Naphthoylindoles Explained

Naphthoylindoles are a class of synthetic cannabinoids.^[1]

Pharmacology

Behaving similarly in vivo to endocannabinoids such as anandamide or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), Naphthoylindoles can bind to endocannabinoid receptors in animals, presenting as CB₁ and/or CB₂ partial/full agonists.

History

They have gained notoriety over the years for illicit usage and distribution in Europe and North America, typically marketed as "herbal incense blends."^[2]

See also

• Structural scheduling of synthetic cannabinoids
• List of JWH cannabinoids, includes many naphthoylindoles
• Naphthoyl, an acyl group, derived, in this case, from 1-naphthoic acid
• Indole

Notes and References

1. Manera . C . Tuccinardi . T . Martinelli . A . Indoles and related compounds as cannabinoid ligands . Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry . 8 . 4 . 370–87 . 2008 . 18473928 . vanc . 10.2174/138955708783955935.
2. Web site: Synthetic cannabinoids drug profile . emcdda.europa.eu . EMCDDA . 21 May 2023.