Motifs in Natural Products as Useful Scaffolds to Obtain Novel Benzo[]imidazole-Based Cannabinoid Type 2 (CB2) Receptor Agonists.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) constitutes a broad-spectrum modulator of homeostasis in mammals, providing therapeutic opportunities for several pathologies. Its two main receptors, cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) receptors, mediate anti-inflammatory responses; however, their differing patterns of expression make the development of CB2-selective ligands therapeutically more attractive. The benzo[]imidazole ring is considered to be a privileged scaffold in drug discovery and has demonstrated its versatility in the development of molecules with varied pharmacologic properties.