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Neuroinflammation, which is mainly triggered by microglia, is a key contributor to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Natural products, and in particular Cannabis sativa L., due to its richness in phytochemical components, represent ideal candidates to counteract neuroinflammation. We previously characterized different C. sativa commercial varieties which showed significantly different chemical profiles. On these bases, the aim of this study was to evaluate essential oils and aqueous distillation residues from the inflorescences of three different hemp varieties for their anti-neuroinflammatory activity in BV-2 microglial cells. Cells were pretreated with aqueous residues or essential oils and then activated with LPS. Unlike essential oils, aqueous residues showed negligible effects in terms of anti-inflammatory activity. Among the essential oils, the one obtained from 'Gorilla Glue' was the most effective in inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and in upregulating anti-inflammatory ones through the modulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the sesquiterpenes (E)-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide were identified as the main contributors to the essential oils' anti-inflammatory activity. To our knowledge, the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of α-humulene has not been previously described. In conclusion, our work shows that C. sativa essential oils characterized by high levels of sesquiterpenes can be promising candidates in the prevention/counteraction of neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sumac, Rhus coriaria L., is employed as a natural preservative in the food sector, due to its rich content of antioxidant compounds, including hydrolysable tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. In this work, the phytochemical characterization of sumac fruits from five Sicilian accessions was performed to evaluate their potential as a food preservative for nutraceutical exploitation. Spectrophotometric tests and HPLC-MS/MS analyses were conducted to assess and compare the antioxidant power of the water extracts produced with the five sumac accessions. Principal component analysis was also carried out to better visualize the obtained results. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, namely isoquercitrin (20,342.82 mg/kg dry extract) and gallic acid (197,489.19 mg/kg dry extract), were more abundant in fruits from the population of San Biagio Platani, while the one from Giarratana was characterized by a higher content of anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-glucoside (20,889.81 mg/kg dry extract). These two populations can be recognized as the most suitable settings for the implementation of sumac cultivation and the development of sumac-based products, especially for food and nutraceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), due to its bioactive compounds (terpenes and cannabinoids), has gained increasing interest in different fields, including for medical purposes. The evaluation of the safety profile of hemp essential oil (EO) and its encapsulated form (nanoemulsion, NE) is a relevant aspect for potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effect of hemp EOs and NEs from cultivars Carmagnola CS and Uso 31 on three cell lines selected as models for topical and inhalant administration, by evaluating the cytotoxicity and the cytokine expression profiles. Results show that EOs and their NEs have comparable cytotoxicity, if considering the quantity of EO present in the NE. Moreover, cells treated with EOs and NEs showed, in most of the cases, lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared to Etoposide used as a positive control, and the basal level of inflammatory cytokines was not altered, suggesting a safety profile of hemp EOs and their NEs to support their use for medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosehips, Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae family), have been used for a long time for their beneficial effects on health, and they are largely exploited in the food and nutraceutical supplement sectors. The aim of this work was to apply and optimize for the first time the microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) extraction of rosehips, as a novel application of solvent-free microwave extraction, previously conducted in a similar way only on mulberry, strawberry, and onion. The optimization was performed through a central composite design (CCD) by evaluating the effect of the experimental parameters on the yield; total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents; radical scavenging activity; and content of vitamin C in the obtained extracts. As a result, the water moistening pretreatment was clearly revealed to possess a pivotal role in the quality of the rosehip extracts. Among the evaluated responses, the yield, the anthocyanin content, and the antioxidant activity were well described by the statistical model. Notably, the optimized MHG extract was compared with the ones obtained by conventional solvent extraction showing higher amounts of vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, while the traditional extracts performed better in terms of yield. In conclusion, MHG represents a promising alternative to standard extraction methods for obtaining rosehip extracts rich in vitamin C and antioxidant compounds. In this respect, the results of our research support the employment of MHG on an industrial level for the production of rosehip-based food supplements enriched in vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed a panel of six essential oils (EOs) including Clausena anisata, Lippia alba, Pimpinella anisum, Syzygium aromaticum, Litchi chinensis and Heracleum sphondylium for their chemical constituents and scolicidal activity on Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscolices were collected from fertile hydatid cysts and exposed to different concentrations of the EOs. After 10 min of exposure, S. aromaticum and C. anisata EOs at the concentration of 100 μg/ml resulted in the mortality rate of 63.33 and 51.33%, respectively. EOs of S. aromaticum, L. alba and C. anisata were the most potent with LC50 values of 16.8, 23.9 and 24.3 µg/ml, respectively. EO of L. alba showed a LC90 value of 442.7 µg/ml, which was significantly higher than S. aromaticum (58.4) and C. anisata (76.7). The obtained results demonstrated that EOs of S. aromaticum and C. anisata can be further studied for the development of new therapeutics and have the potential to be tested under in vivo conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Solvent‐free microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) is a green extraction method capable of boosting the yield and quality profile of hemp essential oil when compared with other conventional extraction techniques. During this process, two by‐products are produced, namely the aqueous residue containing bioactive phenolics and the residual deterpenated biomass, which can be used for further extraction and purification of phytocannabinoids. To date, the hemp industry has not utilized these products, although they can be valuable for the food, cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical market. RESULTS: This study assessed and optimized the variables affecting MAE efficiency, namely microwave irradiation power, extraction time and added water, which were studied using a central composite design approach, and results were used to optimize the extraction process for recovering three valuable fractions: essential oil, polyphenols and phytocannabinoids. The products obtained using the optimized conditions were characterized in terms of yield, chemical profile and antioxidant potential. Moreover, the by‐products obtained during the optimized run were further analyzed in terms of their biological activity using both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic assays. The aqueous residue demonstrated a powerful α‐glucosidase inhibition, a good activity in terms of superoxide radical scavenging activity, a modest efficacy in terms of inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation and no activity in terms of lipase inhibition. The residual deterpenated biomass did not possess significant biological activity. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrated valorization of industrial hemp essential oil and its by‐products, obtained by a sustainable and eco‐friendly extraction method, through an almost waste‐free approach. Cannabinoids as well as other valuable bioactive compounds such as glycosidic flavones may be recovered from the residues of the essential oil extraction, representing interesting substances in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical fields. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis sativa L. is a plant that contains numerous chemically active compounds including cannabinoids such as trans-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and flavone derivatives, such as luteolin-7-Oglucuronide and apigenin glucuronide. In particular, the polar fraction of hemp including many phenolic compounds has been overlooked when compared with the more lipophilic fraction containing cannabinoids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess two extracts of industrial hemp (C. sativa) of different polarity (aqueous and hexane) by evaluating their antioxidant profile and their neuroprotective potential on pharmacological targets in the central nervous system (CNS). Several assays on in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH, superoxide radical, FRAP, ORAC), as well as inhibition of physiological enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoaminooxidase A (MAO-A) were carried out in order to find out how these extracts may be helpful to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. Neuro-2a cell line was selected to test the cytotoxic and neuroprotective potential of these extracts. Both extracts showed striking antioxidant capacity in the FRAP and ORAC assays, particularly the hexane extract, and interesting results for the DPPH and superoxide radical uptake assays, with the aqueous extract standing out especially in the latter. In enzyme inhibition assays, the aqueous extract showed AChE and MAO-A inhibitory activity, while the hexane extract only reached IC50 value for AChE inhibitory bioassay. Neuro-2a assays demonstrated that polyphenolic extract was not cytotoxic and exhibited cytoprotective properties against hydrogen peroxide and antioxidant response decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These extracts could be a source of compounds with potential benefit on human health, especially related to neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) strains developed by crossbreeding selected varieties represent a novel research topic worthy of attention and investigation. This study focused on the phytochemical characterization of nine hemp commercial cultivars. Hydrodistillation was performed in order to collect the essential oils (EO), and also the residual water and deterpenated biomass. The volatile fraction was analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS, and SPME-GC-MS, revealing three main chemotypes. The polyphenolic profile was studied in the residual water and deterpenated biomass by spectrophotometric assays, and HPLC-DAD-MSn and 1H-NMR analyses. The latter were employed for quali–quantitative determination of cannabinoids in the deterpenated material in comparison with the one not subjected to hydrodistillation. In addition, the glandular and non-glandular indumentum of the nine commercial varieties was studied by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in the attempt to find a possible correlation with the phytochemical and morphological traits. The EO and residual water were found to be rich in monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and flavonol glycosides, respectively, while the deterpenated material was found to be a source of neutral cannabinoids. The micromorphological survey allowed us to partly associate the phytochemistry of these varieties with the hair morphotypes. This research sheds light on the valorization of different products from the hydrodistillation of hemp varieties, namely, essential oil, residual water, and deterpenated biomass, which proved to be worthy of exploitation in industrial and health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the insecticidal effect of 12 essential oils (EOs) from Coriandrum sativum, Tanacetum annuum, Boswellia carteri, Canarium luzonicum, Pogostemon cablin, Thymus vulgaris, Copaifera officinalis, Corymbia citriodora, Melaleuca cajuputi, Syzygium aromaticum, Santalum album, and Elettaria cardamomum as grain protectants was evaluated against Trogoderma granarium, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum and Tenebrio molitor. The EOs were applied on wheat at two concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm). Beetle mortality rates were evaluated after 4, 8, and 16 h, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days. The EO from S. aromaticum was the most effective against T. granarium adults, leading to 100% mortality after 16 h of exposure at 1000 ppm, and 83.3% at 500 ppm after 7 days. Complete mortality on this species was achieved testing the EO from B. carteri, after 6 days of exposure at 1000 ppm. EOs from S. album and M. cajuputi led to 96.7% mortality when tested at 1000 ppm. Mortality of T. granarium larvae was low for all tested EOs, except for S. aromaticum and B. carteri, which exhibited moderate toxicity at 1000 ppm, reaching 56.7 and 51.1%, respectively. Mortality of T. castaneum adults was very low for all tested EOs, not exceeding 43.3%, as it was noted testing S. aromaticum EO. The EOs from E. cardamomum, T. annuum, and S. aromaticum caused = 90% to T. castaneum larvae 7 days post-exposure. Concerning T. confusum adults, the tested EOs achieved low mortalities even at the higher concentration, which did not exceed 26.7%. The EOs from T. annuum, S. album, M. cajuputi, C. officinalis, S. aromaticum, C. citriodora and P. cablin exhibited high larvicidal activity 7 days post-exposure. The EOs from T. annuum and C. luzonicum were the most effective against T. molitor adults, at both tested concentrations, i.e., 92.2 and 83.3% at 500 ppm, 93.3 and 90.0%, respectively, after 7 days of exposure. Mortality of T. molitor larvae was low at both tested concentrations, reaching maximally 30.0%. The 12 EOs were also tested for inhibitory action against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The most active samples were those from M. cajuputi, E. cardamomum and T. vulgaris, with IC50 values of 3.06 (±0.5), 4.05 (±0.8) and 4.13 (±1.7) mg mL-1, respectively. These results were not consistent with those from insecticidal tests, suggesting that other mechanisms of action are involved. Overall, the EOs from S. aromaticum, T. annuum and C. luzonicum exhibited high toxicity against T. granarium and T. molitor adults or T. castaneum and T. confusum larvae. They may be considered further for developing novel insecticides for managing beetle pests attacking stored products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black mulberry, Morus nigra L. (family: Moraceae), is a healthy food and medicinal plant. Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) is one of the most innovative applications of solvent-free microwave extraction. The aim of this study was to optimize for the first time the MHG solvent-free extraction of polyphenols and sugars from M. nigra fruits. Optimization was carried out using a central composite design (CCD) with selected responses such as extraction yield, total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), anthocyanin (TAC), and sugar (TSC) contents, in addition to DPPH radical scavenging, and α-glucosidase (AGHi), lipase (Li), and xanthine oxidase (XOi) inhibition as tools to evaluate the best parameters for efficient and rapid extraction of black mulberry. The optimized extract was characterized in terms of the aforementioned parameters to validate the models, and was further analyzed for 36 individual polyphenols using HPLC-MS/MS. The optimized MHG extract was finally compared with traditional extracts, and demonstrated much better performance in terms of TPC, TAC, and Li, while the traditional extracts showed better XOi and AGHi. In conclusion, MHG is a valuable green technique for the production of non-degraded black mulberry polyphenol-rich extract and we suggest its larger use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of Trypanosoma brucei to the Anthriscus nemorosa essential oils (EOs), isolated compounds from these oils, and artificial mixtures of the isolated compounds in their conventional and nanoencapsulated forms. The chemical composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts and roots of Anthriscus nemorosa, obtained from a wild population growing in central Italy, were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In both cases, the predominant class of compounds was monoterpene hydrocarbons, which were more abundant in the EOs from the roots (81.5%) than the aerial parts (74.0%). The overall results of this work have shed light on the biological properties of A. nemorosa EO from aerial parts (EC50 = 1.17 μg/mL), farnesene (EC50 = 0.84 μg/mL), and artificial mixtures (Mix 3–5, EC50 in the range of 1.27 to 1.58 μg/mL) as relevant sources of antiprotozoal substances. Furthermore, the pool measurements of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and NTPs (nucleoside triphosphates) in the cultivated bloodstream form of trypanosomes exposed to different concentrations of EOs showed a disturbed energy metabolism, as indicated by increased pools of ADP in comparison to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and other NTPs. Ultimately, this study highlights the significant efficacy of A. nemorosa EO to develop long-lasting and effective antiprotozoal formulations, including nanoemulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) is a spice traditionally used in Middle Eastern medicine and contains a valuable essential oil (EO) exploited in different fields, such as pharmaceutics, agrochemicals and food additives. This EO is mostly characterized by the thymol to which most of its biological properties are related. Given the economic value of ajowan and its increasing demand across the globe, the extraction method used for its EO is of paramount importance in terms of quality and quantity of the final product. In the present study, we used the design of experiment (DoE) approach to study and optimize the extraction of the ajowan EO using the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), a novel extraction technique with high efficiency, low energy consumption, short process length and low environmental impact. A two-step DoE (screening followed by surface response methodology) was used to reduce the number of experiments and to improve the cost/benefit ratio. Reliable mathematical models, relating the more relevant EO features with the extraction conditions, were obtained and used to identify the best experimental conditions able to maximize the yield and thymol concentration. The optimized MAE procedure assures an EO with a higher yield and thymol amount compared with the standard hydrodistillation procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various innovative products obtainable from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) waste biomass originating from different industrial processes, the essential oil (EO) deserves special attention in order to understand its possible application in different fields, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and botanical insecticides. For the purpose, in the present work, we studied the chemical composition of EOs obtained from different hemp varieties, namely Felina 32 and Carmagnola Selezionata (CS) using monoecious, male, and female inflorescences, and we evaluated their mosquitocidal activities on larvae and pupae of two main malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae and An. stephensi. Then, in order to evaluate the safe use of hemp EOs for operators, the potential pro- or anti-inflammatory effect of hemp EOs together with their toxicological profile were determined on dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Given the promising results obtained by insecticidal and anti-inflammatory studies, a preliminary evaluation of EOs encapsulation into nanoemulsions (NEs) has been performed with the aim to develop a formulation able to improve their poor physicochemical stability. Felina 32 and CS inflorescences provided EOs with an interesting chemical profile, with monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as the major components. This study highlighted the potential application of male inflorescences, which are usually discharged during hemp product processing. These EOs could be exploited as potential sustainable and eco-friendly insecticides, given their capability to be toxic against mosquitoes and the possibility to use them to prepare stable and safe formulations. The LC50 values found in this study (<80 ppm) are lower, on average, than those of many plant EOs, with the advantage of using an industrial waste product. From MTT assay and gene and protein expression analysis, EOs showed no cytotoxicity at the appropriate doses and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on the human cell lines tested. These findings encourage further applied research on hemp EOs in order support their industrial exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 9 conifer essential oils obtained from the non-wood parts were studied. • Chemical composition was analyzed by GC and GC–MS. • Chiral chromatography was used to determine the enantiomeric distribution. • Acute toxicity and sublethal effects were observed on three target insects. • x C. leylandii , P. abies and P. sylvestris essential oils were the most effective. Conifers are of high economic importance due to their exploitation for timber, gardening and landscaping, construction and paper, varnishes, adhesives and waterproof coatings, perfumes and pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and biodiesel. They are endowed in all parts with secretory channels producing a semi-solid resin and a liquid fraction composed of a mixture of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are obtainable as a steam distillable essential oil. In most of industrial processes involving conifers, a huge biomass, made up mostly of green twigs, is produced, causing a waste disposal concern. The reuse of this material to produce essential oils may be important in a circular economy scenario. On this basis, in the present study we selected nine conifer species grown in central Italy (Abruzzo), namely Cupressus arizonica, x Cupressocyparis leylandii , Cupressus lusitanica , Juniperus chinensis cv. 'stricta', Juniperus communis , Juniperus × pfitzeriana , Picea abies , Pinus halepensis , and Pinus sylvestris, and evaluated the insecticidal potential of their essential oils from the non-wood renewable parts (twigs). For comparative purposes, in the case of J. communis two essential oils obtained from both male and female individuals were considered. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation (yield in the range 0.3–2.0 %), and analyzed for chemical composition by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and for the enantiomeric distribution of the main optically active isomers by chiral chromatography. The essential oils were assessed for their insecticidal activity against three important insect species, i.e. the larvae of a moth pest, Spodoptera littoralis, the larvae of the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus, and the adults of the housefly, Musca domestica. Pyrethrum extract was the positive control. The essential oils with the highest potential as insecticide were those obtained from twigs of x C. leylandii , P. abies and P. sylvestris. These oils were made up mainly of monoterpenes, with δ-3-carene (20.5 %), α-pinene (16.7 %), limonene (15.4 %) and sabinene (10.4 %); camphene (14.5 %) and limonene (13.4 %), bornyl acetate (15.6 %) and borneol (11.2 %); α-pinene (25.7 %), limonene (15.6 %) and δ-cadinene (11.4 %), as the main constituents, respectively. α-Pinene occurred in these oils mostly with the (+) enantiomeric form; limonene was present mainly as (-)-enantiomer in C. leylandii whereas in P. abies and P. sylvestris the (+)-enantiomer prevailed. Furthermore, being exposed to LD 20-30 /LC 30 of these three essential oils significantly reduced the longevity, development and vitality of the target insects. Overall, our findings showed that the x C. leylandii , P. abies and P. sylvestris essential oil bioactivity fairly overpassed that of the large majority of essential oils considered in earlier studies, allowing us to successfully candidate these botanical byproducts for further insecticide formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently the agrochemical industry is developing eco-friendly approaches based on the fabrication of biopesticides using substances, including biomass-borne products, with limited impact on human health and environment. One of these is the use of vegetable proteins, such as the corn-derived zein, as a safe nanocarrier loaded with bioactive compounds. Zein-based nanoparticles have been successfully applied to enhance the antimicrobial, antioxidant, repellent and insecticidal properties of hydrophobic substances such as essential oils (EOs). Herein, we developed two EO-loaded zein nanocapsules (NC) for mosquito larvicidal purposes. As active ingredients, we selected two Apiaceae essential oils (EO) with well documented insecticidal activities, i.e. Pimpinella anisum and Trachyspermum ammi , containing (E)-anethole and thymol as main constituents, respectively. The EO-based zein NC were prepared by self-assembly without using organic solvents, characterized for particle size by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and for stability over time and throughout stress conditions. EO-loaded zein NC showed high acute toxicity on Culex quinquefasciatus 3rd instar larvae. Sublethal toxicity following 1–5 h to the LC 90 was noted in terms of larval and pupal mortality, emerged adult rate, and sex ratio. The NC ecotoxicological safety was demonstrated, showing limited non-target effects on aquatic (Daphnia magna) and terrestrial (Eisenia fetida) invertebrates, as also on vertebrate cells (human keratinocytes). Overall, the P. anisum and T. ammi EO-loaded zein NC may represent effective and eco-friendly formulations to be considered in mosquito control programs, pending field evaluation of their epidemiological impact. [Display omitted] • P. anisum and T. ammi essential oils (EO) were formulated in zein nanocapsules (NC). • Both zein NC showed valuable larvicidal activity on Culex quinquefasciatus. • Non-target effects on Daphnia magna and Eisenia fetida were limited. • Moderate and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on human keratinocytes were detected. • EO-loaded zein NC have a potential for the development of new nanobiopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hemp essential oil was obtained by microwave-assisted extraction. • The operative conditions were optimized using a central composite design. • CBD-enriched essential oil can be obtained by MAE optimization. • Hydrodistillation was carried out for comparative purposes. • The enantiomeric ratio of chiral terpenes was determined. The increase of cultivation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) all over the world offers new opportunities for the industry to manufacture innovative products from this multipurpose crop. In this regard, the hemp essential oil represents a niche product with potential interest for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and agrochemical companies. On this basis, in the present work we used the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to get an essential oil enriched in bioactive compounds, especially cannabidiol (CBD), from the dry inflorescences of the Italian variety CS (Carmagnola Selezionata). For this purpose, the operative conditions to increase the essential oil yield and CBD concentration in terms of microwave irradiation power (W/g), extraction time (min) and water added to the plant matrix after moistening (%), were optimized using a central composite design (CCD) approach using a Milestone ETHOS X device. The conventional hydrodistillation (HD) performed for 240 min was used for comparative purposes. The qualitative compositions of essential oils obtained by MAE and HD were analysed by GC-MS, whereas the quantitative detection of CBD and main terpenoids (α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, (E)-caryophyllene, α-humulene and caryophyllene oxide) was achieved by GC-FID. Furthermore, the enantiomeric distribution of the chiral constituents (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, (E)-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide) was determined using chiral chromatography. Results showed that the MAE treatment, using high irradiation power and relatively long extraction times, increased significantly the content of CBD in the essential oil while maintaining high oil yield values when compared with conventional HD. The enantiomeric excess of three chiral monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene) was determined, with the (+)-enantiomers being predominant, whereas (E)-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide were enantiomerically pure. In conclusion, the MAE was successfully applied to hemp dry inflorescences in order to obtain a CBD-rich essential oil which may be exploited in several industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]