Cytotoxicity phenylpropanoid amides from the seed of Cannabis sativa L

Two novel phenylpropanoid amides, namely huomarenamide A (1) and huomarenamide B (2), along with twelve known compounds (3-14), were isolated from the seeds of Cannabis sativa L. The structures with absolute configurations of new compounds were unequivocally determined by spectroscopic analyses and the ECD method. The identification of the known compounds was based on a comparison of their 1D NMR data with literature references. All compounds were assessed for cytotoxic activity against LN229 cells, revealing that compounds 2, 13, and 14 exhibited significant cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 9.02 to 21.26 μM.

by efficient exploration of cannabinoid selectivity and phytochemical diversity

INTRODUCTION

Cannabis sativa L. is attracting worldwide attention due to various health-promoting effects. Extraction solvent type is critical for the recovery of bioactive compounds from the plant, especially cannabinoids. However, the choice of solvent is varied and not adequately warranted elsewhere, causing confusion in involved fields.

OBJECTIVE

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of extraction solvent on C. sativa (hemp) with regard to cannabinoid recovery and phytochemical profile of the extracts, considering most of the related solvents.

METHODOLOGY

The majority of solvents reported for C. sativa (n = 14) were compared using a representative hemp pool. Quantitative results for major and minor cannabinoids were rapidly and reliably obtained using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (UPLC-PDA). In parallel, high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) fingerprinting was employed, involving less toxic mobile phase than in relevant reports. Various derivatisation schemes were applied for more comprehensive comparison of extracts.

RESULTS

Differential selectivity towards cannabinoids was observed among solvents. MeOH was found particularly efficient for most cannabinoids, in addition to solvent systems such as n-Hex/EtOH 70:30 and ACN/EtOH 80:20, while EtOH was generally inferior. For tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-type compounds, EtOAc and n-Hex/EtOAc 60:40 outperformed n-Hex, despite its use in the official EU method. Solvents that tend to extract more lipids or more polar compounds were revealed based on HPTLC results.

CONCLUSION

Combining the observations from UPLC quantitation and HPTLC fingerprinting, this work allowed comprehensive evaluation of extraction solvents, in view of robust quality assessment and maximised utilisation of C. sativa.

GC/MS analysis of the hydrodistilled essential oils and volatiles from the aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L

Cannabis sativa L. has been recognised as a narcotic drug in different parts of the world. The current report deals with the screening of the chemical profiles of the essential oils (EOs) and volatiles obtained from the aerial ports of Cannabis sativa L. (APCS) using classical hydrodistillation (HD), solid phase microextraction (SPME) along with a new technique namely innovative cigarette ignition (Incigig); all in combination with GC/MS. The characterised profiles had considerable differences from quantitative and qualitative points of view, with a high prevalence of non-terpene hydrocarbons for the EO and oxygenated monoterpenes for both volatiles using SPME and Incigig approaches.

Characterization of Three Fusarium spp. Causing Wilt Disease of Cannabis sativa L. in Korea

In July 2021, wilting symptoms were observed in adult and seedling hemp (Cannabis sativa L. cv. Cherry Blossom) plants grown in a greenhouse. As the disease progressed, yellowing and wilting symptoms on the leaves developed, resulting in whole plant death. In seedling plants, typical damping-off symptoms were observed. To identify the pathogen, the roots of diseased plants were sampled, surface sterilized, and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. From the culture, 4 different fungal isolates were recovered and purely cultured. Each fungal isolate showed distinct growth shapes and color development on malt extract agar, oatmeal agar, sabouraud dextrose agar, and PDA media. Microscopic observation and molecular identification using ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequencing identified them as 3 Fusarium spp. and 1 Thielaviopsis paradoxa. Additional sequencing of elongation factor 1-alpha and β-tubulin regions of 3 Fusarium spp. revealed that 2 of them are Fusarium solani, and the other one is Fusarium proliferatum. To examine which isolate can act as a causal agent of wilt disease of hemp, each isolate was tested for their pathogenicity. In the pathogenicity test, F. solani AMCF1 and AMCF2, and F. proliferatum AMCF3, but not T. paradoxa AMCF4, were able to cause wilting disease in hemp seedlings. Therefore, we report that F. solani AMCF1 and AMCF2, and F. proliferatum AMCF3 as causal agents of Fusarium wilt of hemp plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the wilt disease of C. sativa L. caused by Fusarium spp. in Korea.

Novel fluorescence spectroscopy method coupled with N-PLS-R and PLS-DA models for the quantification of cannabinoids and the classification of cannabis cultivars

INTRODUCTION

Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences are rich in secondary metabolites, particularly cannabinoids. The most common techniques for elucidating cannabinoid composition are expensive technologies, such as high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of a novel fluorescence spectroscopy-based method coupled with N-way partial least squares regression (N-PLS-R) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models to replace the expensive chromatographic methods for preharvest cannabinoid quantification.

METHODOLOGY

Fresh medicinal cannabis inflorescences were collected and ethanol extracts were prepared. Their excitation-emission spectra were measured using fluorescence spectroscopy and their cannabinoid contents were determined by HPLC-PDA. Subsequently, N-PLS-R and PLS-DA models were applied to the excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) for cannabinoid concentration prediction and cultivar classification, respectively.

RESULTS

The N-PLS-R model was based on a set of EEMs (n = 82) and provided good to excellent quantification of (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabidiolic acid, cannabigerolic acid, cannabichromenic acid, and (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (R² _CV and R² _pred  > 0.75; RPD > 2.3 and RPIQ > 3.5; RMSECV/RMSEC ratio < 1.4). The PLS-DA model enabled a clear distinction between the four major classes studied (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the prediction sets were all ≥0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The fluorescence spectral region (excitation 220-400 nm, emission 280-550 nm) harbors sufficient information for accurate prediction of cannabinoid contents and accurate classification using a relatively small data set.

Determination of variability of terpenes and terpenoids in Cannabis sativa by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Absolute content of terpenes in inflorescences of two strains of Cannabis sativa L., CAT 1 and CAT 3, has been determined. Twenty terpenes commonly present in these samples were quantified by solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (SPME/GC-FID). High amounts of β-myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, (E)-β-ocimene, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, (E)-nerolidol, and linalool, were found in both strains. Lower concentrations (< 20 µg·g^-1) of other terpenes were also determined. Only (E)-β-ocimene was detected at 50 µg·g^-1 in CAT 3 whereas it was below the LOD in CAT 1. Concentrations of other compounds for which standards were not available, were estimated based on a response factor obtained from the calibration curves of compounds with similar chemical structures. Fingerprints of both CAT strains were obtained and the identities of most volatile compounds were assigned using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS). Additionally, an assessment of variability of terpenes was achieved by analyzing ten plants of each strain grown under controlled conditions and harvested at the same time. This variability was about 20%, considering terpenes at concentration above 20 µg·g^-1.

by Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS)]

Eleven major cannabinoids from each subdivided tissue of drug-type and fiber-type cannabis plants were determined by means of a liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). The cannabinoids analyzed in this study were tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ⁸-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). As a result, THCA was detected in the bracts at 28.4 µg/mg, in the buds at 24.8 µg/mg, and in the leaves at 5.1 to 10.5 µg/mg in the drug-type cannabis plant. In addition, Δ⁹-THC, CBGA, CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV were mainly detected in bracts, buds, and leaves. On the other hand, as for the fiber-type cannabis plant, CBDA was detected in the bracts at 27.5 µg/mg, in the buds at 10.6 µg/mg, and in the leaves at 1.5-3.3 µg/mg. In addition, Δ⁹-THCA, CBD, Δ⁹-THC, CBC, and CBG were mainly detected in bracts, buds, and leaves.

Development and Validation of a Simple, Fast, and Accessible HPLC-UV Method for Cannabinoids Determination in Cannabis sativa L. Extracts and Medicinal Oils

INTRODUCTION

Cannabis sativa L. is a well-recognized medicinal plant. Cannabis regulations in Argentina are insufficient to solve the problem of patient access to full-spectrum cannabis-based products. So, the market of artisanal products with unknown quality and dosage of cannabinoids is increasing, and so is the local demand and need for analyzing these products. However, much of the latest validated methodologies for cannabinoid quantification include expensive instrumentation that is not always available in laboratories of health institutions in Argentina.

METHODS

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple and rapid HPLC-UV method for the identification and quantification of principal cannabinoids in cannabis resins, inflorescences, and medicinal oils using standard HPLC equipment. The cannabinoids selected for validation were cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA). A method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of these 7 main cannabinoids was developed and then validated. Some data parameters were comparable to other reports with more sophisticated analytical instruments for the analysis of cannabis. The assessed limits of detection and the limits of quantitation ranged from 0.9 to 3.66 μg/mL and 2.78 to 11.09 μg/mL, respectively. The concentration-response relationship of the method indicated a linear relationship between the concentration and peak area with R2 values of > 0.99 for all 7 cannabinoids.

RESULTS

The relative standard deviation (RSD%) varied from 2.34 to 4.82 for intraday repeatability and from 1.16 to 3.15 for interday repeatability. The percentage of recovery values was between 94 to 115% (resins) and 80 to 103% (inflorescence extract). The cannabis industry is growing rapidly, and there is a need for reliable testing methods to ensure the safety and efficacy of cannabis products. In addition, current methods for cannabinoid analysis are often time-consuming and expensive, while the HPLC-UV method herein reported is a simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective alternative for the analysis of cannabinoids in cannabis resins, inflorescences, and medicinal oils.

CONCLUSION

This method will be proposed to be included in the Cannabis sativa L. monograph of the Argentine Pharmacopoeia.

Evaluating Cannabis sativa L.'s neuroprotection potential: From bench to bedside

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative diseases and dementia pose a global health challenge in an aging population, exemplified by the increasing incidence and prevalence of its most common form, Alzheimer's disease. Although several approved treatments exist for Alzheimer's disease, they only afford transient symptomatic improvements and are not considered disease-modifying. The psychoactive properties of Cannabis sativa L. have been recognized for thousands of years and now with burgeoning access to medicinal formulations globally, research has turned to re-evaluate cannabis and its myriad phytochemicals as a potential treatment and adjunctive agent for neurodegenerative diseases.

PURPOSE

This review evaluated the neuroprotective potential of C. sativa's active constituents for potential therapeutic use in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, based on published studies demonstrating efficacy in experimental preclinical settings associated with neurodegeneration.

STUDY DESIGN

Relevant information on the neuroprotective potential of the C. sativa's phytoconstituents in preclinical studies (in vitro, in vivo) were included. The collated information on C. sativa's component bioactivity was organized for therapeutic applications against neurodegenerative diseases.

METHODS

The therapeutic use of C. sativa related to Alzheimer's disease relative to known phytocannabinoids and other phytochemical constituents were derived from online databases, including PubMed, Elsevier, The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org), Science Direct, as well as relevant information on the known pharmacological actions of the listed phytochemicals.

RESULTS

Numerous C. sativa -prevalent phytochemicals were evidenced in the body of literature as having efficacy in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions exemplified by Alzheimer's disease. Several phytocannabinoids, terpenes and select flavonoids demonstrated neuroprotection through a myriad of cellular and molecular pathways, including cannabinoid receptor-mediated, antioxidant and direct anti-aggregatory actions against the pathological toxic hallmark protein in Alzheimer's disease, amyloid β.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide strong evidence for a role of cannabis constituents, individually or in combination, as potential neuroprotectants timely to the emergent use of medicinal cannabis as a novel treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Future randomized and controlled clinical studies are required to substantiate the bioactivities of phytocannabinoids and terpenes and their likely synergies.

Similarities and differences upon binding of naturally occurring Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-derivatives to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors

We have here assessed, using Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) for comparison, the effect of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ⁹-THCA) and of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) that is mediated by human versions of CB₁, CB₂, and CB₁-CB₂ receptor functional units, expressed in a heterologous system. Binding to the CB₁ and CB₂ receptors was addressed in living cells by means of a homogeneous assay. A biphasic competition curve for the binding to the CB₂ receptor, was obtained for Δ⁹-THCV in cells expressing the two receptors. Signaling studies included cAMP level determination, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and ß-arrestin recruitment were performed. The signaling triggered by Δ⁹-THCA and Δ⁹-THCV via individual receptors or receptor heteromers disclosed differential bias, i.e. the bias observed using a given phytocannabinoid depended on the receptor (CB₁, CB₂ or CB₁-CB₂) and on the compound used as reference to calculate the bias factor (Δ⁹-THC, a selective agonist or a non-selective agonist). These results are consistent with different binding modes leading to differential functional selectivity depending on the agonist structure, and the state (monomeric or heteromeric) of the cannabinoid receptor. In addition, on studying Gi-coupling we showed that Δ⁹-THCV and Δ⁹-THCA and Δ⁹-THCV were able to revert the effect of a selective CB₂ receptor agonist, but only Δ9-THCV, and not Δ9-THCA, reverted the effect of arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA 100 nM) a selective agonist of the CB₁ receptor. Overall, these results indicate that cannabinoids may have a variety of binding modes that results in qualitatively different effects depending on the signaling pathway that is engaged upon cannabinoid receptor activation.

On-line coupling of supercritical fluid extraction with enantioselective supercritical fluid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the determination of chiral pesticides in hemp seeds: A proof-of-principle study

The present research can be considered as a proof-of-principle study focused on the determination of chiral pesticides using a supercritical fluid extraction instrument coupled on-line with an enantioselective supercritical fluid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. To the best of Authors' knowledge, this is the first description of an on-line approach for the extraction and determination of chiral pesticides. Metalaxyl, benalaxyl and dimethenamid were investigated in nine hemp seed samples belonging to four varieties of Cannabis sativa; only in one case a pesticide was found at levels above the method limit of quantification (LoQ), though within the EU maximum residue level value. The figures-of-merit determined were linearity, precision, limit of detection (LoD), and LoQ. Regression coefficients were between 0.9856 and 0.9973, the LoDs were in the 0.04-0.41 μg kg^-1 range, the LoQs were in the 0.12-1.38 μg kg^-1 range, while coefficients of variation were between 1 and 3% (10 μg kg^-1 level).

Use of non-psychoactive residual biomass from Cannabis sativa L. for obtaining phenolic rich-extracts with antioxidant capacity

The present research aims to give an added value to the chain production of Cannabis sativa L plant, taking advantage of the non-psychoactive residual biomass (stems and leaves). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analysed. A factorial design 2³ was carried out using extraction time (T), Particle size (PS), and solid-solvent ratio (SS) as factors. The extractions were made with ethanol at 96% as solvent. The maximum concentration of TPC found was 1264.61 mg GA/g DW at 6:250 g/mL, 8 h, and 109.28 µm for SS, T and PS, respectively. Similarly, the maximum TAC obtained was 0.467 mM Trolox equivalent, at 8 h, 6:250 g/mL and 109.28 µm for T, SS and PS, respectively. Additionally, the presence of oil was found in some samples of cannabis extracts for which FITR was performed, obtaining the presence of C-OH bonds associated with alcohols, phenols and possible cannabinoids.

Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabinoids in the Immunomodulation of Prevalent Autoimmune Diseases

Introduction: Cannabinoids such as ▵-9-THC and CBD can downregulate the immune response by modulating the endocannabinoid system. This modulation is relevant for the treatment of prevalent autoimmune diseases (ADs), such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), diabetes mellitus type 1 (DMT1), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These conditions require new therapeutic options with fewer side effects for the control of the autoimmune response. Objective: to conduct a literature review of preclinical scientific evidence that supports further clinical investigations for the use of cannabinoids (natural or synthetic) as potential immunomodulators of the immune response in ADs. Methodology: A systematic search was carried out in different databases using different MeSH terms, such as Cannabis sativa L., cannabinoids, immunomodulation, and ADs. Initially, 677 journal articles were found. After filtering by publication date (from 2000 to 2020 for SLE, DMT1, and RA; and 2010 to 2020 for MS) and removing the duplicate items, 200 articles were selected and analyzed by title and summary associated with the use of cannabinoids as immunomodulatory treatment for those diseases. Results: Evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of cannabinoids in the diseases previously mentioned, but SLE that did not meet the search criteria, was summarized from 24 journal articles. CBD was found to be one of the main modulators of the immune response. This molecule decreased the number of Th1 and Th17 proinflammatory cells and the production of the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-12, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, in mouse models of MS and DMT1. Additionally, new synthetic cannabinoid-like molecules, with agonist or antagonist activity on CB1, CB2, TRPV1, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ receptors, have shown anti-inflammatory properties in MS, DMT1, and RA. Conclusion: Data from experimental animal models of AD showed that natural and synthetic cannabinoids downregulate inflammatory responses mediated by immune cells responsible for AD chronicity and progression. Although synthetic cannabinoid-like molecules were evaluated in just two clinical trials, they corroborated the potential use of cannabinoids to treat some ADs. Notwithstanding, new cannabinoid-based approaches are required to provide alternative treatments to patients affected by the large group of ADs.

Effects of Cannabidiol on the In Vitro Lymphocyte Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production of Senior Horses

Cannabis sativa L. contains cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that has many anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, 99.9% CBD powder was used to determine its in vitro efficacy as an anti-inflammatory agent. Heparinized blood was collected via jugular venipuncture from senior horses. PBMCs were isolated then incubated for 24 hours with increasing dilutions of CBD dissolved in DMSO. PBMCs were stimulated the last 4 hours of incubation with PMA/IO and Brefeldin A. A Vicell counter was used to evaluate viability after incubation. PBMCs were stained intracellularly for IFNγ and TNFα then analyzed via flow cytometry. RT-PCR was used to analyze samples for gene expression. Five equine-specific intron-spanning primers/probes used are: CB1, CB2, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-10, and Beta-glucuronidase. Data was analyzed using RM One-way ANOVA (significance P < .05). Viability of PBMCs with CBD was completed to determine cytotoxicity. The dilution of CBD that did not affect cell viability was 4 µg/mL (P<0.05). CBD at 4 µg/mL significantly reduced production of IFN-γ and TNF-α (P < .05). RT-PCR results for TNFα and IFNγ at 4 µg/mL showed a reduction compared with the positive control and IL-10 showed a similar reduction at 2 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL. RT-PCR gene expression results showed significance for 10 μg/mL CBD in CB1 and CB2. CBD at 4 µg/mL reduced in vitro production of inflammatory cytokines from senior horses. This in vitro study supports further investigation of CBD to determine if it may be effective as an anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic inflammation in the horse.

Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives isolated from hempseed and their effects on central nervous system enzymes

New neuroprotective treatments of natural origin are being investigated. Both, plant extracts and isolated compounds have shown bioactive effects. Hempseed is known for its composition of fatty acids, proteins, fibre, vitamins, as well as a large number of phytochemical compounds. After a defatting process of the seeds, hydroxycinnamic acids and its amine derivatives are the majoritarian compounds in an ethyl acetate fraction (EAF). In the present study, we investigated in vitro effect on neuronal enzymes: MAO-A, MAO-B, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase. Besides, the effect of EAF on striatal biogenic amines in mice was evaluated. Both, EAF and isolated compounds (N-trans-caffeoyltyramine and N-trans-coumaroyltyramine), showed inhibitory action on MAO-A, MAO-B and tyrosinase. Furthermore, an increasing of biogenic amines was observed in the corpus striatum of the mice, after administration of EAF. These findings show that EAF and the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives may represent a potential treatment in degenerative neuronal diseases.

Isolation, Purification, and Antimicrobial Characterization of Cannabidiolic Acid and Cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa L

The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a major threat to public health due to its limited therapeutic options. There is an urgent need for the development of new effective antimicrobial agents and alternative strategies that are effective against resistant bacteria. The parallel legalization of cannabis and its products has fueled research into its many therapeutic avenues in many countries around the world. This study aimed at the development of a reliable method for the extraction, purification, characterization, and quantification of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and its decarboxylated form cannabidiol (CBD) present in the fiber type Cannabis sativa L. The two compounds were extracted by ethanol, purified on a C18 sep-pack column, and the extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet (UV)–vis and ESI-MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) detection. The antimicrobial effect of CBDA and CBD was also evaluated. CBD displayed a substantial inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1 to 2 µg/mL. Time kill analysis and minimal bactericidal concentration revealed potential bactericidal activity of CBDA and CBD. While cannabinoids showed a significant antimicrobial effect on the Gram-positive S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, no activity was noticed on Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CBDA presented a two-fold lower antimicrobial activity than its decarboxylated form, suggesting that the antimicrobial pharmacophore of the analyzed cannabinoids falls in the ability for permeabilizing the bacterial cell membrane and acting as a detergent-like agent. A synergy test performed on MRSA with CBD and a range of antibiotics did not indicate a synergetic effect, but noteworthy no antagonist influence either. CBD and CBDA manifested low hemolytic activity on human red blood cells. Likewise, the safety of CBD toward human keratinocyte cells presents no toxicity at a concentration of up to seven-fold higher than the antibacterial minimal inhibitory concentration. Similarly, both CBD and CBDA are well tolerated by mammals, including humans, and conserve a safe value limits for blood-contacting drug development. Overall, CBD exhibited a strong antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive strains and could serve as an alternative drug for tackling MRSA.

Cannabis Phenolics and their Bioactivities

BACKGROUND

Although Cannabis sativa L. is one of the most versatile plant species with multipurpose use both as medical, alimentary source and as psychoactive abuse, its biomedical relevance focused the attention on major cannabinoids. Phytochemical characterization of cannabis highlights the presence of various non-cannabinoids constituents including flavonoids, spiroindans, dihyrostilbenes, dihydrophenanthrenes, lignanamides, steroids and alkaloids. This review aims to identify polyphenols present in this plant, their biosynthesis, their bioactivities and their synthesis, when this occurred.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic research focused on bibliographic databases including all noncannabinoids phenolics in various C. sativa strains from their isolation, structural elucidation, their biological activity to their synthesis.

RESULT

Nevertheless, attention has so far been focused only on cannabinoids (more than one hundred isolated), cannabis is a complex plant able to produce more than 480 chemical entities that represent almost all of the different biogenetic classes. Regarding phenolic compounds, the plant biosynthesises a plethora of unique non-cannabinoids second metabolites, such as prenylated flavonoids, stilbenoids derivatives and lignanammides.

CONCLUSION

Cannabis is a plant with high pharmacological and nutrition values, its potentialities and applications are not only circumscribed to cannabinoids biological activities, but also defined by noncannabinoid compounds. The combination of other cannabinoids together with noncannabinoid components could enhance the beneficial effects of THC and could reduce undesirable side effects.

Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Cold-Pressed Seed Oil from Finola Cultivar of Cannabis sativa L

The aim of this study was to characterize the polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of cold-pressed seed oil from Finola cultivar of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Several methodologies have been employed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Finola hempseed oil (FHSO) and both lipophilic (LF) and hydrophilic fractions (HF). The qualitative and quantitative composition of the phenolic fraction of FHSO was performed by HPLC analyses. From the results is evident that FHSO has high antioxidative activity, as measured by DPPH radical (146.76 mmol of TE/100 g oil), inhibited β-carotene bleaching, quenched a chemically generated peroxyl radical in vitro and showed high ferrous ion chelating activity. Reactivity towards 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation and ferric-reducing antioxidant power values were 695.2 µmol of TE/100g oil and 3690.6 µmol of TE/100 g oil respectively. FHSO contains a significant amount of phenolic compounds of which 2780.4 mg of quercetin equivalent/100 g of total flavonoids. The whole oil showed higher antioxidant activity compared with LF and HF. Our findings indicate that the significant antioxidant properties shown from Finola seed oil might generally depend on the phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, such as flavanones, flavonols, flavanols and isoflavones. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in multiple sclerosis patients and hot-nature dietary intervention with co-supplemented hemp-seed and evening-primrose oils

The risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with increased dietary intake of saturated fatty acids. For many years it has been suspected that this disease might be associated with an imbalance between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. We determined erythrocyte membrane fatty acids levels in Hot nature dietary intervention with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils in multiple sclerosis patients. To determine the erythrocyte membrane fatty acids levels and correlate it with expanded disability status scale (EDSS) at baseline after 6 months intervention in MS patients by gas chromatography, in this double blind, randomized trial, 100 RRMS patients with EDSS<6 were allocated into three groups: "Group A" that received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with advised Hot nature diet. "Group B" received olive oil and "Group C" received the co-supplemented oils. The results showed that the mean follow-up was 180 ± 2.9SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25 ± 8.07 years with disease duration of 6.80 ± 4.33 years). There was no significant difference in the study parameters at baseline. After 6 months, EDSS, Immunological parameters and the erythrocyte cell membrane with regard to specific fatty acids showed improvement in the group A and C, whereas there was worsening condition for the group B after the intervention. We concluded that Hot-nature dietary intervention with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils caused an increase PUFAs in MS patients and improvement in the erythrocyte membrane fatty acids composition. This could be an indication of restored plasma stores, and a reflection of disease severity reduction.