Medical

05/03/2019

What is CBCA? – A scientific update

A scientific summary of what we know about CBCA so far.

A simplified summary of CBCa (Cannabichromenic Acid)

For the full and scientific summary, scroll down.

Cannabichromenic acid or CBCa is compound from which CBC is derived (one of the four major cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant). Its main purpose is to defend growing plants against disease and to regulate the growth process. The main difference between CBCa and other cannabinoids is that it is produced at a constant rate in the “stalkless trichomes”, which look more like water droplets, instead of the trichomes that look like transparent mushrooms we usually see.

Medicinal benefits of CBCa

 Unfortunately, very few studies have been done on the beneficial properties of CBCa, however, just like CBC, CBCA has been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and a mild to moderate antifungal activity.

A scientific summary of Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCa)

Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) is a precursor of Cannabichromene (CBC), one of the four major cannabinoids in cannabis. Similarly, to the other acid precursors (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid [THCA] and Cannabidiolic Acid [CBDA]), CBCA is biosynthesized from another cannabinoid acid – cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) – through a reaction mediated by an enzyme named cannabichromenic acid synthase.

CBCA only comes from a specific trichome

CBCA is constitutively produced (1) and accumulates primarily in the “stalk-less” trichomes (defined as “capitate-sessile trichomes “) (Figure 1) of cannabis’ young leaves(*). When heated, CBCA is converted into CBC by a reaction known as “decarboxylation”, which involves the loss of a carbon dioxide (CO2) from the main chain of the cannabichromenic acid molecule.

(*) Demonstrated by studies measuring the activity of CBCA-synthesizing enzyme in the leaves at various developmental stages.

Figure 1.

Hemp trichome types: (A) Unicellular non-glandular trichome; (B) cystolythic trichomes; (C) capitate sessile trichome; (D) capitate-stalked trichome; (E) simple bulbous trichome; (F) complex bulbous trichome. Image credit: Dr. David J. Potter.  

CBCA is important for the defense of the cannabis plant

Like THCA, CBCA seems to have potent cell death-inducing properties in the leaf tissues of cannabis and the resin secreted by the trichomes. Rich in CBCA and THCA, these secretions accumulate in regions where cell death occurs, suggesting that both CBCA and THCA may play an important role in the defense systems of cannabis leaves against pathogens (2) .
Cell death in plants is a known defense mechanism to confine pathogens to infected sites, in order to avoid the rapid spread of the infection.

Medicinal benefits of CBCA

From the medical point-of-view, very few studies have currently investigated the abilities of this acid precursor, however, similarly to its active homologous counterpart (CBC), CBCA has been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as well as a mild to moderate antifungal activity.

Definitions:

(1) Constitutive (Medical Definition): Produced at a constant rate, regardless of physiological demand or cell environmental conditions (as the concentration of a substrate).

(2) Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms involved in the onset of a disease.

Sour Cookies

Sour Cookies seeds strain in europe From Guru Seeds

Sour Cookies by Guru Seeds is a sativa-dominant hybrid with explosive growth, that is suitable for any kind of garden. Effects of this strain include a buzzing head-high that soon gives its place to an intense couch-lock. 

 

Skittlez

Zkittles or Skittlez seeds is the famous lineage of grape ape grapefruit

Skittlez is a mix of Grapefruit and Grape Ape, back-crossed with an undisclosed phenotype by California-based breeders 3rd Gen Family and Terp Hogz. Grape Ape itself has an illustrious heritage, being bred from the original Skunk #1. The average THC of this candy-flavoured strain is about 20%.

Gorilla Glue #4

Zoomed in image of Gorilla Glue #4 cannabis strain

Gorilla Glue #4 is an award-winning hybrid with roots in three different strains. These being Chem’s Sis, Chocolate Diesel and Sour Dubble. The former are two heavy-hitting sativas and the latter a potent indica. 

Bibliography:

● Happyana N, et al. Planta Med. 2016;82(13):1217-23.
● Morimoto S, et al. J Biol Chem. 2007;282(28):20739-51.
● Muntendam, R. 2015 [Groningen]. 177 p. available at https://www.rug.nl/research/portal/publications/metabolomics-and-bioanalysis-of-terpenoid-derived-secondary-metabolites(abeb2acd-ee23-4d30-b8ed-9729d2aece79)/export.html
● Russo EB. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-64.
● Turner CE et al. J Clin Pharmacol. 1981;21(S1):283S-291S.
● van Bakel et al. Genome Biology 2011, 12:R102

Post author
Fran Ca
Fran Cà is Coffeeshop Guru's in-house medicinal cannabis expert and all-around science nerd. She scours the latest research papers with pin-point precision to keep you up-to-date on the most recent developments and thrilling discoveries surrounding the awesome power of cannabis.
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