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Lanzanova C, Giorni P, Bulla G, Locatelli S, Montanari M, Alberti I, Leni G, Abate A, Bertuzzi T. Investigation on the presence of mycotoxins in seed hemp varieties. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2024; 41:400-409. [PMID: 38408274 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2024.2311850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the cultivation of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Europe has aroused interest among farmers for the potential market opportunities of its products; its cultivation has increased from 20,450 ha in 2015 to 33,020 ha in 2022. Thanks to the great versatility of this crop, there are opportunities in the food and nutraceutical fields (gluten free), cosmetics, energy and industrial sectors. As for several crops, hemp seeds may also be contaminated by fungal pathogens compromising its quality and safety. Considering the recent interest of consumers in using hemp for food purposes, in the present work, a small survey on mycotoxin contamination was carried out during 2018-2022 in hemp seed samples cultivated in Italy for food use. The results showed a limited occurrence of the most common regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins [AFs], fumonisins [FBs], ochratoxin A [OTA], deoxynivalenol [DON] and zearalenone), but very high levels of alternariols, reaching a maximum value of 38510, 308, 226 and 288 ug/kg for tenuazonic acid [TeA], tentoxin [TEN], alternariol [AOH] and alternariol monoether, respectively. In the same period, an investigation carried out in an experimental field showed that fungal contamination and mycotoxin occurrence were influenced by different meteorological conditions and different varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lanzanova
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paola Giorni
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production - DIPROVES, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giulia Bulla
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production - DIPROVES, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Sabrina Locatelli
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Massimo Montanari
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Alberti
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Giulia Leni
- Department of Animal, Food and Nutrition Science - DIANA, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Alessio Abate
- Department of Animal, Food and Nutrition Science - DIANA, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Terenzio Bertuzzi
- Department of Animal, Food and Nutrition Science - DIANA, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
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Punja ZK, Kahl D, Reade R, Xiang Y, Munz J, Nachappa P. Challenges to Cannabis sativa Production from Pathogens and Microbes-The Role of Molecular Diagnostics and Bioinformatics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:14. [PMID: 38203190 PMCID: PMC10779078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The increased cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. in North America, represented by high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-containing (high-THC) cannabis genotypes and low-THC-containing hemp genotypes, has been impacted by an increasing number of plant pathogens. These include fungi which destroy roots, stems, and leaves, in some cases causing a build-up of populations and mycotoxins in the inflorescences that can negatively impact quality. Viroids and viruses have also increased in prevalence and severity and can reduce plant growth and product quality. Rapid diagnosis of the occurrence and spread of these pathogens is critical. Techniques in the area of molecular diagnostics have been applied to study these pathogens in both cannabis and hemp. These include polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies, including RT-PCR, multiplex RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and ddPCR, as well as whole-genome sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics. In this study, examples of how these technologies have enhanced the rapidity and sensitivity of pathogen diagnosis on cannabis and hemp will be illustrated. These molecular tools have also enabled studies on the diversity and origins of specific pathogens, specifically viruses and viroids, and these will be illustrated. Comparative studies on the genomics and metabolomics of healthy and diseased plants are urgently needed to provide insight into their impact on the quality and composition of cannabis and hemp-derived products. Management of these pathogens will require monitoring of their spread and survival using the appropriate technologies to allow accurate detection, followed by appropriate implementation of disease control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamir K. Punja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Dieter Kahl
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research and Development Center, Summerland, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (D.K.); (R.R.); (Y.X.)
| | - Ron Reade
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research and Development Center, Summerland, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (D.K.); (R.R.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yu Xiang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research and Development Center, Summerland, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (D.K.); (R.R.); (Y.X.)
| | - Jack Munz
- 3 Rivers Biotech, Coquitlam, BC V5A 1S6, Canada;
| | - Punya Nachappa
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1177, USA;
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Gwinn KD, Leung MCK, Stephens AB, Punja ZK. Fungal and mycotoxin contaminants in cannabis and hemp flowers: implications for consumer health and directions for further research. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1278189. [PMID: 37928692 PMCID: PMC10620813 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1278189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal and recreational uses of Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp, has increased following its legalization in certain regions of the world. Cannabis and hemp plants interact with a community of microbes (i.e., the phytobiome), which can influence various aspects of the host plant. The fungal composition of the C. sativa phytobiome (i.e., mycobiome) currently consists of over 100 species of fungi, which includes phytopathogens, epiphytes, and endophytes, This mycobiome has often been understudied in research aimed at evaluating the safety of cannabis products for humans. Medical research has historically focused instead on substance use and medicinal uses of the plant. Because several components of the mycobiome are reported to produce toxic secondary metabolites (i.e., mycotoxins) that can potentially affect the health of humans and animals and initiate opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, there is a need to determine the potential health risks that these contaminants could pose for consumers. This review discusses the mycobiome of cannabis and hemp flowers with a focus on plant-infecting and toxigenic fungi that are most commonly found and are of potential concern (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Mucor spp.). We review current regulations for molds and mycotoxins worldwide and review assessment methods including culture-based assays, liquid chromatography, immuno-based technologies, and emerging technologies for these contaminants. We also discuss approaches to reduce fungal contaminants on cannabis and hemp and identify future research needs for contaminant detection, data dissemination, and management approaches. These approaches are designed to yield safer products for all consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D. Gwinn
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Maxwell C. K. Leung
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Ariell B. Stephens
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Zamir K. Punja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Ahmed B, Beneš F, Hajšlová J, Fišarová L, Vosátka M, Hijri M. Enhanced production of select phytocannabinoids in medical Cannabis cultivars using microbial consortia. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1219836. [PMID: 37719209 PMCID: PMC10502174 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1219836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The root microbiome of medical cannabis plants has been largely unexplored due to past legal restrictions in many countries. Microbes that live on and within the tissue of Cannabis sativa L. similar to other plants, provide advantages such as stimulating plant growth, helping it absorb minerals, providing protection against pathogen attacks, and influencing the production of secondary metabolites. To gain insight into the microbial communities of C. sativa cultivars with different tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) profiles, a greenhouse trial was carried out with and without inoculants added to the growth substrate. Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding was used to analyze the root and rhizosphere microbiomes of the five cultivars. Plant biomass production showed higher levels in three of five cultivars inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and microbial suspension. The blossom dry weight of the cultivar THE was greater when inoculated with R. irregularis and microbial suspension than with no inoculation. Increasing plant biomass and blossom dry weight are two important parameters for producing cannabis for medical applications. In mature Cannabis, 12 phytocannabinoid compounds varied among cultivars and were affected by inoculants. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in concentrations of cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) were observed in all Cannabis cultivars when amended with F, K1, and K2 inoculants. We found microbes that were shared among cultivars. For example, Terrimicrobium sp., Actinoplanes sp., and Trichoderma reesei were shared by the cultivars ECC-EUS-THE, CCL-ECC, and EUS-THE, respectively. Actinoplanes sp. is a known species that produces phosphatase enzymes, while Trichoderma reesei is a fungal train that produces cellulase and contributes to organic matter mineralization. However, the role of Terrimicrobium sp. as an anaerobic bacterium remains unknown. This study demonstrated that the use of inoculants had an impact on the production of phytocannabinoids in five Cannabis cultivars. These inoculants could have useful applications for optimizing cannabis cultivation practices and increasing the production of phytocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulbul Ahmed
- African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir, Morocco
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - František Beneš
- Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Hajšlová
- Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lenka Fišarová
- Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Průhonice, Czechia
| | - Miroslav Vosátka
- Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Průhonice, Czechia
| | - Mohamed Hijri
- African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir, Morocco
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Sopovski DS, Han J, Stevens-Riley M, Wang Q, Erickson BD, Oktem B, Vanlandingham M, Taylor CL, Foley SL. Investigation of microorganisms in cannabis after heating in a commercial vaporizer. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1051272. [PMID: 36710966 PMCID: PMC9880168 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1051272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are concerns about microorganisms present on cannabis materials used in clinical settings by individuals whose health status is already compromised and are likely more susceptible to opportunistic infections from microbial populations present on the materials. Most concerning is administration by inhalation where cannabis plant material is heated in a vaporizer, aerosolized, and inhaled to receive the bioactive ingredients. Heating to high temperatures is known to kill microorganisms including bacteria and fungi; however, microbial death is dependent upon exposure time and temperature. It is unknown whether the heating of cannabis at temperatures and times designated by a commercial vaporizer utilized in clinical settings will significantly decrease the microbial loads in cannabis plant material. Methods To assess this question, bulk cannabis plant material supplied by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) was used to assess the impact of heating by a commercial vaporizer. Initial method development studies using a cannabis placebo spiked with Escherichia coli were performed to optimize culture and recovery parameters. Subsequent studies were carried out using the cannabis placebo, low delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency and high THC potency cannabis materials exposed to either no heat or heating for 30 or 70 seconds at 190°C. Phosphate-buffered saline was added to the samples and the samples agitated to suspend the microorganism. Microbial growth after no heat or heating was evaluated by plating on growth media and determining the total aerobic microbial counts and total yeast and mold counts. Results and discussion Overall, while there were trends of reductions in microbial counts with heating, these reductions were not statistically significant, indicating that heating using standard vaporization parameters of 70 seconds at 190°C may not eliminate the existing microbial bioburden, including any opportunistic pathogens. When cultured organisms were identified by DNA sequence analyses, several fungal and bacterial taxa were detected in the different products that have been associated with opportunistic infections or allergic reactions including Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Aspergillus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S. Sopovski
- Division of Microbiology, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Jing Han
- Division of Microbiology, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Marla Stevens-Riley
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Qiang Wang
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Bruce D. Erickson
- Division of Microbiology, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Berk Oktem
- Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Michelle Vanlandingham
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Cassandra L. Taylor
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Cassandra L. Taylor, ; Steven L. Foley,
| | - Steven L. Foley
- Division of Microbiology, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States,*Correspondence: Cassandra L. Taylor, ; Steven L. Foley,
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Use of X-ray irradiation for inactivation of Aspergillus in cannabis flower. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277649. [PMID: 36378669 PMCID: PMC9665375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
California cannabis regulations require testing for four pathogenic species of Aspergillus-A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. terreus in cannabis flower and cannabis inhalable products. These four pathogenic species of Aspergillus are important human pathogens and their presence in cannabis flower and cannabis products may pose a threat to human health. In this study, we examined the potential of X-ray irradiation for inactivation of cannabis flower contaminated with any of the four pathogenic species of Aspergillus. We determined that X-ray irradiation at a dose of 2.5 kGy is capable of rendering Aspergillus cells non-viable at low (102 spores/g dried flower), medium (103 spores/g dried flower) and high (104 spores/g dried flower) levels of inoculation. We also showed that X-ray treatment of cannabis flower did not significantly alter the cannabinoid or the terpene profiles of the flower samples. Therefore, X-ray irradiation may be a feasible method for Aspergillus decontamination of cannabis flower. More work is required to determine the consumer safety of irradiated cannabis flower and cannabis products.
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7
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Katchman BA, Tomchaney M, Bueschel D, Ulrich P, Freeman S, O’Brian K, Eggers R, May M, Hogan M, Thompson W, Benzinger MJ, Bastin B. Independent Study for the Detectx Combined Assay for the Detection of Aspergillus, Salmonella, and STEC ( stx1 and/or 2) in Dried Cannabis Flower and Dried Hemp Flower: Level 3 Modification Study 012201. J AOAC Int 2022; 105:1105-1125. [DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The PathogenDx family of assays uses microarray technology to simultaneously detect the presence of bacterial and fungal pathogens in food products, environmental surfaces, and cannabis products.
Objective
The Detectx Combined assay was validated for the detection of Aspergillus, (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus), Salmonella, and a broad range of STEC (stx1 and/or 2) species. The validation consisted of two matrix studies in dried hemp flower and dried cannabis flower (>0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) flower, product consistency, stability, robustness, and inclusivity and exclusivity for two targets: Aspergillus and STEC.
Method
The PathogenDx Detectx Combined assay was evaluated with 30 replicates in each matrix and confirmed according to the instructions outlined in this study.
Results
Results of the validation study met the requirements of AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2020.002 and 2020.012. In the inclusivity and exclusivity study, all target isolates (Aspergillus and STEC) were correctly detected. For the exclusivity study, 26 out of 30 Aspergillus and 30 out of 30 STEC non-target strains were correctly excluded. In the matrix study, the PathogenDx Detectx Combined assay showed no significant statistical differences between confirmed results for dried hemp and cannabis flower. Robustness testing indicated that small changes to the method parameters did not impact the performance of the assay. Stability and consistency studies verified that the assay’s shelf-life claims were appropriate, and manufacturing of the assay was consistent.
Conclusions
The validation study indicated that the PathogenDx DetectX Combined assay was successful in detection of the new target analytes (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus and STEC containing stx1 and/or 2) and could successfully recover these organisms and Salmonella from dried hemp flower and dried cannabis flower (>0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).
Highlights
The PathogenDx DetectX Combined Assay will be the first PTM approved multiplex assay for Aspergillus, E. coli and Salmonella that does not require an enrichment step.
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Ahmed B, Smart LB, Hijri M. Microbiome of Field Grown Hemp Reveals Potential Microbial Interactions With Root and Rhizosphere Soil. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:741597. [PMID: 34867858 PMCID: PMC8634612 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.741597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a crop bred and grown for the production of fiber, grain, and floral extracts that contribute to health and wellness. Hemp plants interact with a myriad of microbiota inhabiting the phyllosphere, endosphere, rhizoplane, and rhizosphere. These microbes offer many ecological services, particularly those of below ground biotopes which are involved in nutrient cycling, uptake, and alleviating biotic and abiotic stress. The microbiota communities of the hemp rhizosphere in the field are not well documented. To discover core microbiota associated with field grown hemp, we cultivated single C. sativa cultivar, “TJ’s CBD,” in six different fields in New York and sampled hemp roots and their rhizospheric soil. We used Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal DNA of bacteria and ITS of fungi to study microbial community structure of hemp roots and rhizospheres. We found that Planctobacteria and Ascomycota dominated the taxonomic composition of hemp associated microbial community. We identified potential core microbiota in each community (bacteria: eight bacterial amplicon sequence variant – ASV, identified as Gimesia maris, Pirellula sp. Lacipirellula limnantheis, Gemmata sp. and unclassified Planctobacteria; fungi: three ASVs identified as Fusarium oxysporum, Gibellulopsis piscis, and Mortierella minutissima). We found 14 ASVs as hub taxa [eight bacterial ASVs (BASV) in the root, and four bacterial and two fungal ASVs in the rhizosphere soil], and 10 BASV connected the root and rhizosphere soil microbiota to form an extended microbial communication in hemp. The only hub taxa detected in both the root and rhizosphere soil microbiota was ASV37 (Caulifigura coniformis), a bacterial taxon. The core microbiota and Network hub taxa can be studied further for biocontrol activities and functional investigations in the formulation of hemp bioinoculants. This study documented the microbial diversity and community structure of hemp grown in six fields, which could contribute toward the development of bioinoculants for hemp that could be used in organic farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulbul Ahmed
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, United States
| | - Lawrence B Smart
- Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, United States
| | - Mohamed Hijri
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir, Morocco
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9
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Wei G, Ning K, Zhang G, Yu H, Yang S, Dai F, Dong L, Chen S. Compartment Niche Shapes the Assembly and Network of Cannabis sativa-Associated Microbiome. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:714993. [PMID: 34675893 PMCID: PMC8524047 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.714993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between plants and microbes may promote the growth of plants and regulate the production of secondary metabolites. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is an annual herb and an important commercial crop. However, the assembly and network of hemp-associated microbiomes inhabiting in soil and plant compartments have not been comprehensively understood. This work investigated the assembly and network of bacterial and fungal communities living in soils (bulk and rhizosphere) and plant compartments (root, stem, leaf, and flower) of four hemp ecotypes cultivated in the same habitat. Microbiome assembly was predominantly shaped by compartment niche. Microbial alpha diversity was the highest in soil, continually decreased from root to flower. Core bacterial genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Planococcus, and Sphingomonas were mostly enriched in aerial endosphere niches; Clitopilus, Plectosphaerella, and Mortierella were enriched in belowground endosphere. Microbial network complexity and connectivity decreased from root to flower. According to source tracking analysis, hemp microbiota primarily originated from soil and were subsequently filtered in different plant compartments. This work provides details on hemp-associated microbiome along the soil-plant continuum and a comprehensive understanding of the origin and transmission mode of endophytes in hemp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Ning
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guozhuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haibin Yu
- Yunnan Industrial Investment Group, Yunnan Hemp Seed Industry Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Shuming Yang
- Yunnan Industrial Investment Group, Yunnan Hemp Seed Industry Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Fei Dai
- Yunnan Industrial Investment Group, Yunnan Hemp Seed Industry Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Linlin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shilin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Punja ZK. Emerging diseases of Cannabis sativa and sustainable management. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3857-3870. [PMID: 33527549 PMCID: PMC8451794 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cultivation of cannabis plants (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) has taken place worldwide for centuries. In Canada, legalization of cannabis in October 2018 for the medicinal and recreational markets has spurned interest in large-scale growing. This increased production has seen a rise in the incidence and severity of plant pathogens, causing a range of previously unreported diseases. The objective of this review is to highlight the important diseases currently affecting the cannabis and hemp industries in North America and to discuss various mitigation strategies. Progress in molecular diagnostics for pathogen identification and determining inoculum sources and methods of pathogen spread have provided useful insights. Sustainable disease management approaches include establishing clean planting stock, modifying environmental conditions to reduce pathogen development, implementing sanitation measures, and applying fungal and bacterial biological control agents. Fungicides are not currently registered for use and hence there are no published data on their efficacy. The greatest challenge remains in reducing microbial loads (colony-forming units) on harvested inflorescences (buds). Contaminating microbes may be introduced during the cultivation and postharvest phases, or constitute resident endophytes. Failure to achieve a minimum threshold of microbes deemed to be safe for utilization of cannabis products can arise from conventional and organic cultivation methods, or following applications of beneficial biocontrol agents. The current regulatory process for approval of cannabis products presents a challenge to producers utilizing biological control agents for disease management. © 2021 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamir K Punja
- Department of Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBCCanada
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11
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McKernan K, Helbert Y, Kane L, Houde N, Zhang L, McLaughlin S. Whole genome sequencing of colonies derived from cannabis flowers and the impact of media selection on benchmarking total yeast and mold detection tools. F1000Res 2021; 10:624. [PMID: 34484691 PMCID: PMC8383127 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53467.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis products are subjected to microbial testing for pathogenic fungi and bacteria. These testing requirements often rely on non-specific colony forming unit (CFU/g) specifications without clarity on which medium, selection or growth times are required. We performed whole genome sequencing to assess the specificity of colony forming units (CFU) derived from three different plating media: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), PDA with chloramphenicol and Dichloran Rose Bengal with chloramphenicol (DRBC). METHODS Colonies were isolated from each medium type and their whole genomes sequenced to identify the diversity of microbes present on each medium selection. Fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS3) and Bacterial 16S RNA(16S) quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) were performed, to correlate these CFUs with fungi- and bacterial- specific qPCR. RESULTS Each plating medium displayed a ten-fold difference in CFU counts. PDA with chloramphenicol showed the highest diversity and the highest concordance with whole genome sequencing. According to ITS3 and 16S qPCR confirmed with whole genome sequencing, DRBC under counted yeast and mold while PDA without chloramphenicol over counted CFUs due to bacterial growth without selection. CONCLUSIONS Colony Forming Unit regulations lack specificity. Each medium produces significant differences in CFU counts. These are further dependent on subjective interpretation, failure to culture most microbes, and poor selection between bacteria and fungi. Given the most pathogenic microbes found on cannabis are endophytes which culture fails to detect, molecular methods offer a solution to this long-standing quantification problem in the cannabis testing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin McKernan
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Yvonne Helbert
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Liam Kane
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Nathan Houde
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
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12
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McKernan K, Helbert Y, Kane L, Houde N, Zhang L, McLaughlin S. Whole genome sequencing of colonies derived from cannabis flowers and the impact of media selection on benchmarking total yeast and mold detection tools. F1000Res 2021; 10:624. [PMID: 34484691 PMCID: PMC8383127 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53467.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis products are subjected to microbial testing for human pathogenic fungi and bacteria. These testing requirements often rely on non-specific colony forming unit (CFU/g) specifications without clarity on which medium, selection or growth times are required. We performed whole genome sequencing to assess the specificity of colony forming units (CFU) derived from three different plating media: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), PDA with chloramphenicol and Dichloran Rose Bengal with chloramphenicol (DRBC). METHODS Colonies were isolated from each medium type and their whole genomes sequenced to identify the diversity of microbes present on each medium selection. Fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS3) and Bacterial 16S RNA(16S) quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) were performed, to correlate these CFUs with fungi- and bacterial- specific qPCR. RESULTS Each plating medium displayed a ten-fold difference in CFU counts. PDA with chloramphenicol showed the highest diversity and the highest concordance with whole genome sequencing. According to ITS3 and 16S qPCR confirmed with whole genome sequencing, DRBC under counted yeast and mold while PDA without chloramphenicol over counted CFUs due to bacterial growth without selection. CONCLUSIONS Colony Forming Unit regulations lack specificity. Each medium produces significant differences in CFU counts. These are further dependent on subjective interpretation, failure to culture most microbes, and poor selection between bacteria and fungi. Given the most human pathogenic microbes found on cannabis are endophytes which culture fails to detect, molecular methods offer a solution to this long-standing quantification problem in the cannabis testing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin McKernan
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Yvonne Helbert
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Liam Kane
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Nathan Houde
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Research and Development, Medicinal Genomics, Beverly, Mass, 01915, USA
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13
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Effects of steam sterilization on reduction of fungal colony forming units, cannabinoids and terpene levels in medical cannabis inflorescences. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13973. [PMID: 34234177 PMCID: PMC8263730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93264-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical cannabis (MC) production is a rapidly expanding industry. Over the past ten years, many additional phytocannabinoids have been discovered and used for different purposes. MC was reported beneficial for the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions such as analgesia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, glaucoma, Parkinson disease and more. Yet, there is still a major lack of research and knowledge related to MC plant diseases, both at the pre- and postharvest stages. Many of the fungi that infect MC, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium spp., are capable of producing mycotoxins that are carcinogenic, or otherwise harmful when consumed, and especially by those patients who suffer from a weakened immune system, causing invasive contamination in humans. Therefore, there are strict limits regarding the permitted levels of fungal colony forming units (CFU) in commercial MC inflorescences. Furthermore, the strict regulation on pesticide appliance application in MC cultivation exacerbates the problem. In order to meet the permitted CFU limit levels, there is a need for pesticide-free postharvest treatments relying on natural non-chemical methods. Thus, a decontamination approach is required that will not damage or significantly alter the chemical composition of the plant product. In this research, a new method for sterilization of MC inflorescences for reduction of fungal contaminantstes was assessed, without affecting the composition of plant secondary metabolites. Inflorescences were exposed to short pulses of steam (10, 15 and 20 s exposure) and CFU levels and plant chemical compositions, pre- and post-treatment, were evaluated. Steam treatments were very effective in reducing fungal colonization to below detection limits. The effect of these treatments on terpene profiles was minor, resulting mainly in the detection of certain terpenes that were not present in the untreated control. Steaming decreased cannabinoid concentrations as the treatment prolonged, although insignificantly. These results indicate that the steam sterilization method at the tested exposure periods was very effective in reducing CFU levels while preserving the initial molecular biochemical composition of the treated inflorescences.
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14
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Fungal Dysbiosis Correlates with the Development of Tumor-Induced Cachexia in Mice. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040364. [PMID: 33322197 PMCID: PMC7770573 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cachexia (CC) is a devastating metabolic syndrome associated with a series of underlying diseases that greatly affects life quality and expectancy among cancer patients. Studies involving mouse models, in which CC was induced through inoculation with tumor cells, originally suggested the existence of a direct correlation between the development of this syndrome and changes in the relative proportions of several bacterial groups present in the digestive tract. However, these analyses have focus solely on the characterization of bacterial dysbiosis, ignoring the possible existence of changes in the relative populations of fungi, during the development of CC. Thus, the present study sought to expand such analyses, by characterizing changes that occur in the gut fungal population (mycobiota) of mice, during the development of cancer-induced cachexia. Our results confirm that cachectic animals, submitted to Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) transplantation, display significant differences in their gut mycobiota, when compared to healthy controls. Moreover, identification of dysbiotic fungi showed remarkable consistency across successive levels of taxonomic hierarchy. Many of these fungi have also been associated with dysbioses observed in a series of gut inflammatory diseases, such as obesity, colorectal cancer (CRC), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nonetheless, the dysbiosis verified in the LLC model of cancer cachexia seems to be unique, presenting features observed in both obesity (reduced proportion of Mucoromycota) and CRC/ME/IBD (increased proportions of Sordariomycetes, Saccharomycetaceae and Malassezia). One species of Mucoromycota (Rhyzopus oryzae) stands out as a promising probiotic candidate in adjuvant therapies, aimed at treating and/or preventing the development of CC.
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15
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Sarma ND, Waye A, ElSohly MA, Brown PN, Elzinga S, Johnson HE, Marles RJ, Melanson JE, Russo E, Deyton L, Hudalla C, Vrdoljak GA, Wurzer JH, Khan IA, Kim NC, Giancaspro GI. Cannabis Inflorescence for Medical Purposes: USP Considerations for Quality Attributes. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:1334-1351. [PMID: 32281793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is an active and growing interest in cannabis female inflorescence (Cannabis sativa) for medical purposes. Therefore, a definition of its quality attributes can help mitigate public health risks associated with contaminated, substandard, or adulterated products and support sound and reproducible basic and clinical research. As cannabis is a heterogeneous matrix that can contain a complex secondary metabolome with an uneven distribution of constituents, ensuring its quality requires appropriate sampling procedures and a suite of tests, analytical procedures, and acceptance criteria to define the identity, content of constituents (e.g., cannabinoids), and limits on contaminants. As an independent science-based public health organization, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has formed a Cannabis Expert Panel, which has evaluated specifications necessary to define key cannabis quality attributes. The consensus within the expert panel was that these specifications should differentiate between cannabis chemotypes. Based on the secondary metabolite profiles, the expert panel has suggested adoption of three broad categories of cannabis. These three main chemotypes have been identified as useful for labeling based on the following cannabinoid constituents: (1) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant chemotype; (2) intermediate chemotype with both THC and cannabidiol (CBD); and (3) CBD-dominant chemotype. Cannabis plants in each of these chemotypes may be further subcategorized based on the content of other cannabinoids and/or mono- and sesquiterpene profiles. Morphological and chromatographic tests are presented for the identification and quantitative determination of critical constituents. Limits for contaminants including pesticide residues, microbial levels, mycotoxins, and elemental contaminants are presented based on toxicological considerations and aligned with the existing USP procedures for general tests and assays. The principles outlined in this review should be able to be used as the basis of public quality specifications for cannabis inflorescence, which are needed for public health protection and to facilitate scientific research on cannabis safety and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandakumara D Sarma
- Department of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines, Science Division, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Andrew Waye
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | | | - Paula N Brown
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Sytze Elzinga
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Holly E Johnson
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Robin J Marles
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | | | - Ethan Russo
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Lawrence Deyton
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | | | | | - Joshua H Wurzer
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- USP Cannabis Expert Panel, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Nam-Cheol Kim
- Department of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines, Science Division, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Gabriel I Giancaspro
- Department of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines, Science Division, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
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16
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Di Nardo F, Cavalera S, Baggiani C, Chiarello M, Pazzi M, Anfossi L. Enzyme Immunoassay for Measuring Aflatoxin B1 in Legal Cannabis. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040265. [PMID: 32326118 PMCID: PMC7232199 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The diffusion of the legalization of cannabis for recreational, medicinal and nutraceutical uses requires the development of adequate analytical methods to assure the safety and security of such products. In particular, aflatoxins are considered to pose a major risk for the health of cannabis consumers. Among analytical methods that allows for adequate monitoring of food safety, immunoassays play a major role thanks to their cost-effectiveness, high-throughput capacity, simplicity and limited requirement for equipment and skilled operators. Therefore, a rapid and sensitive enzyme immunoassay has been adapted to measure the most hazardous aflatoxin B1 in cannabis products. The assay was acceptably accurate (recovery rate: 78–136%), reproducible (intra- and inter-assay means coefficients of variation 11.8% and 13.8%, respectively), and sensitive (limit of detection and range of quantification: 0.35 ng mL−1 and 0.4–2 ng mL−1, respectively corresponding to 7 ng g−1 and 8–40 ng g−1 ng g−1 in the plant) and provided results which agreed with a HPLC-MS/MS method for the direct analysis of aflatoxin B1 in cannabis inflorescence and leaves. In addition, the carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 was detected in 50% of the cannabis products analyzed (14 samples collected from small retails) at levels exceeding those admitted by the European Union in commodities intended for direct human consumption, thus envisaging the need for effective surveillance of aflatoxin contamination in legal cannabis.
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17
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Taghinasab M, Jabaji S. Cannabis Microbiome and the Role of Endophytes in Modulating the Production of Secondary Metabolites: An Overview. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E355. [PMID: 32131457 PMCID: PMC7143057 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants, including cannabis (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa), host distinct beneficial microbial communities on and inside their tissues and organs, including seeds. They contribute to plant growth, facilitating mineral nutrient uptake, inducing defence resistance against pathogens, and modulating the production of plant secondary metabolites. Understanding the microbial partnerships with cannabis has the potential to affect the agricultural practices by improving plant fitness and the yield of cannabinoids. Little is known about this beneficial cannabis-microbe partnership, and the complex relationship between the endogenous microbes associated with various tissues of the plant, and the role that cannabis may play in supporting or enhancing them. This review will consider cannabis microbiota studies and the effects of endophytes on the elicitation of secondary metabolite production in cannabis plants. The review aims to shed light on the importance of the cannabis microbiome and how cannabinoid compound concentrations can be stimulated through symbiotic and/or mutualistic relationships with endophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suha Jabaji
- Plant Science Department, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, MacDonald Campus of McGill University, QC H9X 3V9, Canada;
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18
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Vujanovic V, Korber DR, Vujanovic S, Vujanovic J, Jabaji S. Scientific Prospects for Cannabis-Microbiome Research to Ensure Quality and Safety of Products. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E290. [PMID: 32093340 PMCID: PMC7074860 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis legalization has occurred in several countries worldwide. Along with steadily growing research in Cannabis healthcare science, there is an increasing interest for scientific-based knowledge in plant microbiology and food science, with work connecting the plant microbiome and plant health to product quality across the value chain of cannabis. This review paper provides an overview of the state of knowledge and challenges in Cannabis science, and thereby identifies critical risk management and safety issues in order to capitalize on innovations while ensuring product quality control. It highlights scientific gap areas to steer future research, with an emphasis on plant-microbiome sciences committed to using cutting-edge technologies for more efficient Cannabis production and high-quality products intended for recreational, pharmaceutical, and medicinal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Vujanovic
- Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada;
| | - Darren R. Korber
- Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada;
| | - Silva Vujanovic
- Hospital Pharmacy, CISSS des Laurentides and Université de Montréal-Montreal, QC J8H 4C7, Canada;
| | - Josko Vujanovic
- Medical Imaging, CISSS-Laurentides, Lachute, QC J8H 4C7, Canada;
| | - Suha Jabaji
- Plant Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada;
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19
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Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Multi-Residue Analysis of Mycotoxins and Pesticides in Botanical Nutraceuticals. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020114. [PMID: 32059484 PMCID: PMC7076805 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) food supplements made of Cannabis sativa L. extracts have quickly become popular products due to their health-promoting effects. However, potential contaminants, such as mycotoxins and pesticides, can be coextracted during the manufacturing process and placed into the final product. Accordingly, a novel methodology using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was developed to quantify 16 mycotoxins produced by major C. sativa fungi, followed by a post-target screening of 283 pesticides based on a comprehensive spectral library. The validated procedure was applied to ten CBD-based products. Up to six different Fusarium mycotoxins were found in seven samples, the most prevalent being zearalenone (60%) and enniatin B1 (30%), both found at a maximum level of 11.6 ng/g. Co-occurrence was observed in four samples, including one with enniatin B1, enniatin A and enniatin A1. On the other hand, 46 different pesticides were detected after retrospective analysis. Ethoxyquin (50%), piperonyl butoxide (40%), simazine (30%) and cyanazine (30%) were the major residues found. These results highlight the necessity of monitoring contaminants in food supplements in order to ensure a safe consumption, even more considering the increase trend in their use. Furthermore, the developed procedure is proposed as a powerful analytical tool to evaluate the potential mycotoxin profile of these particular products.
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20
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Punja ZK, Collyer D, Scott C, Lung S, Holmes J, Sutton D. Pathogens and Molds Affecting Production and Quality of Cannabis sativa L. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1120. [PMID: 31681341 PMCID: PMC6811654 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Plant pathogens infecting marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants reduce growth of the crop by affecting the roots, crown, and foliage. In addition, fungi (molds) that colonize the inflorescences (buds) during development or after harvest, and which colonize internal tissues as endophytes, can reduce product quality. The pathogens and molds that affect C. sativa grown hydroponically indoors (in environmentally controlled growth rooms and greenhouses) and field-grown plants were studied over multiple years of sampling. A PCR-based assay using primers for the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA confirmed identity of the cultures. Root-infecting pathogens included Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium brachygibbosum, Pythium dissotocum, Pythium myriotylum, and Pythium aphanidermatum, which caused root browning, discoloration of the crown and pith tissues, stunting and yellowing of plants, and in some instances, plant death. On the foliage, powdery mildew, caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum, was the major pathogen observed. On inflorescences, Penicillium bud rot (caused by Penicillium olsonii and Penicillium copticola), Botrytis bud rot (Botrytis cinerea), and Fusarium bud rot (F. solani, F. oxysporum) were present to varying extents. Endophytic fungi present in crown, stem, and petiole tissues included soil-colonizing and cellulolytic fungi, such as species of Chaetomium, Trametes, Trichoderma, Penicillium, and Fusarium. Analysis of air samples in indoor growing environments revealed that species of Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Beauveria, and Trichoderma were present. The latter two species were the result of the application of biocontrol products for control of insects and diseases, respectively. Fungal communities present in unpasteurized coconut (coco) fiber growing medium are potential sources of mold contamination on cannabis plants. Swabs taken from greenhouse-grown and indoor buds pre- and post-harvest revealed the presence of Cladosporium and up to five species of Penicillium, as well as low levels of Alternaria species. Mechanical trimming of buds caused an increase in the frequency of Penicillium species, presumably by providing entry points through wounds or spreading endophytes from pith tissues. Aerial distribution of pathogen inoculum and mold spores and dissemination through vegetative propagation are important methods of spread, and entry through wound sites on roots, stems, and bud tissues facilitates pathogen establishment on cannabis plants.
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The evolution of molecular-based methods over the last two decades has provided new approaches to identify and characterize fungal communities or "mycobiomes" at resolutions previously not possible using traditional hazard identification methods. The recent focus on fungal community assemblages within indoor environments has provided renewed insight into overlooked sources of fungal exposure. In occupational studies, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing has recently been utilized in a variety of environments ranging from indoor office buildings to agricultural commodity and harvesting operations. RECENT FINDINGS Fungal communities identified in occupational environments have been primarily placed in the phylum Ascomycota and included classes typically identified using traditional fungal exposure methods such as the Eurotiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, and Saccharomycetes. The phylum Basidiomycota has also been reported to be more prevalent than previously estimated and ITS region sequences have been primarily derived from the classes Agaricomycetes and Ustilaginomycetes. These studies have also resolved sequences placed in the Basidiomycota classes Tremellomycetes and Exobasidiomycetes that include environmental and endogenous yeast species. These collective datasets have shown that occupational fungal exposures include a much broader diversity of fungi than once thought. Although the clinical implications for occupational allergy are an emerging field of research, establishing the mycobiome in occupational environments will be critical for future studies to determine the complete spectrum of worker exposures to fungal bioaerosols and their impact on worker health.
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22
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Dryburgh LM, Bolan NS, Grof CPL, Galettis P, Schneider J, Lucas CJ, Martin JH. Cannabis contaminants: sources, distribution, human toxicity and pharmacologic effects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:2468-2476. [PMID: 29953631 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a resurgence in interest and use of the cannabis plant for medical purposes. However, an in-depth understanding of plant contaminants and toxin effects on stability of plant compounds and human bioavailability is needed. This systematic review aims to assess current understanding of the contaminants of cannabis and their effect on human health, leading to the identification of knowledge gaps for future investigation. A systematic search of seven indexed biological and biomedical databases and the Cochrane library was undertaken from inception up to December 2017. A qualitative synthesis of filtered results was undertaken after independent assessment for eligibility by two reviewers. The common cannabis contaminants include microbes, heavy metals and pesticides. Their direct human toxicity is poorly quantified but include infection, carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental impacts. Cannabis dosing formulations and administration routes affect the transformation and bioavailability of contaminants. There may be important pharmacokinetic interactions between the alkaloid active ingredients of cannabis (i.e. phytocannabinoids) and contaminants but these are not yet identified nor quantified. There is significant paucity in the literature describing the prevalence and human impact of cannabis contaminants. Advances in the availability of cannabis globally warrant further research in this area, particularly when being used for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Dryburgh
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Christopher P L Grof
- The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Peter Galettis
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.,The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jennifer Schneider
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,NSW Health Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine J Lucas
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.,NSW Health Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer H Martin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.,The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, The University of Newcastle, Australia
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23
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Shapiro BB, Hedrick R, Vanle BC, Becker CA, Nguyen C, Underhill DM, Morgan MA, Kopple JD, Danovitch I, IsHak WW. Cryptococcal meningitis in a daily cannabis smoker without evidence of immunodeficiency. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2017-221435. [PMID: 29374632 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening condition most commonly observed in immunocompromised individuals. We describe a daily cannabis smoker without evidence of immunodeficiency presenting with confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. An investigation of cannabis samples from the patient's preferred dispensary demonstrated contamination with several varieties of Cryptococcus, including C. neoformans, and other opportunistic fungi. These findings raise concern regarding the safety of dispensary-grade cannabis, even in immunocompetent users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan B Shapiro
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Hedrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brigitte C Vanle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Courtney A Becker
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chris Nguyen
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David M Underhill
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Margie A Morgan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joel D Kopple
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.,UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Itai Danovitch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Waguih William IsHak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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24
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McKernan K, Spangler J, Helbert Y, Lynch RC, Devitt-Lee A, Zhang L, Orphe W, Warner J, Foss T, Hudalla CJ, Silva M, Smith DR. Metagenomic analysis of medicinal Cannabis samples; pathogenic bacteria, toxigenic fungi, and beneficial microbes grow in culture-based yeast and mold tests. F1000Res 2016; 5:2471. [PMID: 27853518 PMCID: PMC5089129 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.9662.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The presence of bacteria and fungi in medicinal or recreational
Cannabis poses a potential threat to consumers if those microbes include pathogenic or toxigenic species. This study evaluated two widely used culture-based platforms for total yeast and mold (TYM) testing marketed by 3M Corporation and Biomérieux, in comparison with a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach marketed by Medicinal Genomics Corporation. Methods: A set of 15 medicinal
Cannabis samples were analyzed using 3M and Biomérieux culture-based platforms and by qPCR to quantify microbial DNA. All samples were then subjected to next-generation sequencing and metagenomics analysis to enumerate the bacteria and fungi present before and after growth on culture-based media. Results: Several pathogenic or toxigenic bacterial and fungal species were identified in proportions of >5% of classified reads on the samples, including
Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ralstonia pickettii, Salmonella enterica, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Aspergillus ostianus, Aspergillus sydowii, Penicillium citrinum and
Penicillium steckii. Samples subjected to culture showed substantial shifts in the number and diversity of species present, including the failure of
Aspergillus species to grow well on either platform. Substantial growth of
Clostridium botulinum and other bacteria were frequently observed on one or both of the culture-based TYM platforms. The presence of plant growth promoting (beneficial) fungal species further influenced the differential growth of species in the microbiome of each sample. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for the
Cannabis and food safety testing industries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ryan C Lynch
- Medicinal Genomics Corporation, Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
| | | | - Lei Zhang
- Medicinal Genomics Corporation, Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
| | - Wendell Orphe
- Medicinal Genomics Corporation, Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
| | - Jason Warner
- Medicinal Genomics Corporation, Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
| | - Theodore Foss
- Medicinal Genomics Corporation, Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
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