11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol

11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (11-OH-HHC) is a metabolite of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is formed in the body after consumption of HHC, specifically through the action of the enzyme cytochrome P450.

Metabolism

When HHC is consumed, it is metabolized by the liver. The primary enzyme responsible for this metabolism is cytochrome P450, which oxidizes HHC to form 11-OH-HHC. This metabolite is then further metabolized, primarily by glucuronidation, to form 11-nor-9-carboxyhexahydrocannabinol (11-COOH-HHC), which is the primary excretory product.

Pharmacology

11-OH-HHC is more potent than its parent compound, HHC. This is because it can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily, leading to more significant psychoactive effects. It acts as a partial agonist at the CB1 receptor, which is primarily located in the brain and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids.

Therapeutic use

While 11-OH-HHC itself is not used therapeutically, its parent compound HHC has been used in the treatment of various conditions, including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The formation of 11-OH-HHC is a key part of the pharmacological activity of HHC.

See also

• Cannabinoid
• Cannabis (drug)
• Cytochrome P450
• Hexahydrocannabinol