Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.P008
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, P008 (2024)
Biochemical characteristics of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) in the perspective of their phytochemical use
Weronika Kursa1*, Agnieszka Jamiołkowska1
1 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Stanisława Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: weronika.kursa@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The content of biologically active compounds determines their properties and prospects for further use in various industries including plant protection. Hemp, being a versatile industrial species, emerges as a prolific source of phytochemicals, boasting descriptions of over 560 biologically active compounds. These compounds delineate hemp’s multifaceted properties, encompassing antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and anticancer attributes. However, the intensity of these compounds also depends on biotic and abiotic factors. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the biochemical profile of the plants under study is essential to determine the direction of their use. The objective of the research was to analyze the chemical composition of hemp inflorescence extracts. The botanical specimens comprised lateral inflorescences obtained from hemp (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) of the ‘Futura 75’ variety, cultivated in the Lublin region (51°15’00”N, 22°34’00”E). The quantitative analysis of hemp extracts (1 : 1) encompassed the assessment of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, cannabinoid content and antioxidant activity employing spectrophotometry. In addition, the percentage of essential oil in the original plant material was determined by steam distillation (according to the European Pharmacopoeia). The total flavonoid content (expressed as epicatechin equivalents) in the hemp extract (100%, 1 : 1) was determined to be 1.55 mg‧mL−1, whereas the polyphenol content (calculated as gallic acid equivalents) in the analyzed extract measured 149.65 mg‧mL−1. Additionally, the antioxidant activity, represented as a percentage of inhibition, reached 22.93%, equivalent to 32.05 mM Trolox. In the experimental extract, the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) was identified at a concentration of 0.08%, and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) at 0.04%. The content of essential oil in the raw material of the plant was 17.36 %. The use of natural compounds for pathogen control is very attractive, and the availability of biotechnological methods open new avenues for plant protection approaches. The results of the experiments carried out are key to determining the potential importance of the plant as a source of phytochemicals, as well as, improving the efficiency and safety of products and developing industrial applications.
Keywords: hemp, polyphenols, flavonoids, cannabinoids, antioxidant activity
How to cite
W. Kursa, A. Jamiołkowska, 2024. Biochemical characteristics of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) in the perspective of their phytochemical use. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.P008