Water Extract from Inflorescences of Industrial Hemp Futura 75 Variety as a Source of Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Proliferative and Antimycotic Agents: Results from In Silico, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies

Abstract

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is traditionally cultivated as a valuable source of fibers and nutrients. Multiple studies also demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, phytotoxic and insecticide effects of the essential oil from hemp female inflorescences. On the other side, only a few studies explored the potential pharmacological application of polar extracts from inflorescences. In the present study, we investigated the water extract from inflorescences of industrial hemp Futura 75 variety, from phytochemical and pharmacological point of view. The water extract was assayed for phenolic compound content, radical scavenger/reducing, chelating and anti-tyrosinase effects. Through an ex vivo model of toxicity induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on isolated rat colon and liver, we explored the extract effects on serotonin, dopamine and kynurenine pathways and the production of prostaglandin (PG)E2. Anti-proliferative effects were also evaluated against human colon cancer HCT116 cell line. Additionally, antimycotic effects were investigated against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, Microsporum gypseum. Finally, in silico studies, including bioinformatics, network pharmacology and docking approaches were conducted in order to predict the putative targets underlying the observed pharmacological and microbiological effects. Futura 75 water extract was able to blunt LPS-induced reduction of serotonin and increase of dopamine and kynurenine turnover, in rat colon. Additionally, the reduction of PGE2 levels was observed in both colon and liver specimens, as well. The extract inhibited the HCT116 cell viability, the growth of T. rubrum and T. interdigitale and the activity of tyrosinase, in vitro, whereas in silico studies highlighting the inhibitions of cyclooxygenase-1 (induced by carvacrol), carbonic anhydrase IX (induced by chlorogenic acid and gallic acid) and lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (induced by rutin) further support the observed pharmacological and antimycotic effects. The present findings suggest female inflorescences from industrial hemp as high quality by-products, thus representing promising sources of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals against inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Hop Extract: An Efficacious Antimicrobial and Anti-biofilm Agent Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococci Strains and Cutibacterium acnes

“…Overall, the in vitro tests, besides confirming the biocompatibility of the extract, any cytotoxicity that often occurs with herbal extracts were excluded, especially at high concentrations (1,000 μg/mL) ( Orlando et al, 2020 ; Recinella et al, 2020 ). The wound healing test also ruled out any influence of this extract in modifying the intrinsic spontaneous migration of both tested cell lines.…”

Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Industrial Hemp Water Extract in Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes and Isolated Mouse Skin Specimens

“…Considering that one of the main perspectives of industrial hemp chain production is the valorization of the use of the female inflorescence, to date, considered as waste material in the botanical chain of hemp fiber production, the aim of the present study was to investigate the skin protective effects induced by the water extract from the female inflorescences of the certified Futura 75 variety. The rationale of the investigation derives from the inhibitory effects induced by Futura 75 water extract on dermatophyte growth and tyrosinase activity [ 12 ]. The same extract was also effective in modulating peripheral tissue levels of serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine metabolites, thus suggesting pro-homeostatic effects on tryptophan catabolism, whose increase has been related to skin inflammation [ 13 ].…”

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Effects of Coronilla minima: An Unexplored Botanical Species

“…Specifically, an emerging field of research is exploring the rational for using herbal extracts, prepared with traditional and biocompatible solvents (water and hydroalcoholic solution) in the pharmaceutical forms of infusions and decoctions, that would represent the natural link between efficacy and safety, especially in the case of self-medication. Additionally, the present approach could represent a valuable tool to improve and valorize local botanical resources and productive chains [2,3]. Coronilla genus (Fabaceae) was originally instituted by Linneus, and subsequently revised more times.…”