“The importance of hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) as a nutrient-rich resource in agricultural studies is often underestimated by cannabis farmers, who tend instead to treat them as byproducts.

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional composition of Beldiya, a distinct ecotype of hemp seed from the northern regions of Morocco. The proximal composition, mineral content, total phenolic content, tocopherol content, fatty acid profile and lipid health indices of the seeds were assessed.

The results revealed that the ‘Beldiya’ ecotype (Be-ecot) contained 94.08% dry matter, 32.81% oil, 24.84% protein, 27.54% fiber and 4.29% ash. It is rich in total phenolic content (201.88 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (69.77 mg QE/100 g). The predominant tocopherol in its oil is γ-tocopherol (409.72 mg/kg), with δ-tocopherol (21.91 mg/kg) and α-tocopherol (18.89 mg/kg), contributing to a total tocopherol content of 450.82 mg/kg.

The main fatty acids in the oil are linoleic acid (51.02%), oleic acid (18.05%), linolenic acid (16.46%) and palmitic acid (7.68%). The ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is 3:1, which corresponds to the recommended dietary balance for these essential fatty acids.

These results highlight the nutritional benefits and balanced composition of hemp seeds, highlighting their potential as valuable edible food sources for promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40451822/

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jos/74/6/74_ess25015/_article

“Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cannabis sativa has been traditionally used in Moroccan medicine for centuries, either for its psychoactive or therapeutic effects. However, the safety profile of extracts from macerated leaves remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.

Aim of the study: This study, for the first time, evaluates the phytochemical composition and the toxicological profile of an ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa (CEE) leaves in mice, focusing on behavioral effects, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological examination.

Materials and methods: The CEE was evaluated using HPLC analysis, secondary metabolites quantification, and in vitro antioxidant assays. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in female mice at doses from 500 to 3000 mg/kg, while oral subacute toxicity was evaluated over 7 days in male mice receiving 10, 30, or 50 mg/kg of CEE. Behavioral assessments included the open field, rotarod, and elevated plus maze tests. Additionally, body weight gain, organ coefficients, organ edema, oxidative stress markers, and histopathology of the brain, liver, kidneys, spleen, and testes were examined.

Results: CEE exhibited substantial amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, with notable antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 289.01 ± 0.003 μg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀: 57.29 ± 6.7 μg/mL). No mortality was observed in the acute toxicity study. The 7-day treatment caused no sedation or motor impairment, rather, it showed anxiolytic effects. A significant increase in body weight gain was noted, particularly at 10 mg/kg, while no changes in organ coefficients or signs of organ edema were detected. However, MDA and catalase activity increased in the liver and brain at 50 mg/kg. Histopathological examination revealed signs of cellular stress without severe tissue damage.

Conclusions: CEE appears to be safe at moderate doses, with an LD₅₀ above 3000 mg/kg. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effects.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40436124/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874125007457?via%3Dihub