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

Amna Iftikhar,Aysha Sameen,Muhammad Asim Shabbir,Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski,Rana Muhammad Aadil,Waqar Ahmed,Umaima Zafar,Maciej Jarzębski,Amna Sahar,Zuhaib F Bhat

doi:10.3390/molecules26247699

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.

Highlights

Cannabis sativa L., commonly called hemp or cannabis, is the herbaceous anemophilous plant in the Cannabaceae family
Cannabis is used for textile and food uses since it is high in cannabidiol (CBD) or similar chemicals and is practically devoid of delta-9-THC [4]
This study found that nabilone had a larger benefit on the sleep apnea/hypopnea index than placebo

Summary

Introduction

Cannabis sativa L., commonly called hemp (cannabis seed) or cannabis, is the herbaceous anemophilous plant in the Cannabaceae family. Most researchers are of the opinion that this plant originated in Asia and was transported to Europe as a domesticated and cultivated crop during the Bronze Age (22nd to the 16th century BC), as observed from molecular analysis, polygenetic studies, and DNA extraction from modern and archaeobotanical samples. Regardless of where it originated, C. sativa is widely grown and cultivated in Asian countries and in Africa, Canada, Europe, and the United States [1]. In drug-type plants, the most abundant cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and THC, whereas fiber-type plants are known to contain primarily cannabinoic acids, such as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), followed by their decarboxylated forms, namely cannabigerol (CBG) ancannabidiol (CBD) [5]

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