Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. is an important herbaceous species originating from Central Asia, which has been used in folk medicine and as a source of textile fiber since the dawn of times. This fast-growing plant has recently seen a resurgence of interest because of its multi-purpose applications: it is indeed a treasure trove of phytochemicals and a rich source of both cellulosic and woody fibers. Equally highly interested in this plant are the pharmaceutical and construction sectors, since its metabolites show potent bioactivities on human health and its outer and inner stem tissues can be used to make bioplastics and concrete-like material, respectively. In this review, the rich spectrum of hemp phytochemicals is discussed by putting a special emphasis on molecules of industrial interest, including cannabinoids, terpenes and phenolic compounds, and their biosynthetic routes. Cannabinoids represent the most studied group of compounds, mainly due to their wide range of pharmaceutical effects in humans, including psychotropic activities. The therapeutic and commercial interests of some terpenes and phenolic compounds, and in particular stilbenoids and lignans, are also highlighted in view of the most recent literature data. Biotechnological avenues to enhance the production and bioactivity of hemp secondary metabolites are proposed by discussing the power of plant genetic engineering and tissue culture. In particular two systems are reviewed, i.e., cell suspension and hairy root cultures. Additionally, an entire section is devoted to hemp trichomes, in the light of their importance as phytochemical factories. Ultimately, prospects on the benefits linked to the use of the -omics technologies, such as metabolomics and transcriptomics to speed up the identification and the large-scale production of lead agents from bioengineered Cannabis cell culture, are presented.

Anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extracts of hemp leaf in IL-1β-induced synovitis

“…Besides, there were unidentified peaks in PU that might need to be investigated in relation to their structures and biological activities. There are also other noncannabinoid substances contained in hemp plants including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides [26]. Interestingly, the amount of sesquiterpenoids in each of the hemp cultivar was likely to correlate with the biological responses in induced synoviocytes.…”

Studying Secondary Growth and Bast Fiber Development: The Hemp Hypocotyl Peeks behind the Wall

“…There is currently a renewed interest in hemp, because of its multitude of applications, notably in the construction and biocomposite sectors (Andre et al, 2016; Guerriero et al, 2016). As an example, the woody fibers of industrial hemp are used to manufacture a concrete-like material known as “hempcrete,” which is very light in weight, while the cellulosic fibers find application in the biocomposite sector for the creation of bioplastics.…”

Broad-Scale Genetic Diversity of Cannabis for Forensic Applications

“…to the development of synthetic fibres and the stringent policies regarding its exploitation, but this iconic weed is recently regaining attention in many countries for its high medicinal, industrial and agricultural potentials (reviewed in [9]). However, its usage is still controversial, in particular from agro-economic, public health and forensic perspectives.…”