Cannabis-derived plant extracts are also being investigated as natural additives in active food-packaging materials.
In this study, researchers incorporated Cannabis sativa flower extract into polysaccharide films and evaluated their ability to help preserve freeze-dried berries during storage.
The results suggest that cannabis-derived bioactive compounds may contribute antioxidant and protective properties that can help extend shelf life and support the development of more functional, plant-based packaging systems.
“In this study, films based on polysaccharides with Cannabis sativa flower extract were prepared for selected freeze-dried fruits: raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).
The extract used affected the barrier and mechanical properties of the film.
The elongation values of the film ranged from 32.5 ± 8.6 [%] (for sample 0) to 44.8 ± 8.2 [%] (for sample 4.0 F). The addition of the extract resulted in an increase in polyphenol content, proportional to the quantity of extract used. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed particularly strong correlations between colour indices (L*, a*, b*) and parameters describing antioxidant activity.
The use of C. sativa flower extract in the polysaccharide matrix reduced the degradation of bioactive compounds during the storage of packaged fruit.
In all cases of stored raspberries, a decrease in the number of moulds and yeasts was observed after 2 and 8 weeks.
The greatest reduction in moulds and yeasts was recorded for the 4.0 F film (from 0.86 to 0.64 log cfu/g). In the case of blueberries, the total number of bacteria before storage was 2.52 log cfu/g, while after 8 weeks of storage in 4.0 F, this number significantly decreased to 2.28 log cfu/g. As in the case of raspberries, a reduction in mould and yeast was observed, with concentrations falling from an initial value of 0.89 to 0.67 log cfu/g after 8 weeks of storage at 4.0 F.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41683420
“In this study, hydrocolloid-based films enriched with Cannabis sativa flower extract were successfully developed for packaging freeze-dried raspberries and blueberries.
These results demonstrate the potential of polysaccharide-based films containing C. sativa extract as active packaging, capable of extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of freeze-dried fruits.”