THC (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

Tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCV is one of the 113 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is a homolog of the principal psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The cannabis genus Cannabis Sativa found in India, Nepal, China, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have been reported to have THCV levels up to 53.7% of the total cannabinoid content.

Biosynthesis:

Unlike the biosynthesis of THC, geranyl pyrophosphate reacts with divarinolic acid that has two fewer carbon atoms to produce cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA). The resultant compound in a reaction with the enzyme tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA) synthase gets broken down to produce THCVA. The resultant THCVA gets decarboxylated over time, or when heated, to produce Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

Molecular Formula of THCV – C19H26O2

Potential Benefits:

Neuroprotective – The results of the research Symptom‐relieving and neuroprotective effects of the phytocannabinoid Δ9‐THCV in animal models of Parkinson's disease conducted by C García C Palomo‐Garo, M García‐Arencibia, JA Ramos, RG Pertwee, J Fernández‐Ruiz, show that THCV may help relieve symptoms of disorders like Parkinson’s disease and may also have neuroprotective effects.

Anti-Inflammation – In the research The plant cannabinoid Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin can decrease signs of inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice conducted by Daniele Bolognini, Barbara Costa, Sabatino Maione, Francesca Comelli, Pietro Marini Vincenzo Di Marzo, Daniela Parolaro, Ruth A Ross, Lisa A Gauson, Maria G Cascio, and Roger G Pertwee, THCV is known to have shown anti-inflammatory effects.

With molecular similarity among the two compounds, THC (delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCV also show similar health benefits and uses in medicine. This includes the benefit to the cardiovascular system, pain relief, potential help in tackling depression, relief in nausea and vomiting, and more.

Like CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) there are possibilities of a wider and better medical usage of the THCV compound, but the facts can only be established by structured and extensive scientific research.