Applications of Cannabis Sativa L. in Food and Its Therapeutic Potential: From a Prohibited Drug to a Nutritional Supplement

Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a herbaceous anemophilous plant that belongs to the Cannabinaceae family. The cannabis seed (hemp) has long been utilized as a food source and is commercially important as an edible oil source. In this review, the positive and negative health effects of cannabis, the relationship between cannabis and various diseases, and the use of cannabis in various food products have been discussed. In addition, the scientific literature on the potential use of cannabis and its derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases in animals and humans has been reviewed. Cannabis is being developed as a key ingredient in a variety of food items, including bakery, confectionery, beverages, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Hemp seeds are high in readily digestible proteins, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), insoluble fiber, carbs, and favorable omega-6 PUFA acid to omega-3 PUFA ratio and have high nutritional value. The antioxidants of cannabis, such as polyphenols, help with anxiety, oxidative stress, and the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, digestive problems, and skin diseases. Cannabis has been shown to have negative health impacts on the respiratory system, driving, and psychomotor functions, and the reproductive system. Overall, the purpose of this research is to stimulate more in-depth research on cannabis’s adaptation in various foods and for the treatment of chronic illnesses.

Phytochemical Analysis of the Methanolic Extract and Essential Oil from Leaves of Industrial Hemp Futura 75 Cultivar: Isolation of a New Cannabinoid Derivative and Biological Profile Using Computational Approaches

“…Cannabis sativa L., commonly called "hemp", belongs to the Cannabaceae family, is a well-known dioecious plant, and is among the most used and cultivated plants worldwide as it grows in variable habitats, soils, altitudes, and climate conditions [1]. The plant contains over 400 bioactive components such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on the human body [2][3][4][5].…”

“…Cannabis is cultivated for its seeds for human or animal consumption [33]; hemp flour and oil are being developed as key ingredients for inclusion in a variety of foods [3] as a source of nutrients and non-nutrient compounds [34,35] with nutraceutical activity, as well as for application in the cosmetic industry. Hemp seeds have a high content of readily digestible proteins, lipids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a favorable omega-6 PUFA acid to omega-3 PUFA ratio [36].…”

“…Futura 75. A new CBD derivative (1) was isolated from methanolic extract, together with seven additional known compounds (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). The structural elucidation of all compounds was established based on 1D and 2D NMR experiments such as 1 H-and 13 C-NMR, 1 H-1 H-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ESIMS data, as well as comparisons with published data.…”

Extracts from Frangula alnus Mill. and Their Effects on Environmental and Probiotic Bacteria

“…There is a growing demand for new types of drugs, dietary supplements, and other kinds of preparations containing biological active compounds from natural raw materials, especially plant species that are easily available and cost-effective [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Buckthorn bark ( Frangula alnus Mill, also known as Rhamnus frangula Linn.)…”

NMR Spectroscopy Applied to the Metabolic Analysis of Natural Extracts of Cannabis sativa

“…CBD has become very popular over the years for its health benefits, and nowadays is commercially available as a dietary supplement, a lotion, and most importantly, as a CBD oil. Indeed, the interest from the scientific community in the therapeutic potential of CBD oil is growing every day [ 18 ]. The reason is simple: it has already been used in various scientific studies for the treatment of numerous health problems, and is now recognized as one of the main elements of the so-called “therapeutic Cannabis ” [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”