Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis sativa threshing residue is the plant material left after extracting resinous trichomes from the dried female plant. This study examines the phytochemical properties of C. sativa threshing residue and screens its vasorelaxant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities.
Methods: The residue was extracted sequentially using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The four fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay determined in vitro antioxidant activity. The vasorelaxant effect was explored using rat mesenteric arterial beds (MABs). Antimicrobial studies on Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were conducted using microdilution tests. Immunomodulatory activity was determined using cell proliferation, antibody production, and complement tests.
Results: Phytochemical analysis of the four fractions revealed many volatile bioactive compounds, including terpenes like phytol and squalene and cannabinoids like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD). The fractions had significant polyphenol and flavonoid content. They dose-dependently dilated the MAB and demonstrated varying DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Immunomodulatory activity showed an immunosuppressive effect on cell proliferation and biological functions. The four bacterial strains studied were sensitive to the fractions but with different degrees.
Conclusion: Cannabis sativa threshing residue demonstrated diverse pharmacological potential, suggesting its suitability for developing cannabis-based medications targeting hypertension-related damage, free radicals, and bacteria, expanding its potential applications beyond inflammation-related conditions