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Cannabidiol (CBD), the main nonpsychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa , inhibits experimental seizures in animal models and alleviates certain types of intractable epilepsies in patients. Its pharmacological profile, however, is still uncertain. Here we tested the hypothesis that CBD anticonvulsant mechanisms are prevented by cannabinoid (CB 1 and CB 2 ) and vanilloid (TRPV1) receptor blockers. We also investigated its effects on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and hippocampal cytokines in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model. Pretreatment with CBD (60 mg/kg) attenuated seizures induced by intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous PTZ administration in mice. The effects were reversed by CB 1 , CB 2 , and TRPV1 selective antagonists (AM251, AM630, and SB366791, respectively). Additionally, CBD delayed seizure sensitization resulting from repeated PTZ administration (kindling). This cannabinoid also prevented PTZ-induced EEG activity and interleukin-6 increase in prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, the robust anticonvulsant effects of CBD may result from multiple pharmacological mechanisms, including facilitation of endocannabinoid signaling and TRPV1 mechanisms. These findings advance our understanding on CBD inhibition of seizures, EEG activity, and cytokine actions, with potential implications for the development of new treatments for certain epileptic syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To report results from a follow-up study of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs on suicidal behavior. Method We estimated prospective associations of substance use as a risk factor for incident suicide ideation and attempt, from a follow-up conducted in 2013 (n = 1071) of the original Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey conducted in 2005. Results Cannabis use before age 15 (ideation risk ratio (RR) = 3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–11.03; attempt RR = 5.23; 95% CI = 1.17–23.32), early onset of DSM-IV drug use disorder (DUD) among cannabis users (ideation RR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.11–9.84; attempt RR = 4.14; 95% CI = 1.28–13.36), high frequency of cannabis use (RR for attempts = 4.60; 1.03–20.60) and recent DSM-IV-DUD among cannabis users (RR for attempts = 4.74; 1.09–20.57) increased the RR. For “other drug use”, significant results were found among those with high frequency use of other drugs such that they had a higher RR of suicide attempt (5.04; 1.03–24.64). For alcohol, only those who initiated alcohol before age 15 had higher RRs of suicide attempt (1.79; 1.00–3.20). Discussion Those who used cannabis at an early age, early onset of DSM-IV-DUD, and those with heavy cannabis use and recent DSM-IV-DUD among cannabis users in the last 12-months had increased risk of suicide ideation and attempt. Drugs other than cannabis showed some of these associations, but to a lesser degree. Prevention of substance use and treatment of those already engaged in drug use, by decreasing suicide ideation and attempt, may help to prevent suicide in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, 17 compounds (1–17) were isolated from the leaves of Hemp (Cannabis sativa f. sativa). Among the isolates, two were determined to be new spirans: cannabispirketal (1), andα-cannabispiranol 4’-O-β-D-glucopyranose (2) by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS, and HRESIMS. The known compounds7,8,10,13,15, and16were isolated from Hemp (C. sativa f. sativa) for the first time. Furthermore, compounds8and13were isolated from the nature for the first time. All isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity on different tissue-derived passage cancer cell lines through cell viability and apoptosis assay. Among these compounds, compounds5,9and16exhibited a broad-spectrum antitumor effect via inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. These results obtained have provided valuable clues to the understanding of the cytotoxic profile for these isolated compounds from Hemp (C. sativa f. sativa). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this research was to study the potential use of hemp flour in the making of cookies. A method for producing sugar cookies with improved organoleptic and physicochemical properties was developed. The results of a sensory evaluation of a new type of product are presented. As a result of the study, characteristic descriptors for organoleptic quality analysis have been developed to aid the evaluation of the ready product by its main quality parameters (taste, flavor, color and surface condition), as well as determine the product's doneness, chewiness and shape. Based on the spider plot of organoleptic properties of the cookies, an improvement in the doneness property was found when replacing 10 and 20% of hemp flour with corn flour. On the total score, gluten-free cookies made from hemp flour and corn flour at an 80:20 ratio showed high quality scores, their total scores being second after traditional cookies made using the basic recipe. A recipe for gluten-free sugar cookies made with hemp flour was created based on the conducted optimization. It has been determined that adding corn flour to the cookie recipe changes their sensory characteristics in addition to improving texture and physicochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have simultaneously evaluated delay discounting and behavioral economic demand to determine their unique contribution to drug use. A recent study in cannabis users found that monetary delay discounting uniquely predicted cannabis dependence symptoms, whereas cannabis demand uniquely predicted use frequency. This study sought to replicate and extend this research by evaluating delay discounting and behavioral economic demand measures for multiple commodities and including a use quantity measure. Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk was used to sample individuals reporting recent cannabis use (n = 64) and controls (n = 72). Participants completed measures of monetary delay discounting as well as alcohol and cannabis delay discounting and demand. Cannabis users and controls did not differ on monetary delay discounting or alcohol delay discounting and demand. Among cannabis users, regression analyses indicated that cannabis delay discounting uniquely predicted use severity, whereas cannabis demand uniquely predicted use frequency and quantity. These effects remained significant after controlling for other delay discounting and demand measures. This research replicates previous outcomes relating delay discounting and demand with cannabis use and extends them by accounting for the contribution of multiple commodities. This research also demonstrates the ability of online crowdsourcing methods to complement traditional human laboratory techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence has indicated that cannabis use before driving is associated with a modest but increased risk for traffic-related injuries. However, the question of whether recent cannabis use is associated with a greater risk for other types of injuries remains unanswered. Aiming to better understand how acute cannabis use might affect the risk for all causes of injury, we have summarized the limited data available in the literature on the risk of nontraffic injuries associated with recent cannabis use. Very few studies were able to provide estimate risks for all injuries or injuries other than those related to road traffic injuries, with the limited evidence available showing mixed findings. The only significant risk found (in only one study) suggests an inverse association between all injuries and cannabis use. Study designs are limited, and the majority of studies have neither data on acute cannabis use among injured individuals nor a valid control group for estimating injury risk attributable to cannabis. In conclusion, studies of the association between cannabis and nontraffic injuries present several limitations, particularly regarding sampling strategies, injury risk assessment for different causes of injury, and a dose–response risk relationship with injury. Further studies, incorporating better design for different causes of injury and drug testing, are required to reach firmer conclusions on the association between cannabis use and nontraffic injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As studies continue to reveal favorable findings for the use of cannabidiol in the management of childhood epilepsy syndromes and other disorders, best practices for the large-scale production of Cannabis are needed for timely product development and research purposes. The processes of two institutions with extensive experience in producing large-scale cannabidiol chemotype Cannabis crops—GW Pharmaceuticals and the University of Mississippi—are described, including breeding, indoor and outdoor growing, harvesting, and extraction methods. Such practices have yielded desirable outcomes in Cannabis breeding and production: GW Pharmaceuticals has a collection of chemotypes dominant in any one of eight cannabinoids, two of which—cannabidiol and cannabidivarin—are supporting epilepsy clinical trial research, whereas in addition to a germplasm bank of high-THC, high-CBD, and intermediate type cannabis varieties, the team at University of Mississippi has established an in vitro propagation protocol for cannabis with no detectable variations in morphologic, physiologic, biochemical, and genetic profiles as compared to the mother plants. Improvements in phytocannabinoid yields and growing efficiency are expected as research continues at these institutions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Cannabinoids and Epilepsy”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent interest for the use of cannabis-derived products as therapeutic agents in the treatment of epilepsies has necessitated a reevaluation of their effects on brain and behavior. Overall, prolonged cannabis use is thought to result in functional and structural brain alterations. These effects may be dependent on a number of factors: e.g., which phytocannabinoid is used (e.g., cannabidiol (CBD) vs. tetrahyrocannabinol (THC)), the frequency of use (occasional vs. heavy), and at what age (prenatal, childhood, adulthood) the use began. However, due to the fact that there are over seven hundred constituents that make up the Cannabis sativa plant, it is difficult to determine which compound or combination of compounds is responsible for specific effects when studying recreational users. Therefore, this review focuses only on the functional MRI studies investigating the effects of specific pharmacological preparations of cannabis compounds, specifically THC, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and CBD, on brain function in healthy individuals and persons with epilepsy with references to non-epilepsy studies only to underline the gaps in research that need to be filled before cannabis-derived products are considered for a wide use in the treatment of epilepsy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Cannabinoids and Epilepsy" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a dramatic surge in the interest of utilizing cannabis for epilepsy treatment in the US. Yet, access to cannabis for research and therapy is mired in conflicting regulatory policies and shifting public opinion. Understanding the current state of affairs in the medical cannabis debate requires an examination of the history of medical cannabis use. From ancient Chinese pharmacopeias to the current Phase III trials of pharmaceutical grade cannabidiol, this review covers the time span of cannabis use for epilepsy therapy so as to better assess the issues surrounding the modern medical opinion of cannabis use. This article is part of a Special Issue titled Cannabinoids and Epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, federal and state laws regarding the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids are in conflict and have led to confusion among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Currently, cannabis is legal for medical purposes in 50% of the states, and another seventeen states allow products that are high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) for medical use. Many of these artisanal products are sold in dispensaries or over the internet. However, none of these products has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Understanding how federal laws apply to clinical research and practice can be challenging, and the complexity of these laws has resulted in particular confusion regarding the legal status of CBD. This paper provides an up-to-date overview (as of August 2016) of the legal aspects of cannabis and cannabidiol, including cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and use for medical purposes. This article is part of a Special Issue title, Cannabinoids and Epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy Action Australia conducted an Australian nationwide online survey seeking opinions on and experiences with the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of epilepsy. The survey was promoted via the Epilepsy Action Australia's main website, on their Facebook page, and by word of mouth. The survey consisted of 39 questions assessing demographics, clinical factors, including diagnosis and seizure types, and experiences with and opinions towards cannabis use in epilepsy. A total of 976 responses met the inclusion criteria. Results show that 15% of adults with epilepsy and 13% of parents/guardians of children with epilepsy were currently using, or had previously used, cannabis products to treat epilepsy. Of those with a history of cannabis product use, 90% of adults and 71% of parents reported success in reducing seizure frequency after commencing cannabis products. The main reasons for medicinal cannabis use were to manage treatment-resistant epilepsy and to obtain a more favorable side-effect profile compared to standard antiepileptic drugs. The number of past antiepileptic drugs tried was a significant predictor of medicinal cannabis use in both adults and children with epilepsy. Fifty-six percent of adults with epilepsy and 62% of parents/guardians of children with epilepsy expressed willingness to participate in clinical trials of cannabinoids. This survey provides insight into the use of cannabis products for epilepsy, in particular some of the likely factors influencing use, as well as novel insights into the experiences of and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis in people with epilepsy in the Australian community. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Cannabinoids and Epilepsy" . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis use is associated with reduced prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) in humans and mouse disease models. Obesity and DM are a well-established independent risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most prevalent liver disease globally. The effects of cannabis use on NAFLD prevalence in humans remains ill-defined. Our objective is to determine the relationship between cannabis use and the prevalence of NAFLD in humans. We conducted a population-based case-control study of 5,950,391 patients using the 2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Nationwide Inpatient Survey (NIS) discharge records of patients 18 years and older. After identifying patients with NAFLD (1% of all patients), we next identified three exposure groups: non-cannabis users (98.04%), non-dependent cannabis users (1.74%), and dependent cannabis users (0.22%). We adjusted for potential demographics and patient related confounders and used multivariate logistic regression (SAS 9.4) to determine the odds of developing NAFLD with respects to cannabis use. Our findings revealed that cannabis users (dependent and non-dependent) showed significantly lower NAFLD prevalence compared to non-users (AOR: 0.82[0.76–0.88]; p<0.0001). The prevalence of NAFLD was 15% lower in non-dependent users (AOR: 0.85[0.79–0.92]; p<0.0001) and 52% lower in dependent users (AOR: 0.49[0.36–0.65]; p<0.0001). Among cannabis users, dependent patients had 43% significantly lower prevalence of NAFLD compared to non-dependent patients (AOR: 0.57[0.42–0.77]; p<0.0001). Our observations suggest that cannabis use is associated with lower prevalence of NAFLD in patients. These novel findings suggest additional molecular mechanistic studies to explore the potential role of cannabis use in NAFLD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternatives to pesticides are necessary for the management of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) arthropod pests. The three major arthropod pests in northeastern US hop production include two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, hop aphid Phorodon humuli (Schrank), and potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris. This 3-yr study (2012-2014) in Vermont investigated the effect of flowering ground covers on arthropod pest abundance. Hop cultivars 'Nugget' and 'Cascade' were evaluated under a strip-split plot experimental design. Ground cover treatments included 1) Control: mowed red clover (Trifolium pratense) and resident weeds, 2) Clover: red clover, and 3) Diverse: common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), beebalm (Monarda fistulosa), red clover, and annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Natural enemies were grouped by associated pest and indicated by our mixed model to be strong predictors of the number of hop aphid and potato leafhopper on hop plants. In year two, ground cover treatment had a significant effect on two-spotted spider mite abundance where fewer two-spotted spider mite were observed on hop plants in Diverse plots. The established, un-mowed Clover treatment was preferred by potato leafhopper over Diverse ground cover and hop plants. This revealed the potential for clover ground cover to serve as a trap crop for potato leafhopper management in northeastern hop yards. Our findings are evidence that ground covers implemented for conservation biological control may serve more specific pest management functions instead of or in addition to boosting top-down pest pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aims are to describe and explain the structure of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) across countries. Standard statistical analyses fail to describe and explain several variables simultaneously while taking account of the group structure of individuals. The 2011 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD): 5204 last-year cannabis users aged 15-16 from 13 European countries. Multigroup principal component analysis (mgPCA) and multigroup partial least squares (mgPLS). MgPCA shows that the CAST has a two-dimensional structure (frequency of use/problems and non-recreational use/dependency symptoms). All the countries present a good concordance with the common structure, except Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania. MgPLS shows that three explanative variables (in a total of eight) are mainly related with the CAST (the frequencies of cannabis use in the last 12 months and in the last 30 days and the age at first cannabis use) while Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania also present specificities. The CAST structure appears stable in the 13 countries except for Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania that also show specific relationships between the CAST variables and their determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of the main variables of the Formosolv fractionation of hemp hurds (formic acid and hydrochloric acid concentrations and treatment time) on delignification and hemicellulose solubilisation were quantified. The conditions that provided a pulp with low lignin content and high cellulose content, while recovering the maximum possible amount of lignin by precipitation, are 30 min of treatment time, 86.6%w formic acid, and 0.095%w hydrochloric acid. Under these conditions, 93.2% hemicellulose removal and 72.1% delignification were achieved. The residual solid from the Formosolv treatment contained a high proportion of formate groups (8.7%w). Four total chlorine-free treatments were used to eliminate the formate groups. Only alkaline treatments (oxygen and sodium hydroxide) completely removed the formate groups. However, the ozone treatment produced a solid with the highest delignification rate (34.7%, 80.1% global) and crystalline index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytocannabinoids are natural products primarily isolated from Cannabis sativa that exhibit the typical C21 terpenophenolic skeleton. This class of compounds has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various oxidation-related diseases, which has made their antioxidant properties the focus of increasing interest. In the present contribution, the primary antioxidant properties of eight representative phytocannabinoids have been systematically studied against a variety of biologically significant radical species using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The findings demonstrated that phytocannabinoids, in water at physiological pH, exhibit excellent radical scavenging capacity, mainly exerted by the single electron transfer (SET) process from the deprotonated state. In contrast, phytocannabinoids are moderate radical scavengers in non-polar environment via the formal hydrogen atom transfer (fHAT) process. Among the compounds examined, cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabifuran (CBF) had the greatest free radical scavenging capacity in water, surpassing even common antioxidants like BHT and Trolox. CBF is expected to have potent antiradical action toward peroxyl radicals, alkoxy radicals, and nitrogen dioxide in water at physiological pH. These results provide supporting evidence that phytocannabinoids may be useful in scavenging harmful free radicals in physiological environments. [Display omitted] • The radical scavenging capacity of eight phytocannabinoids was examined. • The influence of polar and lipid physiological environments was considered. • Phytocannabinoids behave like moderate-to-good radical scavengers in lipid media. • Most phytocannabinoids are excellent radical scavengers in water at physiological pH. • H-abstraction and electron transfer are the decisive processes in lipid and polar media, respectively. • Cannabichromene and Cannabifuran are the most promising radical scavengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The organelle genomes of C. sativa had a complex polymeric structure. • The mitogenome major conformation was 415,837 bp long, and the plastome was 153,927 bp long. • Fifteen pairs of repetitive sequences were validated to mediate homologous recombination of the mitochondrial genome of C. sativa. • We identified seven complete genes and nine gene fragments in 19 mitochondria plastid DNAs. • PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing successfully validated eight RNA editing sites in the coding regions. Cannabis sativa L. belongs to the family Cannabaceae in Rosales. It has been widely used as medicines, building materials, and textiles. Elucidating its genome is critical for molecular breeding and synthetic biology study. Many studies have shown that the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) and even chloroplast genomes (plastomes) had complex polymeric structures. Using the Nanopore sequencing platform, we sequenced, assembled, and analyzed its mitogenome and plastome. The resulting unitig graph suggested that the mitogenome had a complex polymeric structure. However, a gap-free, circular sequence was further assembled from the unitig graph. In contrast, a circular sequence representing the plastome was obtained. The mitogenome major conformation was 415,837 bp long, and the plastome was 153,927 bp long. To test if the repeat sequences promote recombination, which corresponds to the branch points in the structure, we tested the sequences around repeats by long-read mapping. Among 208 pairs of predicted repeats, the mapping results supported the presence of cross-over around 25 pairs of repeats. Subsequent PCR amplification confirmed the presence of cross-over around 15 of the 25 repeats. By comparing the mitogenome and plastome sequences, we identified 19 mitochondria plastid DNAs, including seven complete genes (trn W-CCA, trn P-UGG, psb J, trn N-GUU, trn D-GUC, trn H-GUG, trn M-CAU) and nine gene fragments. Furthermore, the selective pressure analysis results showed that five genes (atp1, ccmB, ccmC, cox1, nad7) had 19 positively selected sites. Lastly, we predicted 28 RNA editing sites. A total of 8 RNA editing sites located in the coding regions were successfully validated by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing, of which four were synonymous, and four were nonsynonymous. In particular, the RNA editing events appeared to be tissue-specific in C. sativa mitogenome. In summary, we have confirmed the major confirmation of C. sativa mitogenome and characterized its structural features in detail. These results provide critical information for future variety breeding and resource development for C. sativa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of mucilage cells in plants, studied mainly in vegetative organs, is a condition shared by several taxonomic groups and aspects related to their diversity have been discussed with systematic purposes. This study explores the flower distribution and classification of mucilage cells in Rosales species, with inferences about flower functions. Floral buds from fifty-seven species representing seven of nine families recognized in the Rosales were sampled and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Mucilage cells were found in about 40% of the studied species of Cannabaceae, Rhamnaceae, Ulmaceae, and Urticaceae families, whereas no floral mucilage cells were found in species of Elaeagnaceae, Moraceae, and Rosaceae. Mucilage cells were found in the epidermis and internal tissues of many organs of different floral morph types. There is a great diversity of forms of presentation of mucilage in cells, from smaller individualized single cells to very bulky cells and to completely filled mucilage reservoirs. In some cases, cells with mucilage apparently in the cell wall and others with mucilage in the vacuole seem to occur side by side. This diversity challenges the existing classifications of mucilage cells and reinforces the importance of ontogenetic and ultrastructural studies following the path of mucilage in cells in order to propose a more natural classification and to elucidate the evolution of mucilage cells in plants., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Conundrums of the Cannabaceae ( sensu stricto) are reconsidered. Here a parallel hypothesis regarding both Cannabis and Humulus is supported by the conserved locus of the whole chloroplast genome and models of nucleotide evolution with both maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood phylogenies. With a review of fossils and molecular age estimates for the diversification of the family, an origin during the late Cretaceous is highlighted. Thus, an overhaul of taxonomic concepts is warranted for extant, historical, and extinct specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male-specific DNA markers are very useful in molecular sexing of non-flowering plants and seeds of dioecious species. In this paper we identified ten Y chromosome-specific RAPD primers suitable for identification of male plants in three Cannabaceae species with sex chromosomes ( Humulus lupulus, XX/XY; H. japonicus, XX/XY1Y2; Cannabis sativa, XX/XY). Basing on the nucleotide sequence of the OPJ-09 RAPD product we developed the HJY09 SCAR marker, which is very efficient in sexing of Japanese hop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methanolic extract of Celtis australis leaves yielded 2’’-α-rhamno¬pyranosylvitexin and 2’’-α-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-methylvitexin. Both com¬pounds are known from other sources from earlier investigations but the full NMR data for the latter compound are reported for the first time.

Background and objectives: Humulus lupulus, a plant belonging to the family Cannabaceae, is used as a medicinal plant with therapeutic applications in different nations. In this study, two samples of H. lupulus (vernalized and wild hops) were selected for further analysis about differences of their essential oils. Methods: The essential oils from the flowers of two H. lupulus (vernalized and wild hops) were achieved through hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Retention indices for all compounds were determined according to the kovats retention indices using n-alkanes series as standards. The components of the essential oils were identified by comparison of the retention indices and mass spectral data with those for the standards. Results: Analysis of the vernalized hops essential oil resulted in the identification of 64 components, representing 87.04 % of the total essential oil that principally contained β-caryophyllene (25.3%), β-bisabolole (16.7%) and β-elemene (5.3%). In the case ofwild hops, 49 components were identified, representing 80.9% of theessential oil, among them β-bisabolole (35.2%), β-myrcene (13.3%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (11.3%) were the main compounds. Overall, both vernalized and wild hops possessed sesquiterpene hydrocarbons inhigher contents, followed bynon-terpenoid compounds, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and finally monoterpenoids in less amounts. Conclusion: Concerning the results of this study we found some similarities and differences among vernalized and wild hops and also in comparison with other species of the genus Humulus. Generally, mentioned similarities and differences might be attributed to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting both the quality and quantity of the obtained essential oils.

Cannabinoids are commonly identified and quantified using chromatographic based methods. In the present study, fluorescence spectroscopic method coupled with Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) modeling was developed and validated as a simple and fast alternative technique for identification and quantification of major cannabinoids. A PARAFAC model was built on a set of excitation-emission matrices, yielding an optimal quantitative and qualitative performance using five components, which were identified as (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol/cannabigerol (THC/CBD/CBG). The identity of the major acidic components, THCA, CBDA and CBGA was verified by the correlation between PARAFAC model scores and their corresponding concentrations measured by HPLC as well as by the similarity between the excitation-emission spectral loadings of each PARAFAC component and the excitation-emission spectra of pure cannabinoids standards. Moreover, the PARAFAC model scores of each component were plotted against the cannabinoids actual concentrations in the extracts to evaluate the performance of the model for predicting the concentration of each compound. All three major acidic cannabinoids revealed good to excellent linear correlations (R2 > 0.7) between the model scores and measured concentrations according to the model calibration, cross-validation and prediction performance criteria. On the other hand, components 4 and 5 identified as CBCA and THC/CBD/CBG, respectively, revealed weaker linear correlation between the PARAFAC scores to the measured concentrations. These findings pave the way for a more comprehensive assessment of cannabis excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) as a cheaper and fast alternative for commonly used chromatographic-based quantification methods. • PARAFAC model successfully elucidated major cannabinoids composition. • PARAFAC components have overlapping spectral loadings to pure cannabinoid standards. • PARAFAC components scores predicted major cannabinoid concentrations. • 3D-Spectrofluorecence coupled with PARAFAC is a rapid and cost-effective alternative technique to chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) has been exploited for a long time for both its brewing and medicinal uses, due in particular to its specific chemical composition. These last years, hop cultivation that was in decline has been experiencing a renewal for several reasons, such as a craze for strongly hopped aromatic beers. In this context, the present work aims at investigating the genetic and chemical diversity of fifty wild hops collected from different locations in Northern France. These wild hops were compared to ten commercial varieties and three heirloom varieties cultivated in the same sampled geographical area. Genetic analysis relying on genome fingerprinting using 11 microsatellite markers showed a high level of diversity. A total of 56 alleles were determined with an average of 10.9 alleles per locus and assessed a significant population structure (mean pairwise F ST = 0.29). Phytochemical characterization of hops was based on volatile compound analysis by HS-SPME GC-MS, quantification of the main prenylated phenolic compounds by UHPLC-UV as well as untargeted metabolomics by UHPLC-HRMS and revealed a high level of chemical diversity among the assessed wild accessions. In particular, analysis of volatile compounds revealed the presence of some minor but original compounds, such as aromadendrene, allo-aromadendrene, isoledene, β -guaiene, α -ylangene and β -pinene in some wild accessions; while analysis of phenolic compounds showed high content of β -acids in these wild accessions, up to 2.37% of colupulone. Genetic diversity of wild hops previously observed was hence supported by their chemical diversity. Sample soil analysis was also performed to get a pedological classification of these different collection sites. Results of the multivariate statistical analysis suggest that wild hops constitute a huge pool of chemical and genetic diversity of this species. [Display omitted] • 50 wild hops from the North of France were genetically and chemically characterized. • Microsatellite-based study underlined high polymorphism among wild hop accessions. • Volatile compound analysis showed minor but original metabolites in wild hops. • Wild hops differ from commercial varieties in their high β-acid content and metabolomic diversity. • Multifactorial analysis suggested a potential terroir effect to explain this chemodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, hemp (Cannabis sativa) seeds are receiving increased attention because of their high nutritional value. Among other nutrients, they contain a PUFA- and bioactive compounds-rich oil. Accordingly, this work was focused to establish the fatty acids (FA) content, the regiospecificity of triacylglycerols, and to quantify several bioactive compounds of relevant hemp seeds varieties and related taxa. Eight varieties of unhusked hemp seeds and eight samples of commercial husked hemp seeds were studied, and other Cannabaceae seeds: those from hop (Humulus lupulus) and European hackberry (Celtis australis). We found that all hemp seeds varieties constitute a rich source of essential PUFA as linoleic and α-linolenic acids, as well as oleic acid. PUFA were mostly distributed at the sn -2 position of triacylglycerols, thus, being highly bioaccessible, while SFA were mostly located at the sn -1,3 positions. The n –6/ n –3 PUFA ratio was found to be nutritionally advantageous. Vitamin E compounds were noticeable, and γ-tocopherol was the major tocol found. Regarding phytosterols, campesterol and β-sitosterol were the most prominent compounds, while squalene content was also noticeable. Overall, the lipid fraction of hemp seeds can be considered as a source of essential and bioactive FA as well as an antioxidant- and cholesterol-lowering bioactive compounds-containing functional food. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis sativa L. is used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, in light of its beneficial pharmacological properties of its cannabinoids and terpenes. At present, the quantitative chemical analysis of these active compounds is achieved through the use of laborious, expensive, and time-consuming technologies, such as high-pressure liquid-chromatography- photodiode arrays, mass spectrometer detectors (HPLC-PDA or MS), or gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Hence, we aimed to develop a simple, accurate, fast, and cheap technique for the quantification of major cannabinoids and terpenes using Fourier transform near infra-red spectroscopy (FT-NIRS). FT-NIRS was coupled with multivariate classification and regression models, namely partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models. The PLS-DA model yielded an absolute major class separation (high-THC, high-CBD, hybrid, and high-CBG) and perfect class prediction. Using only three latent variables (LVs), the cross-validation and prediction model errors indicated a low probability of over-fitting the data. In addition, the PLS-DA model enabled the classification of chemovars with genetic-chemical similarities. The classification of high-THCA chemovars was more sensitive and more specific than the classifications of the remaining chemovars. The prediction of cannabinoid and terpene concentrations by PLS-R yielded 11 robust models with high predictive capabilities (R 2 CV and R 2 pred > 0.8, RPD >2.5 and RPIQ >3, RMSECV/RMSEC ratio <1.2) and additional 15 models whose performance was acceptable for initial screening purposes (R 2 CV > 0.7 and R 2 pred < 0.8, RPD >2 and RPIQ <3, 1.2 < RMSECV/RMSEC ratio <2). Our results confirm that there is sufficient information in the FT-NIRS to develop cannabinoid and terpene prediction models and major-cultivar classification models. Dried and homogenously ground cannabis inflorescence samples were directly analyzed using NIR spectrometer and then extracted with ethanol for the determination of cannabinoids and terpenes using HPLC-PDA and GC-MS, respectively. Finally, NIR spectra and the chemical composition of the samples were used to build PLS-R and PLS-DA models. [Display omitted] • FT-NIR based PLS-R model enables accurate quantification of cannabinoid and terpene. • FT-NIR based PLS-DA model enables accurate classification of cannabis chemovars. • FT-NIR has been proven as a promising fast alternative to chromatographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]