JWH-159

Synonyms

JWH-159

Drug Information
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Identifiers ATC Code DrugBank UNII KEGG ChEBI		Chemical Data N Molecular Weight

JWH-159 is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts as a selective agonist for the cannabinoid receptor CB2, with a much lower affinity for the CB1 receptor. It is part of the naphthoylindole family of synthetic cannabinoids, which were originally developed for research purposes to study the endocannabinoid system.

Chemical Properties

JWH-159 has the chemical formula C₂₆H₂₆O₂ and a molecular weight of 370.48 g/mol. The compound is characterized by a naphthoyl group attached to an indole core, which is a common structural motif in many synthetic cannabinoids.

Pharmacology

JWH-159 is known for its high selectivity towards the CB2 receptor, which is primarily found in the immune system. This selectivity makes it a valuable tool for research into the therapeutic potential of CB2 receptor agonists, which are being investigated for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Mechanism of Action

JWH-159 binds to the CB2 receptor, activating it and mimicking the effects of naturally occurring endocannabinoids. This activation can lead to a variety of cellular responses, including the modulation of cytokine release and the inhibition of inflammatory pathways.

Research and Applications

Due to its selectivity for the CB2 receptor, JWH-159 is used in scientific research to explore the role of CB2 receptors in various physiological and pathological processes. Studies have investigated its potential in treating conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Legal Status

The legal status of JWH-159 varies by country. In some jurisdictions, it may be classified as a controlled substance due to its structural similarity to other synthetic cannabinoids that have been associated with recreational use and potential health risks.

Safety and Toxicology

As with many synthetic cannabinoids, the safety profile of JWH-159 is not well-established. Research is ongoing to determine its potential toxicological effects, particularly with long-term use or high doses.

Also see

• Cannabinoid receptor
• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Endocannabinoid system
• CB2 receptor
• JWH-018

Receptor Ligands
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Class	Not specified
Function	Not specified
Endogenous Ligands	None listed
Agonists	None listed
Antagonists	None listed
Partial Agonists	None listed
Inverse Agonists	None listed
Allosteric Modulators	None listed
Related Receptors	None listed