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Cannabidiolic acid
Cannabidiolic acid
from Wikipedia
Cannabidiolic acid
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
(1′R,2′R)-2,6-Dihydroxy-5′-methyl-4-pentyl-2′-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-1′,2′,3′,4′-tetrahydro[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
KEGG
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C22H30O4/c1-5-6-7-8-15-12-18(23)20(21(24)19(15)22(25)26)17-11-14(4)9-10-16(17)13(2)3/h11-12,16-17,23-24H,2,5-10H2,1,3-4H3,(H,25,26)/t16-,17+/m0/s1
    Key: WVOLTBSCXRRQFR-DLBZAZTESA-N
  • CCCCCC1=CC(=C(C(=C1C(=O)O)O)[C@@H]2C=C(CC[C@H]2C(=C)C)C)O
Properties
C22H30O4
Molar mass 358.478 g·mol−1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), is a cannabinoid produced in cannabis plants.[1] It is the precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). It is most abundant in the glandular trichomes on the female seedless flowers or more accurately infructescence often colloquially referred to as buds or flowers.[2]

Biosynthesis

[edit]

Cannabidiolic acid is a natural product sesquiterpene biosynthesized in cannabis via Cannabidiolic acid synthase from the conjugation of olivetolic acid and cannabigerolic acid.[3]

Decarboxylation

[edit]

CBDA is the chemical precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). Through the process of decarboxylation, cannabidiol is derived through loss of the carbon and two oxygen atoms that make up the carboxylic acid moeity on the aromatic ring.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), also known as (‒)-cannabidiolic acid, is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid and the primary acidic precursor to (CBD) in L., characterized by its non-psychoactive properties. With the molecular formula C22H30O4 and a molecular weight of 358.48 g/mol, CBDA is a 22-carbon terpenophenolic compound featuring a core linked to a unit and a pentyl , as described by its IUPAC name: 2,4-dihydroxy-3-[(1R,6R)-3-methyl-6-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-6-pentylbenzoic acid. It exhibits moderate (cLogP 6.43), good oral , and stability under physiological conditions, decarboxylating to CBD only upon heating above 100°C. CBDA is predominantly found in industrial hemp varieties (C. sativa fiber and seed-oil types), where it constitutes a major in mature female inflorescences, leaves, and especially pollen. Biosynthetically, it arises from the oxidative cyclization of (CBGA), the central precursor in the pathway, catalyzed by the cannabidiolic-acid synthase (CBDAS), a flavin-dependent oxidocyclase expressed in the secretory cavities of glandular trichomes. This shares high sequence homology (over 70% identity) with tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid synthase (THCAS) but directs the reaction toward the cannabidiol scaffold rather than the psychoactive pathway, determining the chemotype of fiber . The upstream pathway involves polyketide synthase-mediated formation of olivetolic acid from hexanoyl-CoA and , followed by with to yield CBGA. Pharmacologically, CBDA demonstrates a range of bioactive effects distinct from decarboxylated CBD, including potent activity through selective inhibition of (COX-2) with an IC50 of 2.7 μM (ninefold selectivity over COX-1), surpassing many conventional NSAIDs. It also acts as an at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, exhibiting anti-emetic properties at doses as low as 0.05 mg/kg in animal models of motion-induced , reducing incidence by up to 80% and delaying onset more effectively than CBD. Additional preclinical evidence supports anticonvulsant effects in models, anxiolytic activity via modulation at 0.1 μg/kg, and anti-migratory effects on cells (e.g., MDA-MB-231) by downregulating COX-2, c-Fos, and AP-1 signaling. Recent studies as of 2025 have further explored neuroprotective effects in motor neuron disease models and anti-depressant-like activity in rats. Despite these promising attributes, CBDA remains understudied compared to CBD, with ongoing research exploring its therapeutic potential in , , , and , often enhanced in entourage effects with other cannabinoids.

Chemistry

Molecular Structure

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) has the molecular formula C22H30O4 and a molecular weight of 358.47 g/mol. It is the derivative of , consisting of a core (1,3-dihydroxybenzene ring) substituted with a pentyl at position 5, a group at position 1, and a unit attached at position 2; the features a ring with a and an isopropenyl . The key is the acidic carboxyl (-COOH) attached directly to the aromatic ring, which distinguishes CBDA from its decarboxylated form. CBDA exhibits two chiral centers in the moiety at the 1' and 6' positions of the ring, resulting in predominantly the (–)-trans-(1R,6R) configuration, which confers optical activity and is the naturally occurring in . Structurally, CBDA relates to (CBGA), its precursor, through the latter's open-chain geranyl moiety, whereas CBDA incorporates a cyclized with specific (1R,6R) isomerism at the attachment points to the ring.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) appears as a to off-white crystalline solid at . It exhibits low in due to its lipophilic nature, with reported values indicating poor aqueous dissolution, while showing high in organic solvents such as (16 mg/mL), (DMSO; 14 mg/mL), and (DMF; 11 mg/mL). Chemically, CBDA demonstrates stability at neutral but is sensitive to and exposure, which promotes to form (CBD). The pKa of its group is approximately 2.9–3.4, reflecting the acidity typical of phytocannabinoid acids. In terms of spectroscopic properties, CBDA shows UV absorption maxima at 227 nm, 269 nm, and 307 nm, useful for its detection in analytical methods. ¹H NMR (in CD₃OD, 300 MHz) reveals characteristic signals, including aromatic proton at δ 6.09 ppm (H-5') and olefinic proton at δ 5.22 ppm (H-2), aiding structural confirmation. ¹³C NMR (in CD₃OD, 75 MHz) displays the carboxylic carbon at δ 177.2 ppm and aromatic carbons around δ 116.0 ppm.

Occurrence and Biosynthesis

Natural Sources

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is primarily abundant in L., particularly in non-psychoactive varieties cultivated for and oil production. It accumulates mainly in the glandular trichomes of developing and mature female inflorescences, leaves, and to a lesser extent in and oil, where it serves as a key biosynthetic product. In high-CBDA strains, CBDA concentrations can reach up to 20% of the plant's dry weight, comprising 20–30% of the total cannabinoids, with levels influenced by genetic factors and environmental conditions. These concentrations are substantially higher in and seed-oil chemotypes, which are CBDA-dominant (with THCA/CBDA ratios much less than 1), compared to psychoactive marijuana varieties that favor THCA-dominant profiles (ratios much greater than 1). Trace amounts of CBDA occur in other members of the family, such as , where it has been detected in fruits, inflorescences, and leaves alongside other cannabinoids. Preservation of CBDA requires non-thermal extraction techniques to prevent , including supercritical CO₂ extraction, which operates at low temperatures without solvents, and cold ethanol extraction, which efficiently isolates the acid form while retaining terpenes.

Biosynthetic Pathway

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is biosynthesized in the glandular trichomes of through a multi-step pathway that converges and precursors. The process begins with the formation of olivetolic acid (OLA) from hexanoyl-CoA and via a type III (TKS) and olivetolic acid cyclase (OAC), followed by of OLA with (GPP) to yield (CBGA), the central precursor to various cannabinoids including CBDA. The key enzymatic steps involve geranylpyrophosphate:olivetolate geranyltransferase, primarily encoded by CsPT1 and CsPT4, which catalyzes the of OLA to form CBGA. Subsequently, cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS), an , stereoselectively cyclizes CBGA into CBDA through oxidative cyclization of the moiety. The genes encoding these enzymes show location variability across Cannabis genomes; CsCBDAS is typically on , while CsPT1 and CsPT4 are on , often within repeat-rich regions that contribute to chemotype variation. Expression of these genes is predominantly in glandular trichomes during flower development, with CsCBDAS showing high sequence identity to related synthases and optimal activity at pH 5.0. Biosynthetic flux to CBDA is regulated by environmental factors such as spectra, where and high-intensity enhance CBDA accumulation by upregulating pathway genes, and availability, with limitation increasing cannabinoid concentrations. Developmental stage also influences production, with peak expression and CBDA levels occurring in early to mid-flower phases. Recent biotechnological advances in 2024–2025 have focused on microbial for scalable CBDA production, including of CsPT4 and CsCBDAS in and lipolytica, achieving titers up to several mg/L from simple sugars and enabling analog synthesis.

Decarboxylation

Mechanism

The decarboxylation of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) involves the thermal loss of (CO₂) from its carboxyl group, resulting in the formation of (CBD). This non-enzymatic reaction proceeds via a direct β-keto acid pathway, where the C–C bond between the carboxylic carbon and the α-carbon cleaves, releasing CO₂ and stabilizing the product through the aromatic ring system. The overall is: CBDACBD+CO2\text{CBDA} \rightarrow \text{CBD} + \text{CO}_2 The overall reaction is thermodynamically unfavorable at room temperature (positive ΔG) but becomes spontaneous at elevated temperatures due to the -TΔS term. Activation enthalpies (ΔH‡) range from 60 to 70 kJ/mol. The reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics, with rate constants increasing exponentially with temperature. Activation energies (E_a) for CBDA decarboxylation are approximately 60–70 kJ/mol, higher than those for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), indicating a relatively higher energy barrier. For instance, at 100°C, decarboxylation is incomplete even after 140 minutes, while near-complete conversion (over 95%) occurs at 130°C within 60–140 minutes or at 140°C in about 30–60 minutes. Half-lives vary with conditions; in hempseed oil at 85°C, the half-life is around 4 days, extending to 17 days with antioxidants like α-tocopherol. Decarboxylation is primarily driven by heat under non-enzymatic thermal conditions, often in closed systems to minimize oxidation, with temperatures of 100–140°C being effective. The reaction rate accelerates in acidic environments and is catalyzed by plant matrix components in extracts, which can increase efficiency up to tenfold compared to isolated CBDA. Exposure to or UV can further promote the process, though thermal effects dominate in standard applications. Side reactions are minimal under controlled conditions but can include isomerization to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) or Δ⁸-THC, as well as formation of cannabielsoin (CBE) or cannabielsoic acid (CBEA) via cyclization and oxidation at higher temperatures (>130°C) or prolonged exposure. CBD itself may degrade into unknown products or CBN at elevated temperatures, emphasizing the need for optimized conditions to limit byproducts.

Conversion to Cannabidiol

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is converted to (CBD) through , a process commonly applied in industrial processing to activate cannabinoids for consumer products. Practical methods include controlled heating, such as baking material in an oven at 110°C for 40 minutes to achieve near-complete conversion, or infusing extracts in oils at similar temperatures for 30-60 minutes to yield over 90% CBD in optimized conditions. Vaping and also induce rapid due to high temperatures (typically 150-200°C), though these methods are less controlled for industrial-scale production and may lead to variable yields. To preserve CBDA and prevent unintended conversion, raw extracts are maintained in their acidic form through cold storage strategies, such as freezing at -20°C under vacuum-sealed conditions to minimize degradation and spontaneous over extended periods. This approach supports the development of novel CBDA-retaining products, like wellness supplements emphasizing the acid's potential benefits without heat processing. Conventional purification of crude hemp extracts has often relied on short-path distillation, which applies heat and vacuum to vaporize and separate compounds, potentially causing decarboxylation of CBDA to CBD. As a result, alternative low-heat or non-thermal methods, such as centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), have been developed to isolate and retain acidic cannabinoids in their natural form. Conversion efficiency and purity are influenced by factors such as sample matrix and environmental conditions; for instance, extracts achieve higher yields (up to 97% at 130°C for 20 minutes) compared to isolated CBDA (around 52% under similar conditions) due to protective matrix components. Moisture content can indirectly affect outcomes by promoting side reactions, while (HPLC) is routinely used to monitor the reaction progress and ensure CBD purity exceeds 95% in processed fractions. The recognition of CBDA decarboxylation in cannabis processing dates to the 1960s, following its isolation by in 1965, with early studies establishing heat as a key activation method. By 2025, industry emphasis has shifted toward CBDA retention strategies for differentiated products, reflecting growing interest in acid-form therapeutics amid expanded hemp regulations.

Pharmacology

Receptor Interactions

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) exhibits weak binding affinity to the canonical cannabinoid receptors, acting primarily as a low-potency . At the CB1 receptor, CBDA displays negligible affinity with a Ki value exceeding 10 μM, rendering it ineffective in standard cAMP inhibition and β-arrestin2 recruitment assays. In contrast, CBDA shows moderate selectivity for the CB2 receptor, with a reported Ki of approximately 2.6 μM, where it functions as a weak for cAMP inhibition but lacks significant β-arrestin2 recruitment activity. These interactions suggest in the presence of orthosteric agonists, potentially through biased signaling pathways that promote inverse agonism and enhance CB1-CB2 heteromer formation. Beyond cannabinoid receptors, CBDA modulates several non-canonical targets with higher potency. It acts as a positive at the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, enhancing receptor activation at concentrations as low as 0.1 nM, outperforming (CBD) in potency for this interaction. CBDA also activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ), promoting downstream in cellular models, which contributes to its profile. The carboxyl group in CBDA's structure accounts for its generally lower potency compared to decarboxylated CBD across multiple targets, as this moiety reduces and alters binding kinetics, leading to diminished in receptor assays. Additionally, CBDA engages in allosteric modulation, particularly at receptors, where it influences orthosteric binding and signaling bias without occupying the primary site, as evidenced by enhanced BRET signals in heteromer assays. Recent polypharmacology studies from 2024–2025 have further elucidated CBDA's interactions with 55 (GPR55), where it exhibits antagonistic effects in antitumor models.

Biological Effects

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) demonstrates significant effects, primarily through selective inhibition of (COX-2) activity, with an IC50 value of approximately 2 μM, while showing minimal impact on cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This inhibition reduces production, a key mediator of inflammation. Additionally, CBDA down-regulates COX-2 expression in human cells, potentially suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways. Regarding cytokine modulation, CBDA contributes to reduced inflammatory responses by limiting COX-2-mediated effects, though direct inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 requires further elucidation in native CBDA studies. CBDA also alleviates nausea and vomiting through enhancement of 5-HT1A receptor activation, as evidenced in shrew (Suncus murinus) and rat models where it prevented lithium chloride-induced emesis and conditioned gaping responses at doses of 0.1–10 μg/kg, effects antagonized by the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635. In terms of metabolic effects, CBDA and its derivatives improve insulin sensitivity and mitigate diet- or genetic-induced obesity in rodent models by reducing body weight gain, adiposity, and hepatic steatosis while enhancing glucose homeostasis, suggesting potential roles in appetite regulation via serotonin pathways. Preliminary evidence indicates CBDA may support mood stabilization through 5-HT1A modulation, reducing anxiety-like behaviors in preclinical assays without inducing psychoactive effects. CBDA exhibits a favorable profile, with low acute oral in and no observed adverse effects at therapeutic doses in animal studies. Unlike Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBDA produces no psychoactive effects, as it does not bind significantly to receptors CB1 or CB2 in a manner that alters or . CBDA is stable under physiological conditions but can decarboxylate to (CBD) upon heating. Its metabolism involves hepatic enzymes, notably , which hydroxylate CBDA and its decarboxylated form, contributing to phase I and elimination.

Research and Applications

Preclinical Studies

Preclinical studies on cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) have primarily utilized cell cultures and animal models to evaluate its potential therapeutic effects and safety profile, focusing on mechanisms such as receptor modulation without psychoactive activity. These investigations highlight CBDA's interactions with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and serotonin receptors, contributing to its observed bioactivities in disease models. In anti-cancer research, 2024 preclinical models have demonstrated that CBDA induces in cells, such as MDA-MB-231, through mechanisms including increased (ROS) and inhibition of (EGF), with potential involvement of PPAR pathways. This effect was linked to enhanced expression of PPAR target genes, promoting arrest and without significant to non-cancerous cells. Neurological effects of CBDA have been examined in seizure and emesis models. In maximal electroshock (MES) models in rats, CBDA-enriched hemp extracts exhibited anti-convulsant properties, reducing severity with potency comparable to through entourage effects with other cannabinoids. Additionally, in rodent models of cisplatin-induced emesis, CBDA suppressed and behaviors at low doses (0.1–0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), outperforming traditional anti-emetics in potency via enhanced activation. Inflammation studies using carrageenan-induced paw edema assays in rodents showed that CBDA reduces inflammatory edema and hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner when administered intraperitoneally prior to induction, with effects mediated by peripheral cannabinoid receptors and comparable to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol at equimolar doses. A 2023 pharmacokinetic study in goats demonstrated that CBDA from hemp pellets is well-absorbed and retained better than cannabidiol, supporting its potential for anti-inflammatory applications via COX-2 inhibition observed in prior models. Safety assessments indicate no genotoxic potential for CBDA, as evidenced by negative results in the Ames bacterial reverse mutation test across multiple strains, both with and without metabolic activation. Pharmacokinetic profiles from in animal models reveal low of approximately 6–10%, attributed to first-pass , with a plasma (t1/2) of about 1 hour, supporting once-daily dosing strategies in preclinical designs. As of 2024, preclinical research has also investigated CBDA's therapeutic potential in psychiatric disorders and sex differences in antinociceptive effects.

Clinical and Therapeutic Potential

Early-phase human studies have evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in healthy volunteers. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 15 adults, oral administration of a hemp-derived product containing CBDA at doses up to 142.8 mg (as part of a 1:1 CBD:CBDA ratio) was generally well-tolerated, with only mild to moderate adverse events reported, including dizziness, nausea, and anxiety in four participants, all resolving without intervention. No serious adverse events occurred, supporting CBDA's favorable safety profile at these doses up to 2025. Emerging therapeutic applications of CBDA focus on its potential as an adjunct to (CBD) in management, where preclinical data suggest enhanced effects through entourage mechanisms, though human trials remain limited. For chemotherapy-induced , CBDA demonstrates superior potency over CBD in suppressing vomiting via serotonin agonism in animal models, warranting further clinical exploration as an antiemetic adjunct. In inflammatory conditions like (IBD), CBDA's properties, observed in preclinical models, indicate potential symptom relief, but human data are preliminary and primarily derived from combined formulations. Ongoing as of 2025 explores CBDA's role in metabolic disorders, with preclinical evidence of a CBDA derivative improving obesity-related parameters, highlighting the need for dedicated clinical trials. Key challenges in CBDA's clinical translation include its limited oral due to poor aqueous and first-pass , similar to CBD, necessitating specialized formulations like lipid-based carriers or full-spectrum extracts to enhance absorption. CBDA-specific delivery systems, distinct from those optimized for decarboxylated CBD, are essential to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Regulatory aspects support CBDA's development from hemp sources, with FDA recognition of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for seed-derived ingredients containing trace cannabinoids, facilitating non-drug applications. Additionally, a CBDA-dominant extract received FDA designation on November 25, 2024, for treating , a rare , underscoring its potential for indications through expedited pathways.

References

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