Abstract
Industrial hemp is a multiuse crop that has been widely cultivated to produce fibers and nutrients. The capability of the essential oil (EO) from inflorescences as antimicrobial agent has been reported. However, literature data are still lacking about the hemp EO antiprotozoal efficacy in vivo. The present study aims to unravel this concern through the evaluation of the efficacy of hemp EOs (2.5 mL/kg, intraperitoneally) of three different cultivars, namely Futura 75, Carmagnola selezionata and Eletta campana, in mice intraperitoneally infected with Leishmania tropica. A detailed description of EO composition and targets-components analysis is reported. Myrcene, α-pinene and E-caryophyllene were the main components of the EOs, as indicated by the gas-chromatographic analysis. However, a prominent position in the scenario of the theoretical interactions underlying the bio-pharmacological activity was also occupied by selina-3,7(11)-diene, which displayed affinities in the micromolar range (5.4–28.9) towards proliferator-activated receptor α, cannabinoid CB2 receptor and acetylcholinesterase. The content of this compound was higher in Futura 75 and Eletta campana, in accordance with their higher scavenging/reducing properties and efficacy against the tissue wound, induced by L. tropica. Overall, the present study recommends hemp female inflorescences, as sources of biomolecules with potential pharmacological applications, especially towards infective diseases.
Highlights
IntroductionIn the Abruzzo region (central Italy), hemp cultivation is the object of renewed interest, which is witnessed by the increased surface dedicated to hemp crops
The present study aims to unravel this concern through the evaluation of the efficacy of hemp essential oil (EO) of three different cultivars, Futura 75, Carmagnola selezionata and Eletta campana, in adult male BALB/c mice intraperitoneally infected with Leishmania tropica [12]
Many factors influence the productive performances of hemp plants in terms of essential oil yield and quality, including environmental conditions, climatic factors and agronomical practices
Summary
In the Abruzzo region (central Italy), hemp cultivation is the object of renewed interest, which is witnessed by the increased surface dedicated to hemp crops For these purposes, a huge number of hemp varieties have been selected in the last two decades, characterized by low ∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (
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