1
|
Barbarić L, Bezbradica SC. A forensic application of genetic markers for distinction between drug-type and fiber-type Cannabis sativa L. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111853. [PMID: 37863007 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111853] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Genetic markers can represent a valuable tool for forensic purposes in discriminating between fiber-type and drug-type cannabis. The aim of this research was to evaluate developed genetic markers for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS) when applied on certified hemp (14 varieties) and forensic casework samples of four chemotypes (40 seizures). Chemotype-associated PCR-based markers did not enable reliable selective amplification despite the difference in cannabinoid composition. In order to characterize forensic samples of unknown origin, THCAS sequencing was performed. The comparison of THCAS sequences, including additional accessions, indicated high genetic similarity of hemp varieties. Confiscated samples of intermediate, THC, CBD and CBG type were clearly separated from fiber-type accessions and assigned to drug-type cluster. Despite the unknown origin, their position on the tree support the notion that they are more related to drug-type accessions than to the fiber-type. However, no clear distinction between chemotypes was found. Furthermore, 26 amino acid substitutions were revealed in THCAS that clearly separate hemp varieties and neither of them cluster with any other tested sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Barbarić
- Forensic Science Centre "Ivan Vučetić", Ministry of the Interior, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie Z, Mi Y, Kong L, Gao M, Chen S, Chen W, Meng X, Sun W, Chen S, Xu Z. Cannabis sativa: origin and history, glandular trichome development, and cannabinoid biosynthesis. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad150. [PMID: 37691962 PMCID: PMC10485653 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Is Cannabis a boon or bane? Cannabis sativa has long been a versatile crop for fiber extraction (industrial hemp), traditional Chinese medicine (hemp seeds), and recreational drugs (marijuana). Cannabis faced global prohibition in the twentieth century because of the psychoactive properties of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol; however, recently, the perspective has changed with the recognition of additional therapeutic values, particularly the pharmacological potential of cannabidiol. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism of cannabinoid biosynthesis is necessary to cultivate and promote globally the medicinal application of Cannabis resources. Here, we comprehensively review the historical usage of Cannabis, biosynthesis of trichome-specific cannabinoids, regulatory network of trichome development, and synthetic biology of cannabinoids. This review provides valuable insights into the efficient biosynthesis and green production of cannabinoids, and the development and utilization of novel Cannabis varieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yaolei Mi
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Lingzhe Kong
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Maolun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shanshan 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 100700, China
| | - Weiqiang 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 100700, China
| | - Xiangxiao Meng
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Shilin Chen
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Institute of Herbgenomics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ingvardsen CR, Brinch-Pedersen H. Challenges and potentials of new breeding techniques in Cannabis sativa. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1154332. [PMID: 37360738 PMCID: PMC10285108 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1154332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is an ancient crop used for fiber and seed production and not least for its content of cannabinoids used for medicine and as an intoxicant drug. Due to the psychedelic effect of one of the compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), many countries had regulations or bands on Cannabis growing, also as fiber or seed crop. Recently, as many of these regulations are getting less tight, the interest for the many uses of this crop is increasing. Cannabis is dioecious and highly heterogenic, making traditional breeding costly and time consuming. Further, it might be difficult to introduce new traits without changing the cannabinoid profile. Genome editing using new breeding techniques might solve these problems. The successful use of genome editing requires sequence information on suitable target genes, a genome editing tool to be introduced into plant tissue and the ability to regenerate plants from transformed cells. This review summarizes the current status of Cannabis breeding, uncovers potentials and challenges of Cannabis in an era of new breeding techniques and finally suggests future focus areas that may help to improve our overall understanding of Cannabis and realize the potentials of the plant.
Collapse
|
4
|
Roman MG, Cheng YC, Kerrigan S, Houston R. Evaluation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase polymorphisms for distinguishing between marijuana and hemp. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1370-1381. [PMID: 35416290 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies marijuana (Cannabis sativa) as a Schedule I illicit drug. However, the recent Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (U.S. Farm Bill) removed hemp from the definition of marijuana in the CSA, making it a legal crop. As a result, many hemp products are now available, including strains of hemp buds high in other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG). The genetic inheritance of chemical phenotype (chemotype) has been widely studied, with the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase gene at the forefront. Previous studies have speculated that there are two forms of the THCA gene, one that produces an active enzyme (present in marijuana) and one that cannot produce a functional enzyme (present in hemp). A DNA analysis method is desirable for determining crop type in sample types inconducive to chemical analysis, such as immature crops, trace residues, small leaf fragments, seeds, and root material. This study optimized and evaluated a previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay for determining C. sativa crop type. Furthermore, the presence or absence of 15 cannabinoids, including THC and THCA, was reported in cannabis reference materials and 15 legal hemp flower samples. The SNP assay correctly identified crop type in most samples. However, several marijuana samples were classified as hemp, and several hemp seeds were classified as marijuana. Two strains of legal CBG hemp flowers were also classified as marijuana, indicating that factors other than the genetic variation of the THCA synthase gene should be considered when determining crop type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G Roman
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Ya-Chih Cheng
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah Kerrigan
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Houston
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Understanding Cannabis sativa L.: Current Status of Propagation, Use, Legalization, and Haploid-Inducer-Mediated Genetic Engineering. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11091236. [PMID: 35567237 PMCID: PMC9104644 DOI: 10.3390/plants11091236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is an illegal plant in many countries. The worldwide criminalization of the plant has for many years limited its research. Consequently, understanding the full scope of its benefits and harm became limited too. However, in recent years the world has witnessed an increased pace in legalization and decriminalization of C. sativa. This has prompted an increase in scientific studies on various aspects of the plant’s growth, development, and use. This review brings together the historical and current information about the plant’s relationship with mankind. We highlight the important aspects of C. sativa classification and identification, carefully analyzing the supporting arguments for both monotypic (single species) and polytypic (multiple species) perspectives. The review also identifies recent studies on suitable conditions and methods for C. sativa propagation as well as highlighting the diverse uses of the plant. Specifically, we describe the beneficial and harmful effects of the prominent phytocannabinoids and provide status of the studies on heterologous synthesis of phytocannabinoids in different biological systems. With a historical view on C. sativa legality, the review also provides an up-to-date worldwide standpoint on its regulation. Finally, we present a summary of the studies on genome editing and suggest areas for future research.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pattnaik F, Nanda S, Mohanty S, Dalai AK, Kumar V, Ponnusamy SK, Naik S. Cannabis: Chemistry, extraction and therapeutic applications. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 289:133012. [PMID: 34838836 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis, a genus of perennial indigenous plants is well known for its recreational and medicinal activities. Cannabis and its derivatives have potential therapeutic activities to treat epilepsy, anxiety, depression, tumors, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, to name a few. This article reviews some recent literature on the bioactive constituents of Cannabis, commonly known as phytocannabinoids, their interactions with the different cannabinoids and non-cannabinoid receptors as well as the significances of these interactions in treating various diseases and syndromes. The biochemistry of some notable cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene and their carboxylic acid derivatives is explained in the context of therapeutic activities. The medicinal features of Cannabis-derived terpenes are elucidated for treating several neuro and non-neuro disorders. Different extraction techniques to recover cannabinoids are systematically discussed. Besides the medicinal activities, the traditional and recreational utilities of Cannabis and its derivatives are presented. A brief note on the legalization of Cannabis-derived products is provided. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the medicinal properties, recreational usage, extraction techniques, legalization and some prospects of cannabinoids and terpenes extracted from Cannabis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Falguni Pattnaik
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sonil Nanda
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Ajay K Dalai
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Ponnusamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satyanarayan Naik
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fulvio F, Paris R, Montanari M, Citti C, Cilento V, Bassolino L, Moschella A, Alberti I, Pecchioni N, Cannazza G, Mandolino G. Analysis of Sequence Variability and Transcriptional Profile of Cannabinoid synthase Genes in Cannabis sativa L. Chemotypes with a Focus on Cannabichromenic acid synthase. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1857. [PMID: 34579390 PMCID: PMC8466818 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. has been long cultivated for its narcotic potential due to the accumulation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in female inflorescences, but nowadays its production for fiber, seeds, edible oil and bioactive compounds has spread throughout the world. However, some hemp varieties still accumulate traces of residual THCA close to the 0.20% limit set by European Union, despite the functional gene encoding for THCA synthase (THCAS) is lacking. Even if some hypotheses have been produced, studies are often in disagreement especially on the role of the cannabichromenic acid synthase (CBCAS). In this work a set of European Cannabis genotypes, representative of all chemotypes, were investigated from a chemical and molecular point of view. Highly specific primer pairs were developed to allow an accurate distinction of different cannabinoid synthases genes. In addition to their use as markers to detect the presence of CBCAS at genomic level, they allowed the analysis of transcriptional profiles in hemp or marijuana plants. While the high level of transcription of THCAS and cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS) clearly reflects the chemical phenotype of the plants, the low but stable transcriptional level of CBCAS in all genotypes suggests that these genes are active and might contribute to the final amount of cannabinoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Fulvio
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Massimo Montanari
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR NANOTEC—Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cilento
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Laura Bassolino
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Anna Moschella
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Ilaria Alberti
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via G. Amendola 82, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC—Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (C.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandolino
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.M.); (V.C.); (L.B.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Velzen R, Schranz ME. Origin and Evolution of the Cannabinoid Oxidocyclase Gene Family. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evab130. [PMID: 34100927 PMCID: PMC8521752 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is an ancient crop representing a rapidly increasing legal market, especially for medicinal purposes. Medicinal and psychoactive effects of Cannabis rely on specific terpenophenolic ligands named cannabinoids. Recent whole-genome sequencing efforts have uncovered variation in multiple genes encoding the final steps in cannabinoid biosynthesis. However, the origin, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships of these cannabinoid oxidocyclase genes remain unclear. To elucidate these aspects, we performed comparative genomic analyses of Cannabis, related genera within the Cannabaceae family, and selected outgroup species. Results show that cannabinoid oxidocyclase genes originated in the Cannabis lineage from within a larger gene expansion in the Cannabaceae family. Localization and divergence of oxidocyclase genes in the Cannabis genome revealed two main syntenic blocks, each comprising tandemly repeated cannabinoid oxidocyclase genes. By comparing these blocks with those in genomes from closely related species, we propose an evolutionary model for the origin, neofunctionalization, duplication, and diversification of cannabinoid oxidocycloase genes. Based on phylogenetic analyses, we propose a comprehensive classification of three main clades and seven subclades that are intended to aid unequivocal referencing and identification of cannabinoid oxidocyclase genes. Our data suggest that cannabinoid phenotype is primarily determined by the presence/absence of single-copy genes. Although wild populations of Cannabis are still unknown, increased sampling of landraces and wild/feral populations across its native geographic range is likely to uncover additional cannabinoid oxidocyclase sequence variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin van Velzen
- Plant Sciences, Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Bedrocan International, Veendam, The Netherlands
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Plant Sciences, Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ren G, Zhang X, Li Y, Ridout K, Serrano-Serrano ML, Yang Y, Liu A, Ravikanth G, Nawaz MA, Mumtaz AS, Salamin N, Fumagalli L. Large-scale whole-genome resequencing unravels the domestication history of Cannabis sativa. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/29/eabg2286. [PMID: 34272249 PMCID: PMC8284894 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg2286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has long been an important source of fiber extracted from hemp and both medicinal and recreational drugs based on cannabinoid compounds. Here, we investigated its poorly known domestication history using whole-genome resequencing of 110 accessions from worldwide origins. We show that C. sativa was first domesticated in early Neolithic times in East Asia and that all current hemp and drug cultivars diverged from an ancestral gene pool currently represented by feral plants and landraces in China. We identified candidate genes associated with traits differentiating hemp and drug cultivars, including branching pattern and cellulose/lignin biosynthesis. We also found evidence for loss of function of genes involved in the synthesis of the two major biochemically competing cannabinoids during selection for increased fiber production or psychoactive properties. Our results provide a unique global view of the domestication of C. sativa and offer valuable genomic resources for ongoing functional and molecular breeding research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangpeng Ren
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, School of Life Science and Institute of Innovation Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, School of Life Science and Institute of Innovation Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, School of Life Science and Institute of Innovation Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Kate Ridout
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martha L Serrano-Serrano
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yongzhi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, School of Life Science and Institute of Innovation Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Ai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, School of Life Science and Institute of Innovation Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Gudasalamani Ravikanth
- Suri Sehgal Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore 560 064, India
| | - Muhammad Ali Nawaz
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Zoology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Samad Mumtaz
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Nicolas Salamin
- Department of Computational Biology, Génopode, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Fumagalli
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Centre Universitaire Romand de Médecine Légale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois et Université de Lausanne, Chemin de la Vulliette 4, 1000 Lausanne 25, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tremlová B, Mikulášková HK, Hajduchová K, Jancikova S, Kaczorová D, Ćavar Zeljković S, Dordevic D. Influence of Technological Maturity on the Secondary Metabolites of Hemp Concentrate ( Cannabis sativa L.). Foods 2021; 10:1418. [PMID: 34207353 PMCID: PMC8234299 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, the popularity of hemp products has been rising rapidly. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are of predominant interest. Traditional hemp products are frequently enriched by CBD due to their potential therapeutic effects. Cannabidiol occurs naturally in hemp juice together with other biologically active substances, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and stilbenoids. These constituents act synergistically. This study aimed to observe the influence of the hemp plant developmental stage on its chemical composition and antioxidant activity. The hemp plants were analyzed during three vegetative stages, i.e., before, during, and after flowering. The collected samples were evaluated using the following analyses: total polyphenolic content and profile, terpenoid and cannabinoid contents, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The results revealed statistically significant differences between the samples in almost all set parameters. The optimal period for hemp harvest depends on desirable compounds, i.e., phenolic content is the highest before flowering, while the levels of cannabinoids and terpenoids are the highest during the flowering period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohuslava Tremlová
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (B.T.); (H.K.M.); (K.H.); (S.J.)
| | - Hana Koudelková Mikulášková
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (B.T.); (H.K.M.); (K.H.); (S.J.)
| | - Klaudia Hajduchová
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (B.T.); (H.K.M.); (K.H.); (S.J.)
| | - Simona Jancikova
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (B.T.); (H.K.M.); (K.H.); (S.J.)
| | - Dominika Kaczorová
- Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Department of Genetic Resources for Vegetables, Medicinal and Special Plants, Crop Research Institute, Šlechtitelů 29, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (S.Ć.Z.)
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Sanja Ćavar Zeljković
- Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Department of Genetic Resources for Vegetables, Medicinal and Special Plants, Crop Research Institute, Šlechtitelů 29, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (S.Ć.Z.)
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Dani Dordevic
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (B.T.); (H.K.M.); (K.H.); (S.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Grijó DR, Olivo JE, da Motta Lima OC. Simple chemical tests to identify Cannabis derivatives: Redefinition of parameters and analysis of concepts. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1647-1657. [PMID: 34142715 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The chemical identification of Cannabis is commonly carried out using the Duquenois-Levine (DL) colorimetric test. On the other hand, its active substances called cannabinoids are differentiated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This work aims to optimize parameters of these two chemical tests using different samples of Cannabis in natura and previously heated (decarboxylated), as well as their isolated bioactive and possible false positives. The efficiency of the DL test without using ether and aliphatic aldehyde was evaluated, comparing the removal or not of the solid sample from the reaction medium after applying different concentrations of the vanillin ethanolic solution. The chemical properties of different cannabinoids and solvents were estimated and correlated with the TLC retention factors. DL tests applied directly to the plant matrix did not show the expected color, even using a high concentration of vanillin. However, obtaining ethanolic extracts from the samples using low vanillin concentration was sufficient without detecting false positives described in the literature. Cannabinoids with high dipole moment ( μ ) were poorly eluted in TLC, indicating a great interaction with the stationary phase. Their identifications could be conducted based on their distinct lipophilic characteristics ( log P OW ) and the choice of a more polar solvent mix ( μ mix ). It is concluded that the DL test can be conducted with reagents of less toxicity, but it is necessary to remove the plant matrix from the reaction medium. The correlation of the TLC results with the chemical properties of cannabinoids and solvents was consistent and can be extrapolated for more complex analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ribeiro Grijó
- Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Olivo
- Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| | - Oswaldo Curty da Motta Lima
- Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cahill SP, Lunn SE, Diaz P, Page JE. Evaluation of Patient Reported Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis From a Survey of Medical Cannabis Patients in Canada. Front Public Health 2021; 9:626853. [PMID: 34095048 PMCID: PMC8172603 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.626853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With the medical use of cannabis permitted in Canada since 2001, patients seek to use this botanical drug to treat a range of medical conditions. However, many healthcare practitioners express the need for further scientific evidence around the use of medical cannabis. This real-world evidence study aimed to address the paucity of scientific data by surveying newly registered medical cannabis patients, before beginning medical cannabis treatment, and at one follow up 6 weeks after beginning medical cannabis treatment. The goal was to collect data on efficacy, safety and cannabis product type information to capture the potential impact medical cannabis had on patient-reported quality of life (QOL) and several medical conditions over a 6-week period using validated questionnaires. The 214 participants were mainly male (58%) and 57% of the population was older than 50. The most frequently reported medical conditions were recurrent pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, sleep disorders [including restless leg syndrome (RLS)], and arthritis and other rheumatic disorders. Here we report that over 60% of our medical cannabis cohort self-reported improvements in their medical conditions. With the use of validated surveys, we found significant improvements in recurrent pain, PTSD, and sleep disorders after 6 weeks of medical cannabis treatment. Our findings from patients who reported arthritis and other rheumatic disorders are complex, showing improvements in pain and global activity sub-scores, but not overall changes in validated survey scores. We also report that patients who stated anxiety as their main medical condition did not experience significant changes in their anxiety after 6 weeks of cannabis treatment, though there were QOL improvements. While these results show that patients find cannabis treatment effective for a broad range of medical conditions, cannabis was not a remedy for all the conditions investigated. Thus, there is a need for future clinical research to support the findings we have reported. Additionally, while real-world evidence has not historically been utilized by regulatory bodies, we suggest changes in public policy surrounding cannabis should occur to reflect patient reported efficacy of cannabis from real-world studies due to the uniqueness of medical cannabis's path to legalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jonathan E. Page
- Aurora Cannabis Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Adhikary D, Kulkarni M, El-Mezawy A, Mobini S, Elhiti M, Gjuric R, Ray A, Polowick P, Slaski JJ, Jones MP, Bhowmik P. Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Tissue Culture: Present Status and Future Potential. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:627240. [PMID: 33747008 PMCID: PMC7968383 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.627240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years high-THC (psychoactive) and low-THC (industrial hemp) type cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) have gained immense attention in medical, food, and a plethora of other consumer product markets. Among the planting materials used for cultivation, tissue culture clones provide various advantages such as economies of scale, production of disease-free and true-to-type plants for reducing the risk of GMP-EuGMP level medical cannabis production, as well as the development and application of various technologies for genetic improvement. Various tissue culture methods have the potential application with cannabis for research, breeding, and novel trait development, as well as commercial mass propagation. Although tissue culture techniques for plant regeneration and micropropagation have been reported for different cannabis genotypes and explant sources, there are significant variations in the response of cultures and the morphogenic pathway. Methods for many high-yielding elite strains are still rudimentary, and protocols are not established. With a recent focus on sequencing and genomics in cannabis, genetic transformation systems are applied to medical cannabis and hemp for functional gene annotation via traditional and transient transformation methods to create novel phenotypes by gene expression modulation and to validate gene function. This review presents the current status of research focusing on different aspects of tissue culture, including micropropagation, transformation, and the regeneration of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp transformants. Potential future tissue culture research strategies helping elite cannabis breeding and propagation are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Adhikary
- Department of Agricultural, Food, & Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manoj Kulkarni
- Canadian Cannabis Breeding Consortium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Saied Mobini
- Canadian Cannabis Breeding Consortium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Rale Gjuric
- Farmers Business Network Inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Anamika Ray
- Canadian Cannabis Breeding Consortium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Maxwell P. Jones
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Forlani G, Petrollino D. A comprehensive molecular approach to the detection of drug-type versus fiber-type hemp varieties. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 52:102464. [PMID: 33461105 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102464] [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: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The availability of molecular markers able to distinguish drug-type from fiber-type Cannabis sativa cultivars would allow fast and cheap analysis of any plant specimen, including seeds and leaves. Several approaches to this issue have been described, mainly using polymorphisms in the genes coding for tetrahydrocannabinol acid synthase or cannabidiolic acid synthase. Some studies reported sequencing of these genes from small groups of hemp varieties belonging to both chemotypes, showing the occurrence of specific DNA signatures. However, the effectiveness of the corresponding primers to discriminate among chemotypes has been validated on a limited number of cultivars, or not tested at all. Here we report a thorough in silico analysis of available gene sequences for both synthases, showing the existence of hypervariable regions at 3' and 5' ends. This notwithstanding, some possible signatures were identified, and 12 putatively specific primer pairs were designed and tested on 16 fiber-type and 11 drug-type varieties. In most cases inconsistent results were obtained, further strengthening the high genetic variability of these genes in hemp germplasm, yet some highly informative polymorphisms were identified. Potentiality and perspectives of this approach are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forlani
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, IT, 44121, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yamamuro T, Segawa H, Kuwayama K, Tsujikawa K, Kanamori T, Iwata YT. Rapid identification of drug-type and fiber-type cannabis by allele specific duplex PCR. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110634. [PMID: 33278699 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110634] [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: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is classified into two types: drug-type cannabis, which is abused worldwide, and fiber-type cannabis, which is used for industrial purposes. The two types are a result of differences in the sequences of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS) and cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS) genes. In the present study, we aimed to establish a PCR-based method to distinguish between drug-type and fiber-type cannabis by detecting the differences in the sequences of THCAS and CBDAS. We constructed a single-plex PCR targeting active THCAS, and observed drug-type cannabis-specific amplification when using 10pg to 1ng of DNA; however, amplification was also observed in fiber-type cannabis when the DNA content reached 10ng. Similarly, single-plex PCR targeting active CBDAS showed fiber-type cannabis-specific amplification in 100pg of DNA, as well as in >1ng of drug-type cannabis DNA. Therefore, when an allele-specific duplex PCR system was constructed, in which both primer sets were mixed at an appropriate ratio, unintended nonspecific amplification was suppressed and amplicons of different sizes were observed between the drug-type and fiber-type cannabis, using DNA samples in the range of 1pg to 10ng. When the constructed duplex PCR was performed on DNA extracted from various cannabis seed samples, it was possible to distinguish between the drug-type and the fiber-type as well as detect a hybrid-type with both active THCAS and active CBDAS and a special type with neither. The identification method developed in the present study can quickly and accurately distinguish between drug-type and fiber-type cannabis, and is expected to be used for various purposes such as the detection of genetic contamination of industrial hemp as well as forensic examination of cannabis-related cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yamamuro
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Segawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Kuwayama
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsujikawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Tatsuyuki Kanamori
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Yuko T Iwata
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Singh A, Bilichak A, Kovalchuk I. The genetics of Cannabis-genomic variations of key synthases and their effect on cannabinoid content. Genome 2020; 64:490-501. [PMID: 33186070 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2020-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite being a controversial crop, Cannabis sativa L. has a long history of cultivation throughout the world. Following recent legalization in Canada, Cannabis is emerging as an important plant for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Recent progress in genome sequencing of both cannabis and hemp varieties allow for systematic analysis of genes coding for enzymes involved in the cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding regions of cannabinoid synthases play an important role in determining plant chemotype. Deep understanding of how these variants affect enzyme activity and accumulation of cannabinoids will allow breeding of novel cultivars with desirable cannabinoid profiles. Here we present a short overview of the major cannabinoid synthases and present the data on the analysis of their genetic variants and their effect on cannabinoid content using several in-house sequenced Cannabis cultivars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Andriy Bilichak
- Morden Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Morden, MB R6M 1Y5, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wenger JP, Dabney CJ, ElSohly MA, Chandra S, Radwan MM, Majumdar CG, Weiblen GD. Validating a predictive model of cannabinoid inheritance with feral, clinical, and industrial Cannabis sativa. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2020; 107:1423-1432. [PMID: 33103246 PMCID: PMC7702092 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE How genetic variation within a species affects phytochemical composition is a fundamental question in botany. The ratio of two specialized metabolites in Cannabis sativa, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can be grouped into three main classes (THC-type, CBD-type, and intermediate type). We tested a genetic model associating these three groups with functional and nonfunctional alleles of the cannabidiolic acid synthase gene (CBDAS). METHODS We characterized cannabinoid content and assayed CBDAS genotypes of >300 feral C. sativa plants in Minnesota, United States. We performed a test cross to assess CBDAS inheritance. Twenty clinical cultivars obtained blindly from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and 12 Canadian-certified grain cultivars were also examined. RESULTS Frequencies of CBD-type, intermediate-type, and THC-type feral plants were 0.88, 0.11, and 0.01, respectively. Although total cannabinoid content varied substantially, the three groupings were perfectly correlated with CBDAS genotypes. Genotype frequencies observed in the test cross were consistent with codominant Mendelian inheritance of the THC:CBD ratio. Despite significant mean differences in total cannabinoid content, CBDAS genotypes blindly predicted the THC:CBD ratio among clinical cultivars, and the same was true for industrial grain cultivars when plants exhibited >0.5% total cannabinoid content. CONCLUSIONS Our results extend the generality of the inheritance model for THC:CBD to diverse C. sativa accessions and demonstrate that CBDAS genotyping can predict the ratio in a variety of practical applications. Cannabinoid profiles and associated CBDAS segregation patterns suggest that feral C. sativa populations are potentially valuable experimental systems and sources of germplasm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P. Wenger
- Department of Plant & Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMN55108USA
| | - Clemon J. Dabney
- Department of Plant & Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMN55108USA
| | - Mahmoud A. ElSohly
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug DeliverySchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMS38677USA
- National Center for Natural Products ResearchResearch Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMS38677USA
| | - Suman Chandra
- National Center for Natural Products ResearchResearch Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMS38677USA
| | - Mohamed M. Radwan
- National Center for Natural Products ResearchResearch Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMS38677USA
| | - Chandrani G. Majumdar
- National Center for Natural Products ResearchResearch Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMS38677USA
| | - George D. Weiblen
- Department of Plant & Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMN55108USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Henry P, Khatodia S, Kapoor K, Gonzales B, Middleton A, Hong K, Hilyard A, Johnson S, Allen D, Chester Z, Jin D, Rodriguez Jule JC, Wilson I, Gangola M, Broome J, Caplan D, Adhikary D, Deyholos MK, Morgan M, Hall OW, Guppy BJ, Orser C. A single nucleotide polymorphism assay sheds light on the extent and distribution of genetic diversity, population structure and functional basis of key traits in cultivated north American cannabis. J Cannabis Res 2020; 2:26. [PMID: 33526123 PMCID: PMC7819309 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-020-00036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The taxonomic classification of Cannabis genus has been delineated through three main types: sativa (tall and less branched plant with long and narrow leaves), indica (short and highly branched plant with broader leaves) and ruderalis (heirloom type with short stature, less branching and small thick leaves). While still under discussion, particularly whether the genus is polytypic or monotypic, this broad classification reflects putative geographical origins of each group and putative chemotype and pharmacologic effect. METHODS Here we describe a thorough investigation of cannabis accessions using a set of 23 highly informative and polymorphic SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers associated with important traits such as cannabinoid and terpenoid expression as well as fibre and resin production. The assay offers insight into cannabis population structure, phylogenetic relationship, population genetics and correlation to secondary metabolite concentrations. We demonstrate the utility of the assay for rapid, repeatable and cost-efficient genotyping of commercial and industrial cannabis accessions for use in product traceability, breeding programs, regulatory compliance and consumer education. RESULTS We identified 5 clusters in the sample set, including industrial hemp (K5) and resin hemp, which likely underwent a bottleneck to stabilize cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) accumulation (K2, Type II & III). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) resin (Type I) makes up the other three clusters with terpinolene (K4 - colloquial "sativa" or "Narrow Leaflet Drug" (NLD), myrcene/pinene (K1) and myrcene/limonene/linalool (K3 - colloquial "indica", "Broad Leaflet Drug" (BLD), which also putatively harbour an active version of the cannabichrometic acid Synthase gene (CBCAS). CONCLUSION The final chemical compositions of cannabis products have key traits related to their genetic identities. Our analyses in the context of the NCBI Cannabis sativa Annotation Release 100 allows for hypothesis testing with regards to secondary metabolite production. Genetic markers related to secondary metabolite production will be important in many sectors of the cannabis marketplace. For example, markers related to THC production will be important for adaptable and compliant large-scale seed production under the new US Domestic Hemp Production Program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Henry
- VSSL Enterprises Ltd., West Kelowna, BC, Canada.
- Digipath Labs Inc., Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dan Jin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Polar Bear Genome BioPharma, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Labs-Mart Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Iain Wilson
- Okanagan Gold Cannabis Corp, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Manu Gangola
- The Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Broome
- The Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., Kelowna, BC, Canada
- HYTN Beverages, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Deron Caplan
- The Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Dinesh Adhikary
- Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael K Deyholos
- Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Morgan
- Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Noble Growth Corp, Drayton Valley, AB, Canada
| | | | - Brent J Guppy
- Synthase Genetics Inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- OneLeaf Cannabis Co., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Botanist Organic Growers, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Henry P, Khatodia S, Kapoor K, Gonzales B, Middleton A, Hong K, Hilyard A, Johnson S, Allen D, Chester Z, Jin D, Rodriguez Jule JC, Wilson I, Gangola M, Broome J, Caplan D, Adhikary D, Deyholos MK, Morgan M, Hall OW, Guppy BJ, Orser C. A single nucleotide polymorphism assay sheds light on the extent and distribution of genetic diversity, population structure and functional basis of key traits in cultivated north American cannabis. J Cannabis Res 2020; 2:26. [PMID: 33526123 DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.16.951459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The taxonomic classification of Cannabis genus has been delineated through three main types: sativa (tall and less branched plant with long and narrow leaves), indica (short and highly branched plant with broader leaves) and ruderalis (heirloom type with short stature, less branching and small thick leaves). While still under discussion, particularly whether the genus is polytypic or monotypic, this broad classification reflects putative geographical origins of each group and putative chemotype and pharmacologic effect. METHODS Here we describe a thorough investigation of cannabis accessions using a set of 23 highly informative and polymorphic SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers associated with important traits such as cannabinoid and terpenoid expression as well as fibre and resin production. The assay offers insight into cannabis population structure, phylogenetic relationship, population genetics and correlation to secondary metabolite concentrations. We demonstrate the utility of the assay for rapid, repeatable and cost-efficient genotyping of commercial and industrial cannabis accessions for use in product traceability, breeding programs, regulatory compliance and consumer education. RESULTS We identified 5 clusters in the sample set, including industrial hemp (K5) and resin hemp, which likely underwent a bottleneck to stabilize cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) accumulation (K2, Type II & III). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) resin (Type I) makes up the other three clusters with terpinolene (K4 - colloquial "sativa" or "Narrow Leaflet Drug" (NLD), myrcene/pinene (K1) and myrcene/limonene/linalool (K3 - colloquial "indica", "Broad Leaflet Drug" (BLD), which also putatively harbour an active version of the cannabichrometic acid Synthase gene (CBCAS). CONCLUSION The final chemical compositions of cannabis products have key traits related to their genetic identities. Our analyses in the context of the NCBI Cannabis sativa Annotation Release 100 allows for hypothesis testing with regards to secondary metabolite production. Genetic markers related to secondary metabolite production will be important in many sectors of the cannabis marketplace. For example, markers related to THC production will be important for adaptable and compliant large-scale seed production under the new US Domestic Hemp Production Program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Henry
- VSSL Enterprises Ltd., West Kelowna, BC, Canada.
- Digipath Labs Inc., Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dan Jin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Polar Bear Genome BioPharma, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Labs-Mart Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Iain Wilson
- Okanagan Gold Cannabis Corp, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Manu Gangola
- The Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Broome
- The Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., Kelowna, BC, Canada
- HYTN Beverages, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Deron Caplan
- The Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Dinesh Adhikary
- Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael K Deyholos
- Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Morgan
- Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Noble Growth Corp, Drayton Valley, AB, Canada
| | | | - Brent J Guppy
- Synthase Genetics Inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- OneLeaf Cannabis Co., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Botanist Organic Growers, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Farinon B, Molinari R, Costantini L, Merendino N. The seed of industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071935. [PMID: 32610691 PMCID: PMC7400098 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hempseeds, the edible fruits of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, were initially considered a by-product of the hemp technical fibre industry. Nowadays, following the restorationing of the cultivation of C. sativa L. plants containing an amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) <0.3% or 0.2% (industrial hemp) there is a growing interest for the hempseeds production due to their high nutritional value and functional features. The goal of this review is to examine the scientific literature concerning the nutritional and functional properties of hempseeds. Furthermore, we revised the scientific literature regarding the potential use of hempseeds and their derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic-degenerative diseases on animal models and humans too. In the first part of the work, we provide information regarding the genetic, biochemical, and legislative aspects of this plant that are, in our opinion essential to understand the difference between “industrial” and “drug-type” hemp. In the final part of the review, the employment of hempseeds by the food industry as livestock feed supplement and as ingredient to enrich or fortify daily foods has also revised. Overall, this review intends to encourage further and comprehensive investigations about the adoption of hempseeds in the functional foods field.
Collapse
|