“Cannabis leaves contain a diverse range of antioxidants, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which offer significant health benefits. Utilising cannabis leaves as a source of antioxidants presents a cost-effective approach because they are typically discarded during the cultivation of cannabis plants for their seeds or fibres. Therefore, this presented study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity of the leaves of selected hemp cultivars, such as Białobrzeska, Tygra, and Henola, based on the results obtained with the 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays. The cannabinoid profile was analysed for the antioxidant activity to the contents of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), and cannabichromene (CBC), determined based on chromatographic assays. The following variables were tested: the impact of various extractants (methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol), and their mixtures (50:50, v/v, as well as extraction methods (maceration and ultra-sound-assisted extraction) significant in obtaining hemp extracts characterised by different cannabinoid profiles. The results revealed that the selection of extractant and extraction conditions significantly influenced the active compounds’ extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity. Among the tested conditions, ultrasound-assisted extraction using methanol yielded the highest cannabinoid profile: CBD = 184.51 ± 5.61; CBG = 6.10 ± 0.21; Δ9-THC = 0.51 ± 0.01; and CBC = 0.71 ± 0.01 μg/g antioxidant potential in Białobrzeska leaf extracts.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37507928/

“Cannabis leaves are known to contain a wide range of antioxidants, and this also includes cannabinoids, which have been shown to have significant health benefits. Using cannabis leaves as an antioxidant source can be a cost-effective option as they are often discarded during the cultivation of cannabis plants for their seeds or fibres. Moreover, the use of cannabis leaves as a source of antioxidants may also have environmental benefits as it can reduce waste and promote sustainable agriculture practices. This current study illuminates that not only the flowers and seeds of cannabis possess potential health benefits, but also the leaves; moreover, a comprehensive understanding is fostered regarding the diverse therapeutic potential inherent in this plant. “

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/7/1390

“Inflammation is the response of the innate immune system to any type of injury. Although acute inflammation is critical for survival, dysregulation of the innate immune response leads to chronic inflammation. Many synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects, and thus, natural anti-inflammatory compounds are still needed.

Cannabis sativa L. may provide a good source of anti-inflammatory molecules. Here, we tested the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis extracts and pure cannabinoids in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in human THP-1 macrophages.

We found that pre-treatment with cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or extracts containing high levels of CBD or THC reduced the level of induction of various cytokines. The CBD was more efficient than THC, and the extracts were more efficient than pure cannabinoids. Finally, IL-6, IL-10, and MCP-1 cytokines were most sensitive to pre-treatments with CBD and THC, while IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α were less responsive.

Thus, our work demonstrates the potential of the use of cannabinoids or/and cannabis extracts for the reduction of inflammation and establishes IL-6 and MCP-1 as the sensitive markers for the analysis of the effect of cannabinoids on inflammation in macrophages.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446655/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/13/4991

“Cannabis sativa, also known as “hemp” or “weed,” is a versatile plant with various uses in medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetics.

This review attempts to evaluate the available literature on the ecology, chemical composition, phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses, industrial uses, and toxicology of Cannabis sativa. So far, 566 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cannabis, including 125 cannabinoids and 198 non-cannabinoids. The psychoactive and physiologically active part of the plant is a cannabinoid, mostly found in the flowers, but also present in smaller amounts in the leaves, stems, and seeds. Of all phytochemicals, terpenes form the largest composition in the plant.

Pharmacological evidence reveals that the plants contain cannabinoids which exhibit potential as antioxidants, antibacterial agents, anticancer agents, and anti-inflammatory agents. Furthermore, the compounds in the plants have reported applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Significantly, Cannabis cultivation has a minimal negative impact on the environment in terms of cultivation. Most of the studies focused on the chemical make-up, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects, but not much is known about the toxic effects.

Overall, the Cannabis plant has enormous potential for biological and industrial uses, as well as traditional and other medicinal uses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand and explore the uses and beneficial properties of Cannabis sativa.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37397476/

“Cannabis is a versatile plant with many therapeutic uses. The current review has shown that it contains compounds with numerous therapeutic benefits, such as antioxidants, cytotoxic agents, and antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiarrheal, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties.”

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1200269/full