Discovering New Cannabinoid Sources: The Woolly Umbrella Plant

A group of researchers has identified a flowering plant, called the woolly umbrella (Helichrysum umbraculigerum), that produces over 40 cannabinoids, the compounds responsible for the psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis. This plant, a member of the Asteraceae family and native to South Africa, has long been used in indigenous African rituals, leading scientists to suspect it contained unique chemical properties.

Woolly Umbrella: A Promising Alternative

The woolly umbrella plant, one of the many helichrysum species, is distinguished by its yellow, velvety flowers. The discovery was made by an international team led by the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, in collaboration with other institutes. Researchers, including Shirley (Paula) Berman and Professor Asaph Aharoni, used advanced techniques like high-resolution mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance to study the plant's genome and identify the cannabinoids present.

Cannabinoid Production in Woolly Umbrella

During their investigation, the scientists found that cannabinoids are produced within the leaves and trichomes of the woolly umbrella plant. This is an important discovery because the cannabinoids in cannabis, which has over 120 known types, are derived from the flowers, a process that involves expensive and unsustainable methods. In contrast, the leaves of the woolly umbrella plant offer a more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly source of cannabinoids.

Potential Therapeutic Applications

Among the cannabinoids found in the woolly umbrella plant are cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabigerol (CBG). CBG, in particular, has shown promise in the treatment of colon and neurological diseases in some studies. Furthermore, the acid form of cannabigerol serves as a precursor to all cannabinoids, making the woolly umbrella plant a potentially valuable source of plant-derived cannabinoids, according to experts.

In conclusion, the woolly umbrella plant presents an exciting new avenue for cannabinoid research and production. Its unique properties offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, with the potential to unlock new therapeutic applications in the future.

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