producing its own typical hemp cultivars for different purposes. In this article, the state of the art of fiber hemp breeding programs in Europe, China, and Canada are reviewed. The breeding strategies and tools used in the breeding of hemp cultivars are discussed. We also provide an overview of genetic diversity in hemp for different traits. In addition, the current knowledge of the main breeding goals for fiber hemp, which are an improvement of fiber quality and fiber yield, breeding for specific cannabinoid profiles, control of flowering behavior, male flowering control, and breeding of cultivars for specific environments are evaluated. Lastly, we discuss the inestimable value of next generation technologies to breed new hemp cultivars that are suitable for a biobased economy.

 

[Betterhaff]

and about 25% protein

had some that was supposedly 30%. Great mixed in with yogurt.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

A fragrant grave - revealing the mummified remains of a 17th-century bishop
World Archaeology · March 2016
Per Lagerås
Bishop Peder Winstrup died in December 1679, aged 74, and was buried beneath Lund Cathedral. When, in 2014, it was decided that his coffin should be removed from
the crypt, a team of archaeologists took the opportunity to look inside. What they discovered surprised everyone: his clothes, his skin, and his hair were so perfectly preserved that he looked almost as if he were sleeping rather than having been dead for more than three centuries. But another shock awaited the team: the bishop was not alone. Secreted at his feet was the tiny body of a human foetus, probably a still-born baby. Winstrup and the baby lay on a bed of well-preserved plants, its pillows stuffed with herbs. Could these be the reason the remains looked so fresh? An interdisciplinary research team, directed by Per Karsten, Historical Museum at Lund University, was rapidly assembled to investigate.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

Effect of seed moisture content and storage temperature on seed longevity of hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences · December 2014
S S PARIHAR, M DADLANI, S K LAL, V A TONAPI, P C NAUTIYAL and SUDIPTA BASU.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the earliest domesticated plants grown for its protein and oil rich seed, fiber and psychoactive substances and it is one of the earliest known medicinal plants in human history. Studies were conducted on seed germinability (germination test) and viability (topographical tetrazoliun chloride test) in three seed lots to determine the seed quality. Studies conducted on effect of five seed moisture contents (5, 7, 8, 10 and 12 % on fresh weight basis), three storage temperature (ambient, 15°C and -20°C) and eight storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months) on seed longevity revealed that the critical moisture content (moisture content required in seeds for retaining initial germination after storage of seeds up to 36 months) of seeds for ambient storage condition of Delhi was 5 %, which increased to 7 % in 15°C and 12 % at -20°C storage temperature. The seeds are desiccation as well as chilling tolerant, therefore, exhibit orthodox storage behavior and are ideal for ex-situ conservation of seeds in seed/gene banks.

 

[Sam_Skunkman]

INFLUENCE OF AGROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON CONTENT OF MAIN CANNABINOIDS IN INDUSTRIAL HEMP (Cannabis sativa L.)
Vladimir Sikora, Janoš Berenji, Dragana Latković,
Genetika 01/2011; 43(3). DOI: 10.2298/GENSR1103449S
ABSTRACT: Influence of agroclimatic conditions on content of main cannabinoids in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)-Genetika, Vol 43, No. 3,449 -456. In a six-year field experiment eight industrial hemp varieties were examined for ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) contents. The study analyzed the influence of growing degree days (GDD), soil temperature at 5 cm, air humidity, and growing season precipitation on the levels of the main cannabinoids in this crop.Agroclimatic conditions do not influence THC and CBD contents in industrial hemp in the same way. THC synthesis and accumulation are under the significant positive influence of GDD and air humidity and under the negative influence of precipitation, while soil temperature at 5 cm has no significant effect on it. Soil temperature at 5 cm has a significant positive effect on the CBD content, as do GDD. Precipitation has a negative influence on the CBD content of industrial hemp, while air humidity has no influence on it.