Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabis sativa L.

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“The oil of the seeds, petroleum ether and methanol extracts of the whole plant of Cannabis sativa belonging to the family Cannabinaceae were screened for their antimicrobial activity against two Gram positive organisms (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi namely Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans using the cup plate agar diffusion method.

The oil of the seeds of Cannabis sativa exerted pronounced antibacterial activity (21 – 28 mm) against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, moderate activity (15 mm) against Escherichia coli and high activity (16 mm) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and inactive against the two fungi tested. The petroleum ether extract of the whole plant exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity (23 – 28 mm) against both Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus organisms, high activity (16 mm) against Escherichia coli and inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and both fungi. The methanol extract of the whole plant showed also pronounced antibacterial activity (29 mm) against Bacillus subtilis, low activity (12 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus and high activity (16 – 18 mm) against both Gram negative organisms, inactive against Aspergillus niger and low activity (13 mm) against Candida albicans.

The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Cannabis sativa methanol extracts of the seeds and the whole plant against the standard organisms were determined using the agar plate dilution method. The standard organisms were tested against reference antibacterial and antifungal drugs and the results were compared with the activity of the extracts.”

http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=18123

In vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Six Chemotypes of Medicinal Cannabis

“Nowadays, medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L) is in the focus of the researches not only for its high content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but for other cannabinoids as well.

It has been reported that some of the identified substances (e.g. cannabidiol, cannabinochromene) possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which corresponds to its traditional use as wound healing agent at Pakistan.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant ability of extracts from high potent Cannabis sativa chemotypes.

The six ethanolic extracts prepared from dried inflorescence of five medicinal cannabis chemotypes (Nurse Jackie, Jilly Bean, Nordle, Jack Cleaner, Conspiracy Kush) were tested by standard microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus (three strains), Streptococcus pyogenes and the yeast Candida albicans.

Those microbial strains are present on skin and can cause complication during wound healing process.

The antioxidative activity, which plays an important role in wound healing process, was tested by oxygen radical absorbance capacity test (ORAC).

All tested extracts demonstrated high antimicrobial activity against two strains of S. aureus and S. pyogenes (MIC ranged from 4 – 16 µg·mL-1), moreover high antioxidant capacity was observed (ORAC ranged from 800 – 1300 µg TE/mg of extract).

The results indicate that cannabis has high potential to be used in ointments and other material for wound healing.

However, further research on the identification of the active components is needed.”

https://www.thieme-connect.com/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0036-1596302

IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF TWO MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST SOME CLINICALLY IMPORTANT BACTERIA

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“The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Amaranthus viridis (Chowlai) and Cannabis sativa (Bhang) against clinically important bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

The study revealed that leaves of A. viridis and C. sativa possess broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and natural antioxidants that can be of considerable pharmaceutical importance.

Leaf and stem extracts of A. viridis and C. sativa demonstrated a broad spectrum efficacy against Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria. These plants also exhibited good antioxidant activity.”

https://fuuast.edu.pk/biology%20journal/images/pdfs/2016/june/paper17.pdf

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Benefits of Cannabis Terpenes: Ocimene, Terpinolene, and Guaiol

Leafly

“Terpenes are a group of fragrant essential oils – secreted alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD – that contribute to the complex aroma of cannabis. They are also generally responsible for many of the distinguishing characteristics of different strains, and this discovery has led to a sharp increase in interest among researchers, producers, and consumers alike.

Though cannabis contains up to 200 different terpenes, there are about 10 primary terpenes and 20 secondary terpenes that occur in significant concentrations. We’d like to introduce you to the potential health benefits of three of those terpenes: ocimene, terpinolene, and guaiol.

Ocimene is an isomeric hydrocarbon found in a wide variety of fruits and plants. It is recognized by its sweet, fragrant, herbaceous, and woodsy aromas, which feature prominently in several perfumes, and which help plants defend themselves in their natural environment. Ocimene occurs naturally in botanicals as diverse as mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, kumquats, and of course cannabis.

Ocimene’s potential medical benefits include:

  • Antiviral
  • Antifungal
  • Antiseptic
  • Decongestant
  • Antibacterial

Cannabis strains that can test high in ocimene include Golden Goat, Strawberry Cough,Chernobyl, and Space Queen. At Tilray, strains currently displaying high concentrations of ocimene include OG Kush, Elwyn, and Lemon Sour Diesel.

Terpinolene is another isomeric hydrocarbon, characterized by a fresh, piney, floral, herbal, and occasionally citrusy aroma and flavor. It is found in a variety of other pleasantly fragrant plants including nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs, and is sometimes used in soaps, perfumes, and lotions.

Terpinolene’s potential medical benefits include:

  • Anticancer
  • Antioxidant
  • Sedative
  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal

Terpinolene is found most commonly in sativa-dominant strains; a few that frequently exhibit high concentrations of this terpene include Jack Herer and its derivatives, such as Pineapple Jack, J1, and Super Jack. At Tilray, strains currently possessing higher than average concentrations of terpinolene include Lemon Sour Diesel, Afghani, and Jean Guy.

Guaiol is not an oil but a sesquiterpenoid alcohol, and is also found in cypress pine and guaiacum. It has been used for centuries as a treatment for diverse ailments ranging from coughs to constipation to arthritis. It is also an effective insect repellent and insecticide.

Guaiol’s potential medical properties include:

  • Antimicrobial
  • Anti-inflammatory

Strains that can test high in guaiol include Chocolope, Liberty Haze, and Blue Kush. At Tilray, strains currently exhibiting relatively high concentrations of guaiol include Barbara Bud, Jean

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/benefits-of-cannabis-terpenes-ocimene-terpinolene-and-guaiol

Characterization and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of industrial hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.).

“The present study focused on inhibitory activity of freshly extracted essential oils from three legal (THC<0.2% w/v) hemp varieties (Carmagnola, Fibranova and Futura) on microbial growth.

The effect of different sowing times on oil composition and biological activity was also evaluated. Essential oils were distilled and then characterized through the gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thereafter, the oils were compared to standard reagents on a broad range inhibition of microbial growth via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Microbial strains were divided into three groups: i) Gram (+) bacteria, which regard to food-borne pathogens or gastrointestinal bacteria, ii) Gram (-) bacteria and iii) yeasts, both being involved in plant interactions.

The results showed that essential oils of industrial hemp can significantly inhibit the microbial growth, to an extent depending on variety and sowing time.

It can be concluded that essential oils of industrial hemp, especially those of Futura, may have interesting applications to control spoilage and food-borne pathogens and phytopathogens microorganisms.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19969046

Antimicrobial studies of the leaf of cannabis sativa L.

“In vitro antimicrobial studies were conducted with aqueous, ethanolic and Petroleum ether extracts of the leaves of Cannabis sativa L. The acidic fraction was obtained from the ethanolic extract and 2% Sodium Hydroxide extract. Ethanolic extract, petroleum ether extract and the acidic fraction exhibited activity both against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also against the fungi used in the study. The aqueous extract however, did not show any antimicrobial activity.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16414764

Polypharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of β-Caryophyllene: a Dietary Phytocannabinoid of Pharmaceutical Promise.

“β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is natural bicyclic sesquiterpene abundantly found in essential oils from various spices, fruits and medicinal as well as ornamental plants. It is approved by United States Food and Drug Administration and European agencies as food additive, taste enhancer and flavoring agent and termed as a phytocannabinoid.

Various pharmacological activities such as cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-modulator have been reported in experimental studies. It has shown potent therapeutic promise in neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSION:

The present review provides a comprehensive insight of pharmacological and therapeutic potential of BCP, its molecular mechanism and signaling pathways in different pathological conditions. The review also examines the possibility of its further development as a novel candidate for various pathologies considering the polypharmacological and multifaceted therapeutic properties potential along with favorable oral bioavailability, lipophilicity and physicochemical properties.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26965491

“β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a common constitute of the essential oils of numerous spice, food plants and major component in Cannabis.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23138934

 

The Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Epstein-Barr inhibiting, Anti-allergy, Anti-osteoporosis, Anti-aging, Anti-HIV, and Anti-cancer effects of Camellia japonica.

“Anti-inflammatory activity of Camellia japonica oil. Camellia japonica oil (CJ oil) has been used traditionally in East Asia to nourish and soothe the skin as well as help restore the elasticity of skin…the anti-inflammatory effects of CJ oil and its mechanisms of action were investigated…Our results indicate that CJ oil exerts anti-inflammatory effects…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22449705

“Triterpene alcohols from camellia and sasanqua oils and their anti-inflammatory effects.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9433772

“Antioxidant Effects of the Ethanol Extract from Flower of Camellia japonica via Scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Species and Induction of Antioxidant Enzymes…  These results suggest that Camellia extract exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging ROS and enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Camellia extract contained quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin and kaempferol, which are antioxidant compounds.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3127137/

“Camellianoside, a novel antioxidant glycoside from the leaves of Camellia japonica. A novel flavonol glycoside named camellianoside and three known flavonol glycosides were isolated from the leaves of Camellia japonica… The antioxidant activities of these glycosides evaluated by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging reaction was higher than those of L-cysteine and L-ascorbic acid used as the reference antioxidants.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16926516

“Antibacterial activity in extracts of Camellia japonica L. petals and its application to a model food system. The potential presence of naturally occurring antimicrobials in petals of Camellia japonica L., a member of the tea family, was investigated against foodborne pathogens in microbiological media and food… An aqueous extract from the petals of C. japonica L. had an inhibitory effect on growth of all pathogens…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11510672

“Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function. In this study, we investigated the possibility that Camellia japonica oil (CJ oil) may be introduced as an anti-wrinkle agent…  based on these results, we suggest the possibility that CJ oil may be considered as possible wrinkle-reducing candidates for topical application.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17386986

“Inhibitory effects of natural plants of Jeju Island on elastase and MMP-1 expression. In order to search for new active cosmetic ingredients of natural origin, we screened about 60 plants collected from Jeju Island, which is located in the southernmost part of the Republic of Korea… four extracts, including… Camellia japonica (leaf), completely inhibited the expression of MMP-1 in human fibroblast cells. The results showed that four of the 60 plant extracts may hold potential for use as natural active ingredients for anti-aging cosmetics.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17342265

“Melanogenesis inhibitory and fibroblast proliferation accelerating effects of noroleanane- and oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycosides from the flower buds of Camellia japonica. Camellioside B (2), a major constituent of C. japonica grown in Japan, showed potent inhibition of melanogenesis… Interestingly, camellioside B (2) significantly accelerated fibroblast proliferation. This biological selectivity could make camellioside B useful for treating skin disorders…”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22834923

“Inhibitory effects of an ellagic acid glucoside, okicamelliaside, on antigen-mediated degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice. Degranulation inhibitors in plants are widely used for prevention and treatment of immediate-type allergy. We previously isolated a new ellagic acid glucoside, okicamelliaside (OCS), from Camellia japonica leaves for use as a potent degranulation inhibitor… These results suggest the potential for OCS to alleviate symptoms of immediate-type allergy.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22330086

“Okicamelliaside, an extraordinarily potent anti-degranulation glucoside isolated from leaves of Camellia japonica… we isolated from leaves of Camellia japonica an ellagic acid glucoside named okicamelliaside… Okicamelliaside was 12,000 times more potent than the antihistaminic drug, ketotifen fumarate…”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21150097

“Camellia japonica suppresses immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic response by the inhibition of Syk kinase activation in mast cells… The leaf extract of Camelliajaponica (LECJ) exhibited the most potent effect on degranulation in antigen-stimulated rodent and human mast cells…The present results strongly suggest that the anti-allergic activity of LECJ is mediated through inhibiting degranulation and allergic cytokine secretion by inhibition of Src-family kinase in mast cells and it may be useful for the treatment of mast cell-related immediate and delayed allergic diseases.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18261158

“Hypotriglyceridemic potential of fermented mixed tea made with third-crop green tea leaves and camellia (Camelliajaponica) leaves in Sprague-Dawley rats.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23705670

“3-epicabraleahydroxylactone and other triterpenoids from camellia oil and their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus activation… triterpenoid isolated from the nonsaponifiable lipid of the seed oil of the camellia (Camellia japonica L.; Theaceae)… inhibitory effects on the induction of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA)… three compounds showed potent inhibitory effects against EBV-EA induction…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14709887

“Inhibitory effects of Korean medicinal plants and camelliatannin H from Camellia japonica on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease… Camelliatannin H from the pericarp of C. japonica, showed a potent inhibitory activity on HIV-1…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12203260

“Camelliin B and nobotanin I, macrocyclic ellagitannin dimers and related dimers, and their antitumor activity. Camelliin B… isolated from Camellia japonica… Camelliin B… exhibited marked host-mediated antitumor activities.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2632067

“Triterpenoids from Camellia japonica and their cytotoxic activity… bark of Camellia japonica, three new triterpenoids… The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against the A549, LLC, HL-60 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Among them, compound 8 showed cytotoxicity against LLC and HL-60 cancer cell lines…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20045980

“[Study on the theraputic effect of plants of Camellia genus on osteoporosis]… The results of this study indicated that effects of ethanol extracts of seed from Camellia japonica on anti-osteoporosis with retinoic acid were the strongest… Plants of Camellia genus have different degree anti-osteoporosis effect…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19230411

“Camelliatannin D, a new inhibitor of bone resorption, from Camellia japonica.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8575042

“Stereospecific positional distribution of fatty acids of Camellia (Camellia japonica L.) seed oil… The information of stereospecific positional distribution of fatty acids in the camellia oil can be used for the development of the structured lipids for food, pharmaceutical, and medical purposes.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23009642