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Background: Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are not a single drug. Instead, lots of different SC chemicals are manufactured and commercialized. Every year, new ones with unknown health concerns become accessible. This study was aimed at finding an effective extraction method for the SC, 4-fluoro MDMB-BUTINACA in herbal products, followed by validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Methods: An experimental scientific approach was utilized to answer the study's questions and attain its objectives. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was used to extract 4-fluoro MDMB-BUTINACA from herbal powders. Using GC/ Early Intervention (EI)-MS-selected ion monitoring Mode, an analytical technique for sample analysis was developed and validated. Results: Methanolic LLE method was used to extract the herbal products for the analysis of 4-fluoro MDMBBUTINACA in Augmented Vector Left (AVL) and Space Occupying Lesions (SOL). For both AVL and SOL powders, logarithm of the odds (LOD) and Letter of Qualification (LOQ) were 0.5 and 1 μg/g, respectively. The Intra-Day accuracy (Bias %) ranged between -3.48%-7.49% and -4.15%-8.33% in AVL and SOL, respectively. In AVL and SOL, the Intra-Day precision [relative standard deviation (RSD) %] ranged between 3.89%-10.21% and 5.86%- 11.47%. The Inter-Day accuracy (Bias %) within 3 days ranged between -4.53%-10.23% and -8.13%-14.73% in AVL and SOL, respectively. The Intra-Day precision (RSD%) within 3 days ranged between 3.87%-13.23% and 2.03%-14.25% in AVL and SOL, respectively. Conclusion: This study recommends applying the analytical method for ease and credibility to be used. Further recommends efforts to include new psychotropic drugs in the ban schedules in Arab countries.

Methyl donors such as choline, betaine, folic acid, methionine, and vitamins B6 and B12 are critical players in the one-carbon metabolism and have neuroprotective functions. The one-carbon metabolism comprises a series of interconnected chemical pathways that are important for normal cellular functions. Among these pathways are those of the methionine and folate cycles, which contribute to the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is the universal methyl donor of methylation reactions such as histone and DNA methylation, two epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and play roles in human health and disease. Epigenetic mechanisms have been considered a bridge between the effects of environmental factors, such as nutrition, and phenotype. Studies in human and animal models have indicated the importance of the optimal levels of methyl donors on brain health and behavior across the lifespan. Imbalances in the levels of these micronutrients during critical periods of brain development have been linked to epigenetic alterations in the expression of genes that regulate normal brain function. We present studies that support the link between imbalances in the levels of methyl donors, epigenetic alterations, and stress-related disorders. Appropriate levels of these micronutrients should then be monitored at all stages of development for a healthier brain.