Unique bibenzyl cannabinoids in the liverwort Radula marginata: parallels with Cannabis chemistry

Abstract The potential of cannabinoids to address public health challenges has stimulated exploration into alternative sources and production technologies. Radula marginata, an endemic Aotearoa/New Zealand liverwort, produces the bibenzyl cannabinoid perrottetinene (PET), analogous to Cannabis psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Structural differences between PET and THC could alter therapeutic interactions and mitigate adverse side effects. To understand the cannabinoid production potential of R. marginata, we analyzed 75 collections from three locations across several seasons, collaborating with kaitiaki Māori (indigenous guardians). Metabolic plasticity