Oxidation Study of Oleocanthal and Oleacein Induced by Oxone.

A selective Oxone-induced oxidation of oleocanthal and oleacein, the two main secoiridoids of olive oil, to their bis-oxidized products is described. This protocol is based on a Baeyer-Villiger mechanism and the concentration of Oxone in the final solution. The bis-oxidation of the aldehydic compounds could be extended for the synthesis of various semisynthetic analogs. The obtained acids exhibit strong antioxidant activity, being efficient free radical scavengers.

Determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in human plasma and urine after a commercial cannabidiol oil product intake.

PURPOSE: Cannabidiol (CBD) products are widely used for pain relief, sleep improvement, management of seizures etc. Although the concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in these products are low (≤0.3% w/w), it is important to investigate if its presence and/or that of its metabolite 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC, is traceable in plasma and urine samples of individuals who take CBD oil products. METHODS: A sensitive GC/MS method for the determination of Δ9-THC, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC and CBD in plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. The sample preparation procedure included protein precipitation for plasma samples and hydrolysis for urine samples, solid-phase extraction and finally derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane. RESULTS: For all analytes, the LOD and LOQ were 0.06 and 0.20 ng/mL, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (R2 ≥ 0.992), and absolute recoveries were ≥91.7%. Accuracy and precision were within the accepted range. From the analysis of biologic samples of 10 human participants who were taking CBD oil, it was realized that Δ9-THC was not detected in urine, while 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC (0.69-23.06 ng/mL) and CBD (0.29-96.78 ng/mL) were found in all urine samples. Regarding plasma samples, Δ9-THC (0.21-0.62 ng/mL) was detected in 10, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC (0.20-2.44 ng/mL) in 35, while CBD (0.20-1.58 ng/mL) in 25 out of 38 samples, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that Δ9-THC is likely to be found in plasma although at low concentrations. In addition, the detection of 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC in both urine and plasma samples raises questions and concerns for the proper interpretation of toxicological results, especially considering Greece's zero tolerance law applied in DUID and workplace cases.

Gentiopicroside-An Insight into Its Pharmacological Significance and Future Perspectives.

Gentiopicroside (GPS) is a leading component of several plant species from the Gentianaceae botanical family. As a compound with plenty of biological activities and a component of herbal drugs, GPS has an important role in the regulation of physiological processes in humans. The results of recently published scientific studies underline a meaningful role of this molecule as an active factor in metabolic pathways and mechanisms, which may have an influence in the treatment of different diseases, including digestive tract disorders, malignant changes, neurological disorders, microbial infections, bone formation disorders, inflammatory conditions, and others. This review aims to collect previously published reports on the biological properties of GPS as a single compound that were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and to draw attention to the newly discovered role of this bitter-tasting secoiridoid. Thanks to these properties, the research on this substance could be revisited.