Specific Compounds Research Articles

Evaluating the Health Implications of Kombucha Fermented with Gardenia jasminoides Teas: A Comprehensive Analysis of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Properties

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived compounds are increasingly valued in drug discovery for their therapeutic potential. This study aims to examine the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of kombucha beverages fermented with Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) and various types of Camellia sinensis teas: matcha green tea (MGT), organic green tea (OGT), and decaffeinated green tea (DGT). Methods: Two experimental designs were employed: (1) using black tea as a base substrate, infusing the four teas post-fermentation over 0–14 days, and (2) directly fermenting tea–herb combinations over 0–21 days. Antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Microbial dynamics were analyzed through total mesophilic bacteria and Lactobacillus counts. Antimicrobial potential was evaluated against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enteritidis over 24 h. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on Caco-2 and U251 cell lines to assess anticancer effects, with pH-adjusted controls used to differentiate bioactivity from acidity. Results: In the first experiment, GJ kombucha displayed the highest antioxidant potential (IC50: 14.04 µg/mL), followed by MGT (IC50: 32.85 µg/mL) and OGT (IC50: 98.21 µg/mL). In the second setup, unfermented GJ kombucha initially showed high antioxidant activity (IC50: 12.94 µg/mL), improving during fermentation to reach an IC50 of 18.26 µg/mL by day 21. Microbial analysis indicated moderate increases in total mesophilic bacteria and Lactobacillus in GJ kombucha after 14 days, while MGT, OGT, and DGT exhibited higher increments. GJ kombucha consistently demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enteritidis, with significant inhibitory effects observed by 24 h. Cytotoxicity assays showed that GJ kombucha reduced Caco-2 cell viability to 20% at 800 µg/mL after 14 days, while U251 cells maintained 50% viability at the same concentration. Conclusions: This study highlights the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential of GJ kombucha, with fermentation enhancing bioactive metabolite production. Optimizing fermentation conditions, identifying specific bioactive compounds, expanding cytotoxicity testing, and exploring broader therapeutic applications of kombucha could maximize its health benefits and establish it as a natural antimicrobial and anticancer agent.

Scalable Preparation of Substituted 4‐Aminoquinolines: Advancements in Manufacturing Process Development

We report herein an unprecedented and scalable synthetic method for the production of specific aminoquinoline compounds with potential applications as sweetness‐enhancing agents. The first strategy involves the reaction of ortho‐aminobenzonitriles with β‐ketoesters in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of FeCl3. Alternatively, the second strategy focuses on an enamine synthesis using alkyl acetoacetate and aminobenzonitrile. The resulting enaminonitrile is then converted into aminoquinoline under basic conditions. This newly developed process yields the desired compounds with an overall yield above 45% over five steps with high purity.

Asteroid Saponins: A Review of Their Bioactivity and Selective Cytotoxicity

Saponins are a diverse class of secondary metabolites that are often reported to exhibit a variety of pharmacological applications. While research into the elucidation and application of plant and class Holothuroidea-derived saponins (i.e., sea cucumbers) is extensive, the class Asteroidea-derived saponins (i.e., seastars) have been largely overlooked and primarily limited to elucidation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the cytotoxic activities of asteroid-derived saponins against various cell cultures, for instance, mammalian erythrocytes, multiple microbial strains and cancer cell lines, including melanoma, breast, colon, and lung cancers. Highlighting the distinct structural variations in these saponins, this review examines their selective cytotoxicity and potency, with many demonstrating IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Specific compounds, such as asterosaponins and polyhydroxylated saponins, exhibit noteworthy effects, particularly against melanoma and lung carcinoma cells, while triterpenoid saponins were found to be highly cytotoxic to both erythrocytes and fungal cells. This review also addresses gaps in the research area, including the need for additional in vitro antimicrobial studies, in vivo studies, and further exploration of their mechanisms of action. By consolidating recent findings, we have shed light on the therapeutic potential of asteroid-derived steroidal saponins in developing novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity analysis of Ficus carica L. seed oil using supercritical fluid technology

The rationale behind this study was to investigate the potential of fig (Ficus carica L.) kernel oil as a source of bioactive compounds, particularly focusing on its phenolic compounds, due to the increasing interest in plant-based oils with antioxidant properties for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. The primary objective was to identify and quantify the active phenolic components present in fig kernel oil. Utilizing an additional co-solvent in the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process, specific phenolic compounds, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and syringic acid, were exclusively identified in the CO2 + ethanol (IC-2-1) sample. Furthermore, other notable compounds, including vanillin, verbascoside, ferulic acid, luteolin 7-glucoside, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol, were detected in both the IC-2-1 and CO2 (IC-1-1) samples. These findings suggest that fig kernel oil with its rich phytochemical profile, is a promising alternative oil source and has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. Further research on the SFE of fig seeds and oil is recommended to expand its applications and potential health benefits.

Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis as a Potential Approach for Investigation of Cerebral Accumulation of Docosahexaenoic Acid: Previous Milestones and Recent Trends.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3), a predominant omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in brain, plays a vital role in cerebral development and exhibits functions with potential therapeutic effects (synaptic function, neurogenesis, brain inflammation regulation) in neurodegenerative diseases. The most common approaches of studying the cerebral accretion and metabolism of DHA involve the use of stable or radiolabeled tracers. Although these methods approved kinetic modeling of ratios and turnovers for fatty acids, they are associated with excessive costs, restrictive studies, and singular dosing effects. Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) is recognized as a cost-effective alternative approach for investigating DHA metabolism in vitro and in vivo. This method involves determining variations in 13C content to identify the sources of specific compounds. This review comprehensively discusses a summary of different methods and recent advancements in CSIA application in studying DHA turnover in brain. Following, the ability and applications of CSIA by using gas-chromatography combined with isotope ratio mass-spectrometry to differentiate between natural endogenous DHA in brain and exogenous DHA are also highlighted. In general, the efficiency of CSIA has been demonstrated in utilizing natural 13C enrichment to distinguish between the incorporation of newly synthesized or pre-existing DHA into the brain and other body tissues, eliminating the need of tracers. This review provides comprehensive knowledge, which will have potential applications in both academia and industry for advancing the understanding in neurobiology and enhancing the development of nutritional strategies and pharmaceutical interventions targeting brain health.

Prospects in the Use of Cannabis sativa Extracts in Nanoemulsions

Cannabis sativa plants have been widely investigated for their specific compounds with medicinal properties. These bioactive compounds exert preventive and curative effects on non-communicable and infectious diseases. However, C. sativa extracts have barely been investigated, although they constitute an affordable option to treat human diseases. Nonetheless, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunogenicity effects have been associated with C. sativa extracts. Furthermore, innovative extraction methods in combination with nanoformulations have been proposed to increase desirable compounds’ availability, distribution, and conservation, which can be aided by modern computational tools in a transdisciplinary approach. This review aims to describe available extraction and nanoformulation methods for C. sativa, as well as its known antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunogenic activities. Critical points on the use of C. sativa extracts in nanoformulations are identified and some prospects are envisaged.

Impact of food additives (sodium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate) on interactions between astringent compounds and an oral cell model

Many foods contain additives like sodium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate to ensure safety, preserve quality, or extend shelf life. Recent studies suggest these additives may influence interactions between astringent compounds and oral cells. Using a tongue epithelium cell model, we investigated how these salts affect interactions between astringent compounds (phenolic and non-phenolic) and oral constituents. The salts reduced the interaction of green tea flavanol-rich extract (GTE) with salivary proteins and altered interactions with tannic acid and alum. The effects varied depending on the specific astringent compound, salt, and oral constituents, with ionic strength playing a role. The reduced adsorption of flavanols from GTE may be due to oxidation induced by these additives, raising concerns about their use. However, sodium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate can modify astringent molecule interactions, potentially influencing the astringency of certain products.

Dominance of dengue virus serotype-2 in Pakistan (2023-2024): Molecular characterization of the envelope gene and exploration of antiviral targets.

Dengue virus infection, caused by a single positive-stranded RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family, represents a significant public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions. This virus has four serotypes (DENV-1, 2, 3, and 4), primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Despite extensive research, effective antiviral treatments and vaccines remain elusive due to the viral diversity and the complex mechanisms such as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). In the current study, NS1-positive serum samples from dengue cases in Pakistan (2023-2024), were analyzed to determine the predominant serotype and characterize the envelope (E) gene for further exploration of antiviral targets. Out of 100 samples, 63 (63%) tested positive for DENV-2, indicating its predominance during this period, while two samples showed mixed infections with DENV-2 and DENV-3. The envelope gene was successfully amplified using nested PCR, validated through gel electrophoresis and sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity of the DENV-2 isolates to strains from China and India. Computational modeling of the envelope protein structure identified potential antiviral binding sites and further molecular docking studies suggested that specific antiviral compounds like Arbidol and Quercetin can inhibit early steps in viral infection. Additionally, BepiPred-3.0 predicted several B-cell epitopes, which could be useful for vaccine development. These findings enhance our understanding of dengue epidemiology in Pakistan and contribute to the development of targeted antiviral therapies, potentially informing future vaccination strategies and outbreak management.

Host-specific patterns of virulence and gene expression profiles of the broad-host-range entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae

Generalist pathogens with a broad host range encounter many different host environments. Such generalist pathogens are often highly versatile and adjust their expressed phenotype to the host being infected. Species in the fungal genus Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) occupy various ecological niches, including plant rhizosphere symbionts, soil saprophytes, and insect pathogens with applications in biological control of pests. The species M. anisopliae is highly diverse combining the capability of association with plant roots and infection of a broad range of arachnid and insect hosts, from agricultural pests to vectors of human disease. It is among the most studied and applied biological control agents worldwide. Here, we investigate the phenotypic plasticity and differential gene expression of M. anisopliae blastospores during infection of different insect hosts. First, the virulence of M. anisopliae blastospores was evaluated against Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Gryllus assimilis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), and Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Second, the percentage of appressorium formation on the membranous wings of the four hosts was determined, and third, the fungal transcriptome profile during penetration on the hosts was analyzed. Our findings reveal that M. anisopliae blastospores exhibit high virulence against Tenebrio molitor, with significantly higher appressorium formation on beetle wings compared to the other three tested insects. We also document distinct gene expression patterns in M. anisopliae blastospores during insect infection of T. molitor, S. frugiperda, and A. mellifera, with notable variations observed in G. assimilis. These differences are associated with the expression of enzymes involved in the degradation of specific compounds present in each insect wing, as well as hydrophobins, destruxins, and specialized metabolites related to virulence. The study emphasizes the differences in fungal gene expression during infection of the four insect orders and highlights the virulence-related genes specific to each infective process.

Phytochemical constituents and bioactivities of Hippeastrum puniceum: A review

Hippeastrum puniceum, a plant native to tropical Africa, including Nigeria, has garnered increasing attention due to its rich phytochemical profile and diverse bioactivities. This review highlights the key phytochemical constituents—alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, and starch—found in Hippeastrum puniceum. These compounds contribute to the plant's significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning it as a valuable resource for various industrial applications. Flavonoids and alkaloids primarily contribute to the antioxidant activity, which helps mitigate oxidative stress and potentially prevent chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Its antimicrobial effects, driven by alkaloids and flavonoids, offer promising natural alternatives to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Additionally, the plant's anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential therapeutic applications in treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis and asthma. The review also explores the potential applications of Hippeastrum puniceum across different industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, it holds promise for developing novel drugs targeting oxidative stress, microbial infections, and inflammation. The food industry can leverage its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties as natural preservatives and functional food additives. In the cosmetic industry, its bioactive compounds could be used in anti-ageing and skincare products. Despite these promising findings, further research is needed to isolate and characterise specific compounds, conduct clinical trials, and assess the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of Hippeastrum puniceum. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of continued exploration of Hippeastrum puniceum, emphasising its potential to contribute to advancements in phytochemistry, pharmacology, and various industrial applications.

Applications of Tert-Butyl-Phenolic Antioxidants in Consumer Products and Their Potential Toxicities in Humans

Tert-butyl phenolic antioxidants (TBP-AOs) are employed to inhibit oxidation and function as stabilizers and protectants in a broad spectrum of consumer products, such as food packaging, adhesives, lubricants, plastics, and cosmetics. The extensive utilization of TBP-AOs results in human exposure through various pathways. Furthermore, some TBP-AOs have been identified as potential endocrine disruptors and may cause liver and lung damage, as well as allergic reactions. Considering their varied applications and potential toxicity, a detailed evaluation of their safety profiles is imperative. However, existing research is often segmented and tends to focus narrowly on specific compounds. Consequently, this review collates recent data on TBP-AOs regarding their production, exposure, and toxicity, incorporating different databases and prior studies, as well as predictions of toxicity using ADMET. Our review strives to offer a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and health effects of TBP-AOs to guide future research and inform policy decisions.

Deciphering the Interlinked CXCR4-Mediated Feedback Loop Among Signaling Pathways in Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract: Diabetic chronic wounds and amputations are very serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) that result from an integration factor, including oxygen deprivation, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced angiogenesis, and microbial invasion. These causative factors lead to tenacious wounds in an inflammatory state, which eventually results in tissue aging and necrosis. Wound healing in DM potentially targets C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) regulates several signalling pathways. The CXCR4 signalling pathway integrated with phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase-C (PKC) Ca2+ pathways, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), and mitogen- activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway for enhancing cell chemotaxis, proliferation, and survival. The dysregulated CXCR4 pathway is connected with poor wound healing in DM patients. Therapeutic strategies targeting CXCR4-based molecules such as UCUF-728, UCUF-965, and AMD3100 have been shown to enhance diabetic wound healing by altering miRNA expression, promoting angiogenesis, and accelerating wound closure. This study indicates that CXCR4 participation in various signalling pathways makes it essential for Understanding the healing of diabetic wounds. Using specific compounds to target CXCR4 offers a potentially effective treatment strategy to improve wound healing in diabetes. Our understanding of CXCR4 signalling and its regulation processes will enable us to develop more potent wound care solutions for diabetic chronic wounds. This report concludes that CXCR4's potential therapeutic targeting shows improvements in diabetic wound repair. This review will demonstrate that CXCR4 plays a major role in wound healing through its various signalling pathways. Targeting CXCR4 with certain agonist molecules shows a therapeutic approach to potentially increasing wound healing in diabetes. By enhancing our understanding of the CXCR4 signalling mechanism in future studies, we can develop more potential treatments for chronic diabetic wounds.

A Theoretical Framework for the Calculation of the Number of Covalent Bonds in Unsaturated Organic Compounds

Theoretical frameworks are important structures that provide novel ways of understanding unique and complex ideas related to many fields of science. Therefore, in this manuscript we try to present a theoretical framework with new general equations that share a similar structure with the index of hydrogen deficiency and can be used to calculate the number of covalent bonds for numerous unsaturated organic molecules. Our mathematical model is based on graph theory combined with classical organic chemistry concepts, and the variables that made up all the general equations are represented by the number of atoms and the valence of those atoms that correspond to unsaturated organic compounds which contain only simple covalent bonds. The main scope of this model is to be used manually by scientists that are interested in performing an easy and fast calculation of bonds and rings for various classes of molecules in order to deduce more information about their possible chemical structures. Other objectives include the possibility for future implementation of computer programs based on IHD like equations similar with the ones that will be presented in this manuscript to help researchers speed up the process of identification and calculation of multiple chemical variables. In essence, our study represents a novel comprehensive methodology for finding the number of covalent bonds and rings in specific chemical compounds.

Sodium selenate biofortification, through seed priming, on dill microgreens grown in two different cultivation systems.

Human health is significantly influenced by the quality of vegetables included in the diet. Soilless cultivation methods have the potential to enhance and standardize the levels of secondary metabolites or specific bioactive compounds in plants, even when utilizing LED lighting. In recent years, tailored foods, enriched with important microelements, are growing in popularity. The present research was conducted to explore the quantitative and qualitative aspects of dill (Anethum graveolens L.), grown either indoor or in a greenhouse and harvested during the microgreen stage. Seeds of dill were primed with 1.5 and 3 mg L-1 selenium (Se). Untreated dry and hydro-primed seeds were used as the control and positive control groups, respectively. Results demonstrated a higher yield in indoor farm environment (1255.6 g FW m-2) compared to greenhouse (655.1 g FW m-2), with a general positive effect on the morphological traits studied, with no significant influence from priming and Se. The mean value of phenolic index of microgreens grown in the greenhouse was 13.66% greater than that grown in indoor condition. It was also observed that seeds priming with Se can effectively raise the Se content in dill microgreens, in both tested conditions. Overall, our results suggest that the 3 mg L-1 Se seems to be the most promising concentration to obtain Se-enriched microgreens.

Emission of Fire-Promoting Volatiles from Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk Needles in Different Forest Communities

The importance of studying the role of volatiles in flammability is well recognized, but the relationship between specific compounds and components of flammability is underestimated. In this study, volatiles emitted from Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk. Needles were identified and quantified, and the relationship between volatile emission and moisture content, flammability characteristics and bioclimatic coefficients was investigated. Fresh needles from four different forest communities were analyzed for specific volatile organic compounds (using a gas chromatography-surface acoustic wave analyzer, GC-SAW), moisture content (based on fresh and oven-dried mass), and flammability components (using an epiradiator). Five monoterpenes, one sesquiterpene, and one alcohol were identified and their amounts, moisture content, and flammability components differed between the populations. The amounts of myrcene and β-pinene correlated significantly with moisture content and time to ignition. Myrcene content also correlated with flame duration, site altitude, mean annual temperature, variation in mean annual temperature, and the Ellenberg quotient. The emission of myrcene correlates with ecophysiological, flammability, topographic, and climatic variables. This suggests that myrcene-rich plant species may be of particular interest for research into flammability, especially from the point of view of rapid ignition.

Chemiresistive Gas Sensors Made with PtRu@SnO2 Nanoparticles for Machine Learning-Assisted Discrimination of Multiple Volatile Organic Compounds.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) constitute key pollutants in the environment, and exposure to them is associated with negative health impacts. The vigilant monitoring of these pernicious VOCs is imperative for their timely detection and for curtailing the likelihood of both immediate and prolonged exposure, thus safeguarding against the deterioration of environmental quality. In this study, porous PtRu nanoalloys are successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method and innovatively integrated with SnO2 nanoparticles to significantly enhance the performance of gas sensors. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations substantiated the pivotal role of PtRu nanoalloys in amplifying the sensitivity of SnO2 to acetone. A primary challenge in VOC surveillance is achieving the selectivity required for sensors to accurately identify specific compounds. By employing machine learning algorithms, with a particular emphasis on particle swarm optimization-support vector machine (PSO-SVM), we attained a classification accuracy of 100% in distinguishing between acetone, ethanol, methanol, and formaldehyde. This study demonstrates the potential for creating advanced sensors with selective detection of VOCs.

The effect of sterilization treatment on the synthesis of key biomolecules and microbial communities in fruit wine fermentation

Sterilization treatments impact microbial communities and key biomolecule synthesis, influencing the aroma and quality of fruit wine fermentation. However, the roles of microorganisms in various fermentation techniques and the impact of sterilization treatments on aroma formation and key biomolecule synthesis are not well understood. This study aims to elucidate the effects of sterilization treatments on the synthesis of key biomolecules and microbial community dynamics in fruit wine fermentation, focusing on their relation to aroma compounds. Using purple fruit as the primary subject, we analyzed the starting and final microbe populations in controlled test fermentation (CTF) and natural test fermentation (NTF) under different sterilizing treatments employing advanced sequencing strategies. We utilized multivariate analysis and regression analyses, via the SPSS tool to examine relationships between microbial fungal and bacterial genus-level communities, microbiological diversity, permanent substances aromatic substances, and physiological indexes. In NTF, we identified a total of 150 fungal genera, and 140 bacterial genera, with dominant genera including Candida, Burkholderia, Streptococcus, and Oenococcus. In CTF, 400 fungal genera, and 120 bacterial genera were identified, with the dominant genera being Geotrichum, Pichia, Aspergilus, and Saccharomyces, alongside Streptococcus, Paucibacter, Pantoea, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. Positive correlations were observed between specific microbial genera and flavor compounds in both fermentation methods. This study provides insights into how sterilization treatments affect microbial dynamics and key biomolecule synthesis, offering valuable resources for enhancing the aromatic profile of fruit wine.

Aspergillus terreus IFM 65899-THP-1 cells interaction triggers production of the natural product butyrolactone Ia, an immune suppressive compound.

We focused on the possibility that pathogenic microorganisms might produce immune suppressors to evade the action of immune cells. Based on this possibility, we have recently developed new co-culture method of pathogenic actinomyces and immune cells, however, the interaction mechanism between pathogens and cells was still unclear. In this report, co-culturing pathogenic fungi and immune cells were investigated. Pathogenic fungus Aspergillus terreus IFM 65899 and THP-1 cells were co-cultured and isolated a co-culture specific compound, butyrolactone Ia (1). 1 inhibits the production of nitric oxide by RAW264 cells and exhibits regulatory effects on autophagy, suggesting 1 plays a defensive role in the response of A. terreus IFM 65899 to immune cells. Furthermore, dialysis experiments and micrographs indicated that "physical interaction" between A. terreus IFM 65899 and THP-1 cells may be required for the production of 1. This is the first report of co-culture method of fungi with immune cells and its interaction mechanism.

The Inhibitory Potential of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus: Implications for Dental Caries Prevention

Background: Dental caries is a prevalent oral health issue globally, and Staphylococcus aureus is a key pathogen involved in its development. Strawberry fruits, known for their medicinal properties, contain bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial effects. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of strawberry extract against S. aureus. Methods: A laboratory experimental study was conducted using a post-test-only control group design. Varying concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) of strawberry fruit extract were prepared. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method against S. aureus. Distilled water served as a negative control. The diameter of inhibition zones was measured after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C. Results: Strawberry fruit extract demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus at concentrations of 15%, 20%, and 25%. The average inhibition zone diameters were 0.54 mm, 2.30 mm, and 3.00 mm, respectively. No inhibition was observed at 10% concentration or with the distilled water control. Conclusion: Strawberry fruit extract exhibits potential as an antibacterial agent against S. aureus, suggesting its possible application in dental caries prevention. Further research is needed to explore its clinical efficacy and identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed antibacterial activity.

Associations between psychedelic use and cannabis use disorder in a nationally representative sample

BackgroundCannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is an increasingly prevalent disorder affecting millions of Americans each year. Psychedelic compounds have recently been investigated for their therapeutic potential in treating substance use disorders, yet no prior work has examined the relationship between naturalistic use of specific psychedelic compounds and rates of disordered cannabis use. MethodsUsing a nationally representative sample of U.S adults from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015 – 2019, 2021 – 2022), we used a series of survey-weighted multivariable logistic regressions to examine the association between past year disordered cannabis use and use of several classic psychedelics (i.e., LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, peyote, DMT) and non-classic psychedelics (i.e., ketamine, MDMA). Resultslifetime psilocybin use as well as past year LSD use were both associated with higher rates of past year DSM-5 CUD (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] range: 1.89 – 2.04), controlling for a variety of sociodemographic factors. These associations remained significant in the case of moderate-to-severe past year CUD (aRR range: 1.65 – 2.07). Past year LSD use also predicted three of eleven CUD symptoms among individuals with past year cannabis use (aRR range: 1.45 – 1.73). DiscussionDespite preliminary findings regarding the potential for psychedelic substances to help treat substance use disorders, our findings suggest a relationship between psychedelic use and disordered cannabis use, suggesting that certain psychedelic substances used in certain naturalistic settings are an indicator of greater risk of maladaptive cannabis use. Future directions to further disentangle these relationships are discussed.