Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L.

Abstract

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa, or hemp) and its constituents-in particular the cannabinoids-have been the focus of extensive chemical and biological research for almost half a century since the discovery of the chemical structure of its major active constituent, Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC). The plant's behavioral and psychotropic effects are attributed to its content of this class of compounds, the cannabinoids, primarily Δ-THC, which is produced mainly in the leaves and flower buds of the plant. Besides Δ-THC, there are also non-psychoactive cannabinoids with several medicinal functions, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG), along with other non-cannabinoid constituents belonging to diverse classes of natural products. Today, more than 560 constituents have been identified in cannabis. The recent discoveries of the medicinal properties of cannabis and the cannabinoids in addition to their potential applications in the treatment of a number of serious illnesses, such as glaucoma, depression, neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and alleviation of symptoms of HIV/AIDS and cancer, have given momentum to the quest for further understanding the chemistry, biology, and medicinal properties of this plant.This contribution presents an overview of the botany, cultivation aspects, and the phytochemistry of cannabis and its chemical constituents. Particular emphasis is placed on the newly-identified/isolated compounds. In addition, techniques for isolation of cannabis constituents and analytical methods used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of cannabis and its products are also reviewed.

Positive and Negative Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on Health

“…Cannabis is the generic term for the psychoactive substances prepared from the plant genus female Cannabis sativa . This plant contains more than 500 compounds, including 120 identified cannabinoids that are aryl‐substituted meroterpenes unique to Cannabis sativa . The main and most potent psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).…”

“…The main and most potent psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Additional cannabinoids, such as cannabinol and Δ8‐tetrahydrocannabinol, are also present in preparations of Cannabis sativa ; however, they have low affinity to endocannabinoid receptors, and they are present in the plant in a smaller amount than THC . Furthermore, cannabidiol (CBD) is an additional cannabinoid that is also present in preparations of Cannabis sativa ; although it has about 10% of the activity of THC, it is considered as nonpsychoactive .…”

Cannabinoids concentration variability in cannabis olive oil galenic preparations†

“…Cannabis plant contains about 565 compounds, among which 120 are cannabinoids . Cannabis‐based medications represent an alternative therapeutic strategy for different diseases, and they were approved in 2011 in many European countries.…”

The protective effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol against inflammation and oxidative stress in rat liver with fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia

“…It is known that cannabinoids are potential agents for clinical and experimental applications such as depression, cancer, nausea, vomiting, neuralgia and neurotoxicity. Up to now, approximately 560 different constituents have declared in cannabis plant . Δ 9 ‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main constituent of the cannabis plant, is produced in the leaves and flower buds of the plant .…”

“…Up to now, approximately 560 different constituents have declared in cannabis plant . Δ 9 ‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main constituent of the cannabis plant, is produced in the leaves and flower buds of the plant . THC has specific receptors that are called cannabinoid receptors.…”