Hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), referred to (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC diastereoisomers, are low-studied cannabinoids naturally found in small concentrations in the pollen and the seeds of the hemp plants. Despite the lack of in-depth studies about HHCs activity, potency, toxicity, and safety, these cannabinoids are emerging on the light-cannabis (hemp) market probably because legislations still do not clearly regulate them. Here, we describe for the first time the finding of HHCs (42% of (9R)-HHC and 24% of (9S)-HHC) in two samples of hemp-derived resin. The achievement of reference standards by semi-synthetic or isolation approach allows us to develop and validate a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the identification and quantification of HHCs in hemp-derived products. A thorough investigation could be carried out to reveal the possible addition of "new" compounds that might be a matter of safety.

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This study describes the development of simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous analysis of doxorubicin and its major metabolite, doxorubicinol, in mouse plasma, urine and tissues. The calibration curves were linear over the range 5-250 ng/mL for doxorubicin and 1.25-25 ng/mL for doxorubicinol in plasma and tumor, over the range 25-500 ng/mL for doxorubicin and 1.25-25 ng/mL for doxorubicinol in liver and kidney, and over the range 25-1000 ng/mL for doxorubicin and doxorubicinol in urine. The study was validated, using quality control samples prepared in all different matrices, for accuracy, precision, linearity, selectivity, lower limit of quantification and recovery in accordance with the US Food & Drug Administration guidelines. The method was successfully applied in determining the pharmaco-distribution of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol after intravenously administration in tumor-bearing mice of drug, free or nano-formulated in ferritin nanoparticles or in liposomes. Obtained results demonstrate an effective different distribution and doxorubicin protection against metabolism linked to nano-formulation. This method, thanks to its validation in plasma and urine, could be a powerful tool for pharmaceutical research and therapeutic drug monitoring, which is a clinical approach currently used in the optimization of oncologic treatments.