Phytochemical profiling and bioactivity evaluation of CBD- and THC-enriched Cannabis sativa extracts: In vitro and in silico investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Abstract

This study examined the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Cannabis sativa L. extracts, focusing on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify and quantify phytochemicals. The hexane extract contained the highest concentrations of phenolics (175 ± 4 mg GAE/g DWE), flavonoids (14 ± 1.5 mg GAE/g DWE), flavones (2.2 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g DWE), and tannins (0.51 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g DWE). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for psychoactive effects, was predominant in the hexane extract, whereas cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, was more abundant in the chloroform extract. Both extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Anti-inflammatory effects were observed through the inhibition of protein denaturation (IC50 ∼350 μg/mL) and membrane stabilization (IC50 185–470 μg/mL, depending on the assay). The results underscore the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Cannabis sativa extracts, supporting their traditional medicinal use. Molecular docking studies suggest that phytochemicals, particularly CBD and THC, may assist in managing inflammation by inhibiting The nuclear factor Kappa B and lipoxygenase pathways. These findings enhance the understanding of the therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa in managing oxidative stress and inflammation.