Search Results (89)

Cannabinoids, compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system, have shown promising neuroprotective effects in various neurodegenerative diseases, including those affecting the retina. This review evaluates evidence for the presence and action of cannabinoids in the retina, their function in protecting against oxidative stress and modulating neuroinflammation, and the outcomes observed in animal models of retinal diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common causes of vision loss. Cannabinoids have proven effective in reducing the neurodegeneration seen in these eye diseases, acting via the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid neuroprotective effect is often of a similar magnitude to the other proven therapy of medical dosage of vitamins, though it confers a greater risk due to neurotoxicity with high THC:CBD ratios, making the vitamin therapy of greater efficacy when time is available. Given the increased ratio of THC:CBD in commercial cannabis strains, rising from 10:1 at the beginning of this century to 100:1 now, the risk of neurotoxicity has increased, reducing the neuroprotective benefit. The proven safety and efficacy of vitamin therapy may be a more viable neuroprotective method than cannabinoid use for chronic conditions, with cannabinoids proving their utility in more acute conditions. This review evaluates both the method of action of cannabinoids and the receptor pathway utilized and compares the suggested therapeutic applicability of cannabinoids with proven vitamin therapy. Full article

Bast fibrous plants are recognized as potential sources of pectin, yet the structural characteristics and functional properties of pectic polysaccharides derived from these plants remain insufficiently investigated. In this study, three pectic polysaccharides (HP, KP, and RP) were isolated from the bast fibers of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp), Hibiscus cannabinus L. (kenaf), and Boehmeria nivea L. (ramie) using an ammonium oxalate solution. Their chemical composition, monosaccharide profile, molecular weight, microstructure, and functional groups were analyzed by spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. These polysaccharides exhibited remarkable uronic acid content (50.49–61.14%), a relatively low degree of esterification (19.51–34.26%), and high molecular weights ranging from 147.10 to 242.16 kDa. The predominant neutral sugars identified were rhamnose, arabinose, and galactose. Furthermore, HP, KP, and RP demonstrated superior thermal stability, emulsifying properties, water/oil holding capacity, and cholesterol binding ability compared with commercial citrus pectin (CP). They also exhibited stronger radical scavenging activity, with KP showing particularly notable antioxidant performance (IC₅₀ = 1856 and 1485 μg/mL for the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively). Overall, these findings indicate that bast fibrous plants are promising alternative sources of pectic polysaccharides with favorable antioxidant properties, supporting their potential application as food additives or functional ingredients. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. (2n = 2x = 20) is a widely recognized species within the Cannabaceae family. Despite its utilization for medicinal, recreational, and industrial purposes, alongside its extensive historical background, the number of genetic and biotechnological studies of this plant species has decreased due to legal ramifications and prohibition campaigns associated with its use and cultivation. For many years, the development of novel varieties has been pursued solely by cultivators, as domestic growers have transitioned their work from cultivation to breeding Cannabis lineages. Recently, the application of genomics has facilitated a surge in methodologies aimed at marker-assisted selection, germplasm management, genetic differentiation, authentication of cultivated varieties or cultivars, and forensic applications such as safeguarding intellectual property rights. Nevertheless, the utilization of molecular markers for the advancement of commercial varieties through marker-assisted breeding (MAB) frameworks remains rare. This investigation was designed to evaluate a previously established informative microsatellite (SSR) array for the genotyping of drug-type Cannabis sativa cultivars derived from seeds of European origin. A total of 171 samples from 20 varieties were collected from European distributors and analyzed for genetic uniformity and population structure. The results were then compared with previously analyzed hemp samples and drug-type samples of Canadian origin, revealing the identification capabilities of our SSR genotyping method. Full article

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the mucosa that gives rise to a disrupted epithelial morphology. Persistent or recurrent inflammation and the debilitating nature of the associated symptoms make treatment of UC challenging. Cannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa L. have been used for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders due to the wide-ranging therapeutic benefits of these compounds. Methods: We evaluated a commercial hemp extract, high in cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD), as a novel treatment for UC symptoms using the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model in mice. Hemp extract was administered via two different routes of administration, intraperitoneal (i.p) and oral (p.o). Results: Specifically, we observed that cannabinoid treatment reduced damage to the colonic epithelium. We also observed that CBG/CBD rich hemp extracts help reduce pain-related responses in these animals. Conclusions: Together, the data suggest that cannabinoid administration has the potential to be an effective alternate therapeutic option for UC management. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a high-value medicinal crop whose nutritional requirements and fertilization strategies remain poorly defined, particularly in relation to cannabinoid production. This study evaluated the effects of inorganic fertilization (N, P, and K) on biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake and balance, and cannabinoid content in Cannabis sativa L. A high-cannabidiol (CBD) cultivar was propagated from ex vitro cuttings and grown in 10 L pots with commercial substrate. Treatments included a non-fertilized control and increasing doses of N (0–10 g plant⁻¹), P (0–6 g plant⁻¹), and K (0–10 g plant⁻¹), with higher P and K doses applied during the reproductive stage. Biomass production peaked at 5 g N, 2 g P, and 3 g K plant⁻¹, yielding 41.9% more than the control. Fertilized plants showed harvest indexes of 31–42%. Additional P and K during the reproductive stage did not enhance inflorescence biomass and CBD content. Tissue nutrient concentrations increased with fertilization. Inflorescences had maximum N and P levels at 5 g N and 2 g P plant⁻¹, while leaves accumulated more K at 7.5 g K plant⁻¹. CBD content increased and THC (%) decreased progressively with nutrient supply. High nutrient doses, however, led to nutritional imbalances and plant health issues. Nutrient balance analysis showed differential macronutrient extraction by treatment. These findings highlight the importance of optimized fertilization strategies to enhance both biomass and cannabinoid production in high-CBD cannabis cultivars. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation on behavior, blood parameters, oxidative status, metabolomic profile, and the fatty acid composition of meat and liver in rabbits. A total of 42 New Zealand White × California rabbits (60 days old; 1:1 sex ratio; average weight 1621.3 ± 46.2 g) were randomly assigned to two groups (a control group, CTRL, and a CBD group, n = 21 each). Both groups received the same commercial diet, with the CBD group additionally supplemented with 0.1 mL of cannabis extract in coconut oil, corresponding to 10 mg CBD/animal/day. At 92 days of age, rabbits were slaughtered, and samples were collected for analyses. Results showed that CBD supplementation significantly improved body weight gain, reduced plasma triglyceride levels, and enhanced oxidative status. Behavioral observations indicated increased motor and grooming activities in CBD-supplemented animals, suggesting enhanced psychological well-being. The fatty acid profile of meat and liver was not significantly altered by CBD supplementation. Overall, dietary CBD demonstrated the potential to positively influence physiological and behavioral responses, representing a promising strategy to enhance animal welfare and productivity in rabbit farming. Although no adverse effects on lipid profiles were observed, further studies are warranted to explore CBD’s role in lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile plant with applications in various sectors such as agriculture, medicine, food, and cosmetics. The therapeutic properties of cannabis are often linked to its secondary compounds. The worldwide cannabis market is undergoing swift changes due to varying legal frameworks. Medicinal cannabis (as a heterozygous and dioecious species) is distinct from most annual crops grown in controlled environments, typically propagated through stem cutting rather than seeds to ensure genetic uniformity. Consequently, as with any commercially cultivated crop, biomass yield plays a crucial role in overall productivity. The key factors involved in cultivation conditions, such as successful root establishment, stress tolerance, and the production cycle duration, are critical for safeguarding, improving, and optimizing plant yield. Grafting is a long-established horticultural practice that mechanically joins the scion and rootstock of distinct genetic origins by merging their vascular systems. This approach can mitigate undesirable traits by leveraging the strengths of particular plants, proving beneficial to various applications. Grafting is not used commercially in Cannabis. Only three very recent investigations suggest that grafting holds significant promise for enhancing both the agronomic and medicinal potential of Cannabis. This review critically examines the latest advancements in cannabis grafting and explores prospects for improving biomass (stem, root, flower, etc.) yield and secondary metabolite production. Full article

As high-CBD cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) gains legal and commercial relevance in the United States, studies evaluating how external inputs impact critical traits remain limited. This study investigates the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), ammonium bicarbonate (AB), and the genetic source (mother plant identity) on the growth and secondary metabolite traits of indoor cannabis. Plants were treated with 1 mM MeJA and/or AB under controlled conditions, and key traits, such as plant height, chlorophyll content, biomass, trichome density, and cannabinoid concentration, were measured. The MeJA treatment led to a significant 32% increase in trichome density. However, it did not significantly alter CBD or THC concentrations. The AB treatment enhanced vegetative growth, increasing chlorophyll content and plant height while reducing CBD concentrations, but the biomass gains could compensate for the lower cannabinoid in the total production. An interaction between MeJA and AB altered the CBD content, suggesting that MeJA may mitigate AB’s negative effect on cannabinoid synthesis. The genetic source significantly influenced most of the measured traits, highlighting the role of the genotype in trait expression and the importance of clonal consistency. These findings highlight the complex dynamics of external inputs and genetic factors in cannabis production, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize cultivation strategies. Future studies should refine input combinations and doses to improve both yield and cannabinoid profiles. Full article

Conventional micropropagation of cannabis struggles with excessive callus hyperhydration, slow growth, low rooting efficiency, and high contamination risk, all of which greatly restrict its feasibility for large-scale propagation. In contrast, photoautotrophic micropropagation (PAM) has emerged as an efficient and cost-effective propagation strategy that can significantly enhance plantlet growth and improve seedling quality by optimizing the LED lighting environment. This study investigated the effects of four light intensities (50, 100, 150, and 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and three photoperiods (16, 20, and 24 h d⁻¹) on the growth and rooting of two medicinal cannabis cultivars (the short-day cultivar ‘Charlotte’ and the day-neutral cultivar ‘Auto Charlotte’). Cluster analysis revealed that plantlets grown under the photoperiod of 20 h d⁻¹ and light intensity of 100–150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ exhibited optimal growth performance in terms of plant height, root length, leaf number, leaf area, biomass, and root activity. Moreover, increasing the light intensity from 50 to 100–150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ significantly enhanced net CO₂ exchange rates by 41.5% and 204.9% for Charlotte and Auto Charlotte, respectively, along with corresponding increases in dry matter accumulation of 44.3% and 27.9%. However, the plantlets exhibited photooxidative damage under continuous lighting and light intensity of 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, as evidenced by reduced photosynthetic pigment content and suppressed antioxidant enzyme activity. Therefore, PAM of medicinal cannabis is recommended under the LED lighting environment with light intensity of 100–150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and photoperiod of 20 h d⁻¹ to achieve optimal growth and rooting. These findings provide essential technical support for the large-scale propagation of vigorous, disease-free female plantlets with well-developed root systems and high genetic uniformity, thereby meeting the stringent quality standards for planting materials in the commercial cultivation of cannabis for medical and pharmaceutical use. Full article

Since the 1990s, cannabis has experienced a gradual easing of access restrictions, accompanied by the expansion of its legalization and commercialization. This shift has led to the proliferation of cannabis-based products, available as cosmetics, food supplements, and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Consequently, there has been a growing demand for reliable and reproducible extraction techniques alongside precise analytical methods for detecting and quantifying cannabinoids, both of which are essential for ensuring consumer safety and product quality. Given the variability in extraction and quantification techniques across laboratories, significant attention has recently been directed toward method validation. Validated methods ensure precise cannabinoid measurement in cannabis-based products, supporting compliance with dosage guidelines and legal limits. Thus, this review highlights recent advancements in these areas, with a particular focus on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Ultraviolet (UV) detection, as it is considered the gold standard for cannabinoid analysis included in cannabis monographs present in several pharmacopeias. The research focused on studies published between January 2022 and December 2024, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, that employed an HPLC-UV analytical technique for the detection of phytocannabinoids. Additionally, the review examines cannabinoid extraction techniques and the validation methodologies used by the authors in the selected papers. Notably, ultrasound extraction has emerged as the most widely utilized technique across various matrices, with Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) offering a promising, efficient, and environmentally friendly extraction alternative. Analytical chromatographic separations continue to be predominantly conducted using C18 reversed-phase columns. Nevertheless, in recent years, researchers have explored various stationary phases, particularly to achieve the enantioseparation of cannabinoids. Full article

The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HR-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polyphenolic fraction of the hot water infusion (WI) of inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. Kompolti variety, commercially used for food preparations or cosmetic purposes. On water infusion extract, we applied a multidisciplinary approach, where NMR, MS, in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays coupled with in silico studies, were used to rationalize at the molecular level the effects of the major component Cannabidiol (CBD), in a model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The phytochemical analysis by LC-MS/MS led to the tentative identification of many components belonging to different classes of polyphenols, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their glycosides. CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) were also detected in good amounts in the infusion, together with several minor cannabinoids. In addition, the water infusion WI was evaluated for mineral content, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity by DPPH and FRAP methods. Notably, our results in a cellular model of PD highlight that CBD protects against rotenone-induced cell death without recovering neuronal morphology. These biological outcomes were rationalized by an in silico approach, where we hypothesize that CBD could influence the cellular response to oxidative stress via its interaction with the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. In summary, these results enriched the nutraceutical profile of the water infusion of the inflorescences of the Kompolti cultivar, which demonstrated a high CBD content. This study could lead to the development of dietary supplements that could help in the management of clinical symptoms related to the antioxidant activity of CBD in the pathophysiology of PD, which remains poorly characterized. Full article

Epilepsy is a widespread neurological disorder that remains a critical global public health challenge. While numerous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are available, many patients either fail to achieve adequate seizure control or experience significant side effects. One promising alternative is pure cannabidiol (CBD), but using a whole cannabis extract may be equally effective and preferred for some patients. In the current study, we employed the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced hyperactivity model in zebrafish to compare the effects of CBD with various cannabis extracts. We evaluated three cannabis strains, each subjected to three different extraction methods, and benchmarked the results against the commercially available AED valproic acid (VPA). Our findings revealed that 5.7 µg/mL of CBD and 10 µg/mL of different extracts significantly reduced movement compared to PTZ and VPA. In addition, effective extracts produced effects similar to pure CBD despite containing much lower molecule levels. These results reinforced and expanded previous evidence supporting the clinical potential of both CBD and whole cannabis extracts for seizure control while suggesting a possible entourage effect. Further research is necessary to determine which patients may benefit more from pure CBD versus those who might prefer whole cannabis extracts. Full article

The roles of endophytes in Cannabis sativa (cannabis, hemp) remain poorly explored. While in vitro studies suggest that there can be several benefits, such as plant growth promotion and protection against pathogens, more in planta studies are needed. This review summarizes the bacterial and fungal endophytes previously reported in tissues of C. sativa and discusses the factors influencing their presence, as well as their potential beneficial and detrimental effects. Using genome sequencing and culture-based approaches, we describe the microbial diversity in hydroponically cultivated cannabis plants at several developmental stages. These include mother plants, cuttings, vegetative and flowering plants, and tissue-cultured plantlets. Microbes that were present include fungal, yeast, and bacterial endophytes found in roots, stems, leaves, inflorescences, and seeds. These may have originated from the growing substrate or be transmitted through vegetative propagation. Notable endophytes included Rhizophagus irregularis (a mycorrhizal fungus), Penicillium chrysogenum (an antibiotic producer), and various endophytic yeast species not previously described in C. sativa. Endophytes representing potential plant pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysporum, are also present within cannabis tissues, which can negatively impact plant health. Using scanning electron microscopy, we observed that fungal propagules are present within pith parenchyma cells and xylem vessel elements in stem tissues, illustrating for the first time the in situ localization and distribution of endophytes in cannabis vascular tissues. The mechanism of spread through xylem vessels likely contributes to the spread of endophytes within cannabis and hemp plants. Further research is required to validate the roles of endophytes in cannabis and hemp plants grown under commercial production conditions. Full article

Evaluation of 12 commercially available products of Cannabis sativa L. was performed to find similarities and differences in their composition. The contents of metallic elements determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) made it possible to order microelements as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. As for the contents of macroelements, the pattern was Ca > K > Mg > Na. Analyses of hemp samples were also performed via assays of their phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity was determined based on the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Cupric-Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and ABTS Radical-Scavenging Activity. We concluded from the application of cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) that several hemp samples (for example, the sample from Italy) were well-separated from the others due to their different chemical composition. In conclusion, the results achieved with the statistical methods are helpful in interpreting the results obtained for hemp samples and reveal characteristic tendencies among the investigated samples due to their contents of metals, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid concentrations, and antioxidant properties. Full article

The Cannabis market is experiencing steady global growth. Cannabis herbal extracts (CHE) are interesting and sought-after products for many clinical conditions. The medical potential of these formulations is mainly attributed to neutral cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinol (CBN), and their non-standardized content poses a significant fragility in these pharmaceutical inputs. High-resolution mass spectrometry portrays a powerful alternative to their accurate monitoring; however, further analytical steps need to be critically optimized to keep up with instrumental performance. In this study, Full Factorial and Box–Behnken designs were employed to achieve a multivariate optimization of CBD, THC, and CBN extraction from human and veterinary commercial CHE using a minimum methanol/hexane 9:1 volume and short operational times. A predictive model was also constructed using the Response Surface Methodology and its accuracy was validated. Agitation and sonication times were identified as the most significant operational extraction parameters, followed by the extraction mixture volume. The final setup of the optimized method represented a significantly faster and cheaper protocol than those in the literature. The selected neutral cannabinoids quantification was conducted using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) with a precision of <15%, accuracy of 69–98%, sensitivity of 23–39 ng kg⁻¹, and linearity regarding pharmaceutical requirements. State-of-the-art levels of analytical sensitivity and specificity were achieved in the target quantification due to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The developed method demonstrated reliability and feasibility for routine analytical applications. As a proof-of-concept, it enabled the efficient processing of 16 samples of commercial CHE within a three-hour timeframe, showcasing its practicality and reproducibility, and highlighting its potential for broader adoption in similar scenarios for both human and veterinary medicines. Full article