A new study published in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology found that cannabichromene (CBC), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, may have significant antidepressant effects through its interaction with cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors.
The study was conducted by researchers from four Indian institutions, including G D Goenka University and Amity University. Using a combination of computer modeling and animal testing, the team explored CBC’s antidepressant potential. The in silico phase involved identifying gene targets associated with depression and comparing them to those potentially impacted by CBC. CB2 receptor genes were identified as a key shared target, and molecular docking showed CBC binding strongly to these receptors with a higher affinity than cannabidiol (CBD) and THC.
In the in vivo portion, male Swiss albino mice were exposed to three weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress to induce depression-like symptoms. CBC was administered in two doses (10 and 20 mg/kg), alongside a control group given the standard antidepressant imipramine. Mice treated with 20 mg/kg of CBC showed a significant reduction in immobility—an indicator of depressive behavior—comparable to those treated with imipramine.
CBC also lowered elevated corticosterone and plasma nitrite levels and reduced monoamine oxidase-A activity in the brain, without affecting general locomotion. Additionally, CBC reversed stress-induced reductions in catalase activity.
“This study highlights cannabichromene’s potential as a novel therapeutic agent for depression after further in vitro and clinical assessments in other models”, concludes researchers.
For the full study, click here.
