Microbial Biotransformation of Cannabinoids

Abstract

The present work is focused on biotransforming the active compounds extracted from Cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana, bhang, pot and hemp etc. It has unique compounds called cannabinoids, which are responsible for the characteristic psychoactivity of the plant. These compounds are terpenophenolics and synthesized within the special trichomes (both staked and sessile). In the present work pathogenic fungi of Cannabis sativa has been evaluated for their potential to biotransform the cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was isolated and purified by thin layer chromatography and was subjected to biotransformation by pathogenic fungi isolated from Cannabis sativa, namely Aspergillus niger. THC was found to be biotransformed to some related metabolite by this fungi as observed during the TLC analysis. Retention factor (Rf) of the new compound (biotransformed) was 0.16 as against pure THC having 0.91 when developed in a solvent system comprising of hexane: diethyl ether (4:1pure) as developing system. The max of the biotransformed compound is 399 nm. Further characterization and evaluation of the biotransformed compound would be of immense potential for evaluating it as a pharmacophore. World over studies on biotransformed THC with least psychotropic effects is being currently looked at eversince Nabilone- a synthetic THc was approved by USA-FDA for its use as a drug in cancer chemotherapy.