Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review

The growing demand for plant-based protein and natural food ingredients has further fueled interest in exploring hemp seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.) as a sustainable source of and nutrition. In addition to the content of proteins and healthy fats (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic aci...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Virginia Tanase Apetroaei, Daniela Ionela Istrati, Camelia Vizireanu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/124
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1841549092231053312
author Virginia Tanase Apetroaei
Daniela Ionela Istrati
Camelia Vizireanu
author_facet Virginia Tanase Apetroaei
Daniela Ionela Istrati
Camelia Vizireanu
author_sort Virginia Tanase Apetroaei
collection DOAJ
description The growing demand for plant-based protein and natural food ingredients has further fueled interest in exploring hemp seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.) as a sustainable source of and nutrition. In addition to the content of proteins and healthy fats (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), hemp seeds are rich in phytochemical compounds, especially terpenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, which contribute to their bioactive properties. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, making hemp seeds a promising ingredient for promoting health. Since THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are found only in traces, hemp seeds can be used in food applications because the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis are avoided. Therefore, the present article reviews the scientific literature on traditional and modern extraction methods for obtaining active substances that meet food safety standards, enabling the transformation of conventional foods into functional foods that provide additional health benefits and promote a balanced and sustainable diet. Also, the identification methods of biologically active compounds extracted from hemp seeds and their bioactivity were evaluated. Mechanical pressing extraction, steam distillation, solvent-based methods (Soxhlet, maceration), and advanced techniques such as microwave-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction were evaluated. Identification methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) allowed for detailed chemical profiling of cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenolic substances. Optimizing extraction parameters, including solvent type, temperature, and time, is crucial for maximizing yield and purity, offering the potential for developing value-added foods with health benefits.
format Article
id doaj-art-aec08455e6d04d0bab1afb8f9b768e7a
institution Kabale University
issn 1420-3049
language English
publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Molecules
spelling doaj-art-aec08455e6d04d0bab1afb8f9b768e7a2025-01-10T13:18:57ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492024-12-0130112410.3390/molecules30010124Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A ReviewVirginia Tanase Apetroaei0Daniela Ionela Istrati1Camelia Vizireanu2Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111 Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, RomaniaFaculty of Food Science and Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111 Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, RomaniaFaculty of Food Science and Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111 Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, RomaniaThe growing demand for plant-based protein and natural food ingredients has further fueled interest in exploring hemp seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.) as a sustainable source of and nutrition. In addition to the content of proteins and healthy fats (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), hemp seeds are rich in phytochemical compounds, especially terpenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, which contribute to their bioactive properties. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, making hemp seeds a promising ingredient for promoting health. Since THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are found only in traces, hemp seeds can be used in food applications because the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis are avoided. Therefore, the present article reviews the scientific literature on traditional and modern extraction methods for obtaining active substances that meet food safety standards, enabling the transformation of conventional foods into functional foods that provide additional health benefits and promote a balanced and sustainable diet. Also, the identification methods of biologically active compounds extracted from hemp seeds and their bioactivity were evaluated. Mechanical pressing extraction, steam distillation, solvent-based methods (Soxhlet, maceration), and advanced techniques such as microwave-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction were evaluated. Identification methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) allowed for detailed chemical profiling of cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenolic substances. Optimizing extraction parameters, including solvent type, temperature, and time, is crucial for maximizing yield and purity, offering the potential for developing value-added foods with health benefits.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/124<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.extractionterpenesphenolic compoundscannabinoidsbiological activity
spellingShingle Virginia Tanase Apetroaei
Daniela Ionela Istrati
Camelia Vizireanu
Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
Molecules
<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.
extraction
terpenes
phenolic compounds
cannabinoids
biological activity
title Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
title_full Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
title_fullStr Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
title_full_unstemmed Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
title_short Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
title_sort plant derived compounds in hemp seeds i cannabis sativa i l extraction identification and bioactivity a review
topic <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.
extraction
terpenes
phenolic compounds
cannabinoids
biological activity
url https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/124
work_keys_str_mv AT virginiatanaseapetroaei plantderivedcompoundsinhempseedsicannabissativailextractionidentificationandbioactivityareview
AT danielaionelaistrati plantderivedcompoundsinhempseedsicannabissativailextractionidentificationandbioactivityareview
AT cameliavizireanu plantderivedcompoundsinhempseedsicannabissativailextractionidentificationandbioactivityareview