“Cannabichromene (CBC: C21H3O2, M.W.: 314.46 g) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa (hemp), and its potential therapeutic properties have attracted increasing attention. Specifically, it has demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of edema through non-CB receptor mechanisms; however, further pharmacological studies based on cancer models are required.
In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activity of CBC in human pancreatic cancer cells.
Through mRNA-seq analysis, the expression levels of many genes involved in cell death pathways were upregulated or downregulated after CBC treatment, and these included ferroptosis-related genes, such as HMOX1. We further confirmed the functional validity of apoptosis and ferroptosis induction after CBC treatment using various molecular assays. In addition, CBC preferentially increased the expression of TRPV1 and CB2.
Accordingly, the effects on cell death were reversed after treatment with TRPV1 and CB2 inhibitors, suggesting that receptor expression is necessary for the induction of apoptotic cell death. Finally, we confirmed the consistent regulation of apoptosis, ferroptosis, and endocannabinoid receptors during tumor growth inhibition after CBC treatment using in vivo xenograft models.
Therefore, we propose that CBC exhibits pharmacological activity via the integrative modulation of multiple cell death pathways, which can be exploited for pancreatic cancer therapy.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40790027/
“Cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa exert their effects by binding to specific receptors that play a role in tissue development and homeostasis maintenance in the human body.”
“CBC treatment induces apoptotic cell death in pancreatic cancer cells”
“Our current study demonstrates that CBC modulates multiple forms of cell death by regulating the expression of proteins involved in both apoptotic and ferroptotic pathways. Although CBC-induced apoptosis was dependent on TRPV1 and CB2 receptors, the ferroptotic pathway appeared to be independent of these receptors.
Accordingly, we propose that CBC exerts its pharmacological effects through the integrative modulation of multiple cell death pathways, which could offer therapeutic benefits for pancreatic cancer treatment.
These results enhance our understanding of how CBC induces diverse cell death mechanisms via ECS receptors, not only in pancreatic cancer but also in other cancer models.
This study provides a promising foundation for the development of cannabinoid-based anti-cancer drugs, offering a new strategy for targeting various types of cancer through the modulation of apoptosis and ferroptosis.”