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HU-210

HU-210 (CAS# 112830-95-2) is a synthetic cannabinoid that was discovered around 1988 in the group of Dr Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University. HU-210 is 100 to 800 times Source more potent than natural THC from cannabis and has an extended duration of action. HU-210 is the (+)-1,1-dimethylheptyl analog of 7-hydroxy-delta-6-tetrahydrocannabinol. The abbreviation HU stands for Hebrew University.

Per a 2005 article in the Journal Of Clinical Investigation, HU-210 actually stimulates cell growth in the brain's hippocampus region, an opposite effect of drugs like alcohol, nicotine, heroin, and cocaine.

HU-210, along side WIN 55,212-2 and JWH-133, is implicated in preventing the inflammation caused by Amyloid beta proteins involved in Alzheimer's Disease, in addition to preventing cognitive impairment and loss of neuronal markers. This anti-inflammatory action is induced through the agonization of cannabinoid receptors which prevents microglial activation that elicits the inflammation. Additionally, cannabinoids completely abolish neurotoxicity related to microglia activation in rat models.

HU-210 is a potent analgesic with many of the same effects as natural THC. This means that HU-210 could potentially be used in medicine as an alternative to medical marijuana, however its much stronger and longer lasting effects compared to those of THC could make appropriate titration of dosage difficult. Also due to the fact that HU-210 is a CB₁ full agonist as opposed to THC which is a partial agonist, the sedative effects of HU-210 are much more prominant, meaning that while fatal overdoses of THC itself are unlikely, they would be possible with HU-210.

• Wen Jiang and others, "Cannabinoids promote embryonic and adult hippocampus neurogenesis and produce anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects", The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2005. Scientific article about nerve cell growth.
  • Geoff Brumfiel, "Marijuana may make your brain grow. Cannabinoid injections sprout new neurons in mice", Nature, 2005 October (News). Comment in Nature on the article.
• JNeurosci.org Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology by Cannabinoids: Neuroprotection Mediated by Blockade of Microglial Activation

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