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Raeber J, Bajor B, Poetzsch M, Steuer C. Comprehensive analysis of chemical and enantiomeric stability of terpenes in Cannabis sativa L. flowers. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2024. [PMID: 39103248 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cannabis sativa L. is renowned for its medicinal and recreational uses. With the increasing global legalization of C. sativa L.-based products for medicinal purposes, there is a growing need for well-characterized products. While the stability of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol is well understood, information on the chemical and enantiomeric stability of terpenes remains scarce. This is despite the fact that terpenes are also thought to have pharmacological activity and may contribute to the overall effect of C. sativa L. METHODS To address these challenges, four analytical methods based on chiral, polar, and apolar gas chromatographic separation combined with either MS or FID detection were developed and validated. These methods successfully separated and quantified a total of 29 terpenes, including 13 enantiomers and 5 diastereomers specific to C. sativa L. Furthermore, terpenes and authentic C. sativa L. flowers and extracts were subjected to UV and heat treatments to observe potential degradation reactions over time. RESULTS Each terpene generates a unique pattern of degradation products resulting in a diverse array of oxidation and cyclization products. P-cymene was identified as a major product of terpene aging. Notably, no enantiomeric conversion was detected, suggesting that the formation of (-)-α-pinene in cannabis extracts, for example, originates from other terpenes. CONCLUSION Terpenes have different degradation rates, even though they are structurally similar. In addition, cultivar- and growth-condition-specific enantiomeric ratios were observed in C. sativa L., confirming that enantiomer production is species-specific and has to be considered for therapeutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Raeber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bryan Bajor
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Steuer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Nahar L, Chaiwut P, Sangthong S, Theansungnoen T, Sarker SD. Progress in the analysis of phytocannabinoids by HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) during 2020-2023. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2024; 35:927-989. [PMID: 38837522 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Organic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors are known as cannabinoids. These molecules possess pharmacological properties similar to those produced by Cannabis sativa L. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC, also known as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, UHPLC) have become the most widely used analytical tools for detection and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) are usually coupled to an ultraviolet (UV), photodiode array (PDA), or mass spectrometric (MS) detector. OBJECTIVE To critically appraise the literature on the application of HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published from January 2020 to December 2023. METHODOLOGY An extensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar and published materials including relevant books. In various combinations, using cannabinoid in all combinations, cannabis, hemp, hashish, C. sativa, marijuana, analysis, HPLC, UHPLC, UPLC, and quantitative, qualitative, and quality control were used as the keywords for the literature search. RESULTS Several HPLC- and UPLC (or UHPLC)-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids were reported. While simple HPLC-UV or HPLC-PDA-based methods were common, the use of HPLC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, UPLC (or UHPLC)-PDA, UPLC (or UHPLC)-MS, and UPLC (or UHPLC)-MS/MS was also reported. Applications of mathematical and computational models for optimization of protocols were noted. Pre-analyses included various environmentally friendly extraction protocols. CONCLUSION During the last 4 years, HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) remained the main analytical tools for phytocannabinoid analysis in different matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfun Nahar
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Phanuphong Chaiwut
- Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group, School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Sarita Sangthong
- Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group, School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Tinnakorn Theansungnoen
- Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group, School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Satyajit D Sarker
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Nahar L, Gavril GL, Sarker SD. Application of gas chromatography in the analysis of phytocannabinoids: An update (2020-2023). PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2023; 34:903-924. [PMID: 37963411 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors. They possess pharmacological properties like that of the plant Cannabis sativa. Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the popular chromatographic techniques that has been routinely used in the analysis of cannabinoids in different matrices. OBJECTIVE The article aims to review the literature on the application of GC-based analytical methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published during the period from January 2020 to August 2023. METHODOLOGY A thorough literature search was conducted using different databases, like Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials including published books. The keywords used, in various combinations, with cannabinoids being present in all combinations, in the search were cannabinoids, Cannabis sativa, marijuana, analysis, GC, quantitative, qualitative, and quality control. From the search results, only the publications that incorporate the GC analysis of phytocannabinoids were reviewed, and papers on synthetic cannabinoids were excluded. RESULTS Since the publication of the review article on GC analysis of phytocannabinoids in early 2020, several GC-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids have appeared in the literature. While simple 1D GC-mass spectrometry (MS) and GC-flame ionisation detector (FID) methods are still quite common in phytocannabinoids analysis, 2D GC-MS and GC-MS/MS are increasingly becoming popular, as these techniques offer more useful data for identification and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. The use of automation in sample preparation and the utilisation of mathematical and computational models for optimisation of different protocols have become a norm in phytocannabinoids analysis. Pre-analyses have been found to incorporate different derivatisation techniques and environmentally friendly extraction protocols. CONCLUSIONS GC-based analysis of phytocannabinoids, especially using GC-MS, remains one of the most preferred methods for the analysis of these compounds. New derivatisation methods, ionisation techniques, mathematical models, and computational approaches for method optimisation have been introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfun Nahar
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Georgiana-Luminita Gavril
- Department of Bioinformatics, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Satyajit D Sarker
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Schwabe AL, Naibauer SK, McGlaughlin ME, Gilbert AN. Human olfactory discrimination of genetic variation within Cannabis strains. Front Psychol 2022; 13:942694. [PMID: 36389460 PMCID: PMC9651054 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is grown and marketed under a large number of named strains. Strains are often associated with phenotypic traits of interest to consumers, such as aroma and cannabinoid content. Yet genetic inconsistencies have been noted within named strains. We asked whether genetically inconsistent samples of a commercial strain also display inconsistent aroma profiles. We genotyped 32 samples using variable microsatellite regions to determine a consensus strain genotype and identify genetic outliers (if any) for four strains. Results were used to select 15 samples for olfactory testing. A genetic outlier sample was available for all but one strain. Aroma profiles were obtained by 55 sniff panelists using quantitative sensory evaluation of 40 odor descriptors. Within a strain, aroma descriptor frequencies for the genetic outlier were frequently at odds with those of the consensus samples. It appears that within-strain genetic differences are associated with differences in aroma profile. Because these differences were perceptible to untrained panelists, they may also be noticed by retail consumers. Our results could help the cannabis industry achieve better control of product consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Schwabe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Anna L. Schwabe,
| | - Samantha K. Naibauer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, United States
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Das PC, Vista AR, Tabil LG, Baik OD. Postharvest Operations of Cannabis and Their Effect on Cannabinoid Content: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9080364. [PMID: 36004888 PMCID: PMC9404914 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9080364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has been legalized by many countries for production, processing, and use considering its tremendous medical and industrial applications. Cannabis contains more than a hundred biomolecules (cannabinoids) which have the potentiality to cure different chronic diseases. After harvesting, cannabis undergoes different postharvest operations including drying, curing, storage, etc. Presently, the cannabis industry relies on different traditional postharvest operations, which may result in an inconsistent quality of products. In this review, we aimed to describe the biosynthesis process of major cannabinoids, postharvest operations used by the cannabis industry, and the consequences of postharvest operations on the cannabinoid profile. As drying is the most important post-harvest operation of cannabis, the attributes associated with drying (water activity, equilibrium moisture content, sorption isotherms, etc.) and the significance of novel pre-treatments (microwave heating, cold plasma, ultrasound, pulse electric, irradiation, etc.) for improvement of the process are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, other operations, such as trimming, curing, packaging and storage, are discussed, and the effect of the different postharvest operations on the cannabinoid yield is summarized. A critical investigation of the factors involved in each postharvest operation is indeed key for obtaining quality products and for the sustainable development of the cannabis industry.
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Park SH, Pauli CS, Gostin EL, Staples SK, Seifried D, Kinney C, Vanden Heuvel BD. Effects of short-term environmental stresses on the onset of cannabinoid production in young immature flowers of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). J Cannabis Res 2022; 4:1. [PMID: 34980266 PMCID: PMC8725245 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Cannabis sativa L. produces at least 120 cannabinoids. Although genetic variation is the main factor in cannabinoid production, the effects of short-term environmental stresses in the early flowering stage remains largely unknown. METHODS To investigate the effects of short-term environmental stresses on the onset of cannabinoid production in young immature flowers, a hemp variety, Green-Thunder (5-8% CBD/mg of dry weight), was treated with mechanical damage, insect herbivory, extreme heat, or drought stress for 5-7 days during the first 2 weeks of flowering. Three hemp tissues, including flowers, leaves, and stems, were collected from hemp grown under these stress conditions at multiple time points during the first 2 weeks after transition to the short photoperiod and analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography to quantify phytocannabinoids including cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinol (CBN). RESULTS The 5 days of mechanical wounding did not affect the production of any of the cannabinoids during the initial stage of flowering. However, after 5 days of herbivore treatment, there was a significant difference in concentration between day 1 and day 6 of CBGA (control: 308 μg/g; treatment - 24 μg/g), CBG (control: 69 μg/g; treatment: 52 μg/g), and CBD (control: 755 μg/g; treatment: 194 μg/g) between the control and treatment plants. The 7 days of heat treatment at 45-50 oC significantly reduced the production of CBGA during this observed window (control: 206 μg/g; treatment: 182 μg/g) and CBG (control: 21 μg/g; treatment: - 112 μg/g). Notably, the largest change was observed after 7 days of drought stress, when plants showed a 40% greater accumulation of CBG (control: 336 μg/g; treatment: 622 μg/g), and a significant decrease (70-80%) in CBD (control: 1182 μg/g; treatment: 297 μg/g) and THC amounts (control: 3927 μg/g; treatment: 580 μg/g). CONCLUSIONS Although this observation is limited in the early flowering stage, the common field stresses are adequate to induce changes in the cannabinoid profiles, particularly drought stress being the most impactful stress for hemp flower initiation with the altering the cannabinoid production by decreasing CBD and THC accumulation while increasing CBG by 40%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hyuck Park
- Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA.
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA.
| | - Christopher S Pauli
- Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
| | - Eric L Gostin
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
| | - S Kyle Staples
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
| | - Dustin Seifried
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
| | - Chad Kinney
- Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
| | - Brian D Vanden Heuvel
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA
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Hosami F, Ghadimkhah MH, Salimi V, Ghorbanhosseini SS, Tavakoli-Yaraki M. The strengths and limits of cannabinoids and their receptors in cancer: Insights into the role of tumorigenesis-underlying mechanisms and therapeutic aspects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112279. [PMID: 34624678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as a mysterious and complex disease, has a multi-stage molecular process that uses the cellular molecular machine and multiple signaling pathways to its advantage. Cannabinoids, as terpenophenolic compounds and their derivatives, showed influences on immune system responses, inflammation, and cell growth that have sparked a growing interest in exploring their effects on cancer cell fate, as well. A large body of evidence in experimental models indicating the involvement of cannabinoids and their related receptors in cancer cell growth, development, and fate. In accordance, the present study provided insights regarding the strengths and limits of cannabinoids and their receptors in critical steps of tumorigenesis and its underlying molecular pathways such as; cancer cell proliferation, type of cell death pathway, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and, immune system response. Based on the results of the present study and due to the contribution of cannabinoids in various cancer cell growth control processes, these compounds cancer can be considered worthwhile in finding new alternatives for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hosami
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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