Abstract
Cannabis sativa is an aromatic annual flowering plant with several botanical varieties, used for different purposes, like the production of fibers, the production of oil from the seeds, and especially for recreational or medical purposes. Phytocannabinoids (terpenophenolic compounds derived from the plant), include the well-known psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and many non-psychoactive cannabinoids, like cannabidiol. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises of endocannabinoid ligands, enzymes for synthesis and degradation of such ligands, and receptors. This system is widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract, where phytocannabinoids exert potent effects, particularly under pathological (i.e., inflammatory) conditions. Herein, we will first look at the hemp plant as a possible source of new functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals that might be eventually useful to treat or even prevent gastrointestinal conditions. Subsequently, we will briefly describe the ECS and the general pharmacology of phytocannabinoids. Finally, we will revise the available data showing that non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol, may be useful to treat different disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With the increasing interest in the development of functional foods for a healthy life, the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids are hoped to find a place as nutraceuticals and food ingredients also for a healthy gastrointestinal tract function.
Highlights
DDiieettary effffeeccttss ooff nnuuttrraacceeuuttiiccaallss oonn ggaassttrrooiinntteessttiinnaall ((GGI) hheealth aree wwellll rreeccooggnniizzeedd, aanndd speeccifificc ddiets have been related to the prevention or the reduction of incidence of certain GI pathologies
With the increasing interest in the development of functional foods for a healthy life, the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids are hoped to find a place as nutraceuticals and food ingredients for a healthy gastrointestinal tract function
Despite the promising preclinical data, the efficacy of cannabinoids modulating Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-associated abdominal pain has been difficult to prove in a clinical context, at least as it relates to the use of tetrahydrocannabinols [THC and dronabinol] [133,143]
Summary
DDiieettary effffeeccttss ooff nnuuttrraacceeuuttiiccaallss oonn ggaassttrrooiinntteessttiinnaall ((GGI) hheealth aree wwellll rreeccooggnniizzeedd,, aanndd speeccifificc ddiets have been related to the prevention or the reduction of incidence of certain GI pathologies. We will concentrate on describing the features that make this plant attractive for the development of new nutraceuticals and food ingredients that might be useful for a healthy life, in general, and a healthy GI tract function, in particular. In 1989, Dr Stephen DeFelice defined the term nutraceutical as “a substance that is a food or part of a food that provides medical and/or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease” generally sold in medicinal forms (pills or tablets) not usually associated with foods [18]. 680 branded food products containing hemp seed derivatives in the form of oil, extract, flour or powder, are registered in the FoodData Central database of the USDA [22] Any of these products consumed in the USA must not contain more than 0.3% THC to be legal by US government regulations [21]. More research regarding the health-promoting properties of pure and combined bioactive compounds in hemp is needed
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