Research Interest: My laboratory has worked on the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical effects of natural products (including cannabis) for over 50 years. We have isolated numerous cannabinoids, including the active constituent of cannabis, delta9-THC, and elucidated its structure. We have also identified endogenous cannabinoids in the pig brain. These fatty acid derivatives, named anandamide and 2-AG, are the agonists of a major new biological system called the endocannabinoid system. Most of my current research focuses on the numerous anandamide-like compounds in the mammalian body, many of which are involved in basic biological reactions, such as bone formation, vasodilation, head trauma, addiction, etc. We have also developed novel cannabinoids and anandamide-like compounds which are being developed as drugs by pharma companies.

Specific Research Topics on Cannabinoids:

Binding mode and Affinity of different cannabinoids and/or endocannabinoids to cannabinoid receptors 

The Effect of cannabinoids (synthetic, plant- or brain- derived) on the recovery of function and on neurogenesis in traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Mechanism of action of eCB as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative molecules

Allergy, mast cells, eosinophils and the endocannabinoid system

Key Words: Tetrahydrocannabinol; Cannabidiol; Anandamide; 2-AG; Oleoyl-serine.