Scientists Discover CBD Cannabis Compound in Unrelated Plant
Scientists in Brazil have made a groundbreaking discovery by finding cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, in a common plant. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the production of CBD.
According to molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the team found CBD in the fruits and flowers of a plant called Trema micrantha blume. This shrub, which is considered a weed and grows abundantly in Brazil, could now become a new and cost-effective source of CBD.
Affordable CBD Source
CBD, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is one of the main active compounds found in cannabis. It is increasingly being used to treat conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.
Preliminary studies on its effectiveness as a medical treatment are currently being conducted. Neto’s chemical analysis confirmed the presence of CBD in “Trema,” but no THC. Therefore, this plant could serve as a legal alternative to cannabis consumption and potentially provide a simpler and more cost-effective source of cannabidiol. CBD has previously been found in a related plant in Thailand.
Neto, who has yet to publish his findings, plans to expand his research by identifying the best extraction methods for obtaining CBD from “Trema” and studying its effectiveness in patients who currently use medical cannabis.
Brazilian Government Supports Research
To fund this ongoing research, Neto’s team recently received a 500,000 reais (US$104,000) grant from the Brazilian government. This long-term study is expected to take at least five years. A market analysis conducted by Vantage Market Research last year estimated the global CBD market value at nearly $5 billion and projected it to surpass $2028 billion by ’47, driven primarily by its use in health and wellness applications.
Source: sciencealert.com (EN)
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