Why it matters: Israeli researchers have discovered that a plant called helichrysum umbraculigerum, which is not of the cannabis family, produces a number of cannabinoids that were previously believed to only exist in cannabis and hemp plants. This discovery could lead to new avenues for cannabinoid medicines and treatments.
What they are saying: Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science identified more than 40 cannabinoids in the woolly umbrella plant and shared the biochemical steps the plant takes as it produces these compounds, which could be reproduced in a laboratory to synthesize existing cannabinoids or engineer new ones that don’t exist in nature. The woolly umbrella primarily manufactures cannabinoids in its leaves, making it a potential benefit compared to cannabis.
The big picture: This discovery opens up a new frontier for cannabinoids, allowing scientists to engineer cannabinoids that don’t exist in nature, leading to better binding to human cannabinoid receptors or even specific therapeutic effects. Additionally, studying why plants produce cannabinoids could provide valuable ecological insights.
What to watch: The study findings need further exploration to determine the therapeutic uses of more than 30 new cannabinoids found in the woolly umbrella plant. The cannabinoids produced by this plant could also hold untapped potential in the future.
My take: This discovery is a significant breakthrough for cannabinoid research and could lead to new treatments for a range of symptoms and conditions. It’s exciting to see what new developments will come from the study findings.
