Naphthoylindoles
Naphthoylindoles[edit | edit source]
Naphthoylindoles are a class of synthetic cannabinoids that act on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These compounds are structurally related to the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant but are designed to mimic their effects. Naphthoylindoles are often used in the production of synthetic cannabis products, commonly known as "spice" or "K2."
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Naphthoylindoles are characterized by the presence of a naphthoyl group attached to an indole core. The general structure consists of a naphthalene ring system linked to an indole moiety, which is a bicyclic structure containing a benzene ring fused to a pyrrole ring. The chemical structure of JWH-018, one of the most well-known naphthoylindoles, is depicted in the image.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Naphthoylindoles function as agonists at the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, and pain sensation. The binding of naphthoylindoles to these receptors can produce effects similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis.
Usage and Effects[edit | edit source]
Naphthoylindoles are primarily used in the formulation of synthetic cannabis products. These products are often marketed as legal alternatives to cannabis, although their legal status varies by jurisdiction. The effects of naphthoylindoles can include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia. Due to their potency and variability, the use of synthetic cannabinoids can pose significant health risks.
Legal Status[edit | edit source]
The legal status of naphthoylindoles varies worldwide. Many countries have moved to ban or regulate these substances due to their potential for abuse and adverse health effects. In the United States, several naphthoylindoles, including JWH-018, are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD