Get to know CBT(C): a rare cannabinoid with exciting potential!
- What is CBT(C)?
- How is CBT(C) formed?
- CBTC vs CBT(C)
- What are the effects of CBT(C)?
- CBT(C) products
- Conclusion
What is CBT(C)?
Cannabicitran, known by the abbreviations CBT and CBTC, is a minor phytocannabinoid that was isolated in 1974 from the cannabis plant , but only today are we learning more about it thanks to advancing research and technology.
Cannabicitrate is often found in CBD extracts at concentrations of up to 10%. Because of the chemical similarity of CBT(C) to CBD, CBTC is not easily eliminated - but this is not a bad thing: the properties of the two substances are thought to be complementary and mutually supportive.
The molecular formula of CBT(C) is C21H30O2, that is, it has 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms.
How does CBT(C) originate?
Research to date shows that cannabicitrate is formed by the cyclisation of the cannabinoids CBC and THC. As CBTC is chemically more similar to CBC, it is believed that CBTC is more likely to be formed naturally in the plant from CBC.
Cyclization is the process by which a molecule is enclosed in a circular structure. Because CBTC is a racemic compound, it contains an equal proportion of two enantiomers: (-)-cannabicitrate and (+)-cannabicitrate, and cyclization is non-enzymatic. Enzymatic processes lead to the production of only one form of enantiomer. An enantiomer is a molecule that is a mirror image of another molecule, and they cannot be superimposed in the same way: just as the right palm does not superimpose the back of the left hand in the same way.
Cannabicitrate can be extracted from the plant directly, for example by CO2 extraction. However, extracting the cannabinoid directly from the plant is inefficient due to its low content and is therefore produced synthetically in the laboratory for industrial production.
CBT vs CBT(C)
CBT(C), cannabicitrate, is often referred to simply as CBT and is therefore confused with Cannabithriol (CBT). However, these are different compounds. Cannabitriol is the umbrella term for the nine variants of the cannabinoid CBT (cannabidiol): CBT-C1 to CBT-C9 and is a metabolite of THC. Both substances exhibit unique properties that merit further research.
What are the effects of CBT(C)?
Although CBT(C) is found in very small amounts in cannabis, it could have therapeutic potential - studies suggest it could be effective in treating breast cancer or glaucoma.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In 2020, 685 000 people out of 2.2 million diagnosed cases succumbed to the disease. Treatment usually focuses on affecting estrogen receptors. A 2022 study tested the effectiveness of 30 cannabinoids, with cannabicitrate showing the best ability to bind to estrogen receptors. It was used to create a new derivative that proved to be more effective than commonly administered drugs such as hydroxytamoxifen and acolbifen.
Research has also shown that cannabicitran activates GPR18 receptors, also referred to as NAGly receptors. These receptors are found in the eyes, where they regulate intraocular pressure, as well as in the immune system, brain and nervous system. When tested in rabbits, CBT(C) has been shown to not only activate the receptors in question, but also to actually lower intraocular pressure. This could be crucial for the treatment of glaucoma, a disease in which the optic nerve dies due to high intraocular pressure.
Like other cannabinoids, cannabicitrate could act synergistically with other cannabinoids (entourage effect).
CBT(C) can also have side side effects, and because it is synthetically produced for industrial use, they could be stronger than those of the plant extract. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, excessive sweating, hot flashes, increased heart rate and blood pressure, numbness and tingling in the fingers or muscles, and dizziness could occur. However, no research has yet confirmed these effects of CBT(C).
CBT(C) products
Due to the lack of studies, the range of products is still very limited. CBT(C) is most commonly available in the form of oils and drops. Oils and drops are popular because of their flexible dosing - they can be mixed into drinks and food, or dripped under the tongue for faster onset of effects.
CBT(C) research is at an early stage. It is not entirely clear how it arises and acts. Its properties may be influenced by the way it is consumed, dosed and interacts with other substances. If you decide to take CBT(C) products, you should monitor your body's reactions and be interested in the latest scientific findings.
Conclusion
CBT(C), cannabicitrate, is a minor cannabinoid found in low concentrations in the cannabis plant. Studies to date suggest that it could have a major role in the treatment of breast cancer and glaucoma. It is thought to act synergistically with other cannabinoids and other substances from cannabis.
The product market is still small, CBT(C) is most commonly available in the form of oils and drops. The full therapeutic potential of CBT(C) has not yet been sufficiently explored, but it has potential that merits deeper scientific research.
Author: Natálie Kubíčková
Photo: AI
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