## 3 Phytocannibinoids: Polyfunctional Molecules Promising to Develop Novel Antibiotics
### Much More beyond the Psychotropic Effect of THC  
Figure 9 shows the several pharmacologic activities of some relevant natural cannabinoids (PCs), including also some minor cannabinoids of the varin (V) family. Figure 8: Biosynthetic pathway starting from CBGA and leading to the five major PCs. This image has been created by the authors exploiting information available online at [[https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbg-the-mother-of-all-cannabinoids-with-broad-antibacterial-activity/95824/](https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbg-the-mother-of-all-cannabinoids-with-broad-antibacterial-activity/95824/)]([https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbg-the-mother-of-all-cannabinoids-with-broad-antibacterial-activity/95824/](https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbg-the-mother-of-all-cannabinoids-with-broad-antibacterial-activity/95824/)) (accessed on 3 May 2023). Figure 9: Pharmacological properties of some relevant major and minor PCs. Figure 9 has been originally created by the authors using information found online [41] and using Flipsnack, a free dowlodable application to produce PowerPoint professional designes, available online at [[https://app.flipsnack.com/editor/7](https://app.flipsnack.com/editor/7) uld8l9 xu3]([https://app.flipsnack.com/editor/7](https://app.flipsnack.com/editor/7) uld8l9 xu3) (accessed on 14 June 2023). From a structural point of view, CBDV, THCV and CBGV reported in Figure 9 and CBCV (not reported), belonging to the varins (Vs), have two fewer carbon atoms in the alkyl chain with respect to the correspondent better-known cannabinoids CBD, THC, CBG and CBC. This shorter carbon chain strongly affects their pharmacologic activity, thus being promising compounds in managing weight loss, diabetes, cholesterol problems, autism, seizures, and more [79]. Particularly, THCV, although very structurally similar to THC has a totally different effects profile. The slight alteration in its chemical structure implies that, unlike THC, it acts as an antagonist to the receptor CB1 rather than an activator, thus not producing relaxing, euphoric, and energizing outcomes, but exerting antianxiety, anticonvulsant, appetite suppressant and anti-inflammatory effects [41]. THCV could be a weight-loss aid, by reducing appetite and boosting metabolism, and could be helpful in the treatment diabetes by controlling the blood sugar levels and the insulin production. Also, THCV may help promoting new bone cell growth, preventing weakening bones, and can even act as a neuroprotectant in conditions like Parkinson's disease [80]. Collectively, as observable both in Figure 9 and in the following Figure 10, all the reported cannabinoids, like many other phytochemicals, are multifunctional compounds owing several pharmacological activities, being THC, the cannabinoid possessing the highest number of effects on human body, followed by CBD and CBG. Interestingly, only THC and CBN possess intraocular effects (psychotropic actions), while all other PCs in Figures 9 and 10, except for CBGV, have demonstrated to possess antimicrobial properties, and especially antibacterial effects on MDR strains of Grampositive species, thus being promising molecules or template compounds to develop novel antibiotics. The molecular mechanisms at the base of the antibacterial activity of PCs have yet to be fully unveiled. Anyway, the effects of structural modifications on the bactericidal effects of the more studied cannabinoids (CBD, CBC, CGB, THC, and CBN) have been recently investigated by [PERSON] et al. [81]. All the considered cannabinoids demonstrated potent activity against a variety of MRSA strains, with MIC values in the range 0.5-2 ug/mL. Methylation and acetylation of the phenolic hydroxyls, esterification of the carboxylic group, as well as the introduction of a second preynl group were detrimental to the cannabinoids's antibacterial activity.