Tetrahydrocannabivarin – Not THC, But a well Known Cannabinoid
Tetrahydrocannabivarin also referred THCV, is on the most medically crucial known cannabinoid. The compound is thought to act just like an antagonist with regards to cannabinoid receptors at very low doses.
However, surprisingly it can also work as an antagonist even at high doses. This means that it affects are identical to THC. The Tetrahydrocannabivarin was discovered in the year 1973. Since then the compound, present in the cannabis plant, has remarkably grown in significance but within medical circles.
This is the most studied cannabinoid. In the past ten years, there is intensified research in the pharmacological properties of THCV. Just like we know about CBD, THCV also holds high importance and play a crucial role in the proper regulation of our immune system. This is particularly true when it comes to inflammatory pain and inflammation.
The Properties and Structure of THCV
THCV has the chemical formula – C19H26O2. It contains 19 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen, and 26 hydrogen atoms. Just like other known phytocannabinoids, Tetrahydrocannabivarin is an oily compound. It is insoluble in water but it is also highly soluble in more lipid-based solvents.
Structurally, THCV is highly similar to THC. The atoms of THCV are arranged identically that creates an identical 3D structure of THCV molecule. It is the cannabinoid that belongs to propyl group and not the pentyl group. There is also some other cannabinoid that belongs to pentyl cannabinoids such as cannabivarin and cannabidivarin.
The Significance of THCV in Medicine
THCV, in addition to another cannabinoid, binds to a particular ‘receptor’ sites in our body. These sites are located in the brain and within several major organs as well as the cells of the immune system. Such ‘receptors’ are more like specialized proteins located at the presynaptic junctions among nerve cells. Until now only two prime receptors, related to cannabinoids are identified. These include CB1 and CB2 or cannabinoid receptors type I & II.
THCV has the potential to bind to both of these receptors. Fascinatingly, it seems that Tetrahydrocannabivarin exerts either antagonizing effect on the receptor – CB1 or rather an agonizing effect, depending on the dose.
However, in small doses, Tetrahydrocannabivarin seem to antagonize the CB1-receptor, but in higher doses, it appears to create an agonizing effect which is similar to THC.
Hence, there is a very strong argument in terms of considering THCV as another psychoactive compound. In fact, there is evidence that THCV effects may in particular respect be complementary as that of THC.
There are many studies which show that THCV has strong potential to treat glucose intolerance (obesity-related) in diabetics along with anti-inflammatory effects.
As per other studies conducted on rats, there are proven results that THCV holds great ability to reduce seizure activity significantly. While this makes it similar to CBD, this indicates the THCV value as the target of research for severe disorders like epilepsy.
Just like another cannabinoid, THCV also shows promising potential in the field of medicine. Indeed, its real value and potential are yet to be determined.
