Category Archives: Uncategorized

Biopeptide-rich fermented hemp seeds: Boosting anti-inflammatory and immune responses through Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotic fermentation

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) seeds are increasingly recognized as a promising food source rich in phytochemicals that support inflammatory and immunological reactions.

This study investigates whether fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can further enhance these functional properties, paving the way for hemp seeds to be developed into potent functional food ingredients.

Aqueous, 70 % ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts from both L. plantarum-fermented (FHS) and unfermented hemp seeds (HS) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities using cell-based assays.

The 70 % ethanol extract of FHS exhibited marked inhibitory effects on cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10, with fermentation significantly enhancing these effects by 25 %, 39.3 %, and 29.6 %, respectively, compared to the unfermented extracts. Additionally, mRNA expression analysis confirmed the strong immunomodulatory potential of the fermented extracts. Intracellular metabolomic analysis revealed that the ‘antifolate resistance’, ‘nicotine addiction’, ‘aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis’, and ‘D-amino acid metabolism’ are highlighted in the reasons for this enhancement. Furthermore, FHS significantly prolonged the survival of C. elegans exposed to pathogens, with gene expression analysis indicating modulation of the innate immune system via regulation of genes such as gcs-1, lys-1, dbl-1, pmk-1, elt-2, and dod-22. A comprehensive metabolomic and correlation analysis identified five novel bioactive peptides (AAELIGVP, AAVPYPQ, VFPEVAP, DVIGVPLG, PVPKVL) and bioactive acids (indoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid) that were enriched during fermentation, which are strongly linked to the enhanced anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects observed.

These findings suggest that L. plantarum-fermented hemp seeds hold significant promise as functional ingredients in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory food products, with potential applications in health and wellness industries.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39706455/

“L. plantarum fermentation amplified the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014181302409593X?via%3Dihub

Cannabidiol induces autophagy via CB1 receptor and reduces α-synuclein cytosolic levels

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Numerous studies have explored the role of cannabinoids in neurological conditions, chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases. Restoring autophagy has been proposed as a potential target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

In our study, we used a neuroblastoma cell line that overexpresses wild-type α-synuclein to investigate the effects of cannabidiol on autophagy modulation and reduction in the level of cytosolic α-synuclein.

Our results demonstrated that cannabidiol enhances the accumulation of LC3-II- and GFP-LC3-positive vesicles, which indicates an increase in autophagic flux. In addition, cannabidiol-treated cells showed a reduction in cytosolic α-synuclein levels. These effects were inhibited when the cells were treated with a CB1 receptor-selective antagonist, which indicates that the biological effects of cannabidiol are mediated via its interaction with CB1 receptor. Additionally, we also observed that cannabinoid compounds induce autophagy and α-synuclein degradation after they interact with the CB1 receptor.

In summary, our data suggest that cannabidiol induces autophagy and reduces cytosolic α-synuclein levels. These biological effects are mediated preferentially through the interaction of cannabidiol with CB1 receptors, and therefore, cannabinoid compounds that act selectively on this receptor could represent a new approach for autophagy modulation and degradation of protein aggregates.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39710053/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899324006693?via%3Dihub

Effects of Cannabidiol on Biomineralization and Inflammatory Mediators Expression in Immortalized Murine Dental Pulp Cells and Macrophages under Pro-Inflammatory Conditions

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Objectives: This study investigated the in vitro effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on dental pulp cells and macrophages under pro-inflammatory conditions.

Materials and methods: Mouse dental pulp undifferentiated cells (OD-21) were pre-stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (10 ng/mL) or left untreated, then exposed to CBD at concentrations of 0.01 µM, 0.1 µM, 1 µM, and 10 µM for 24 hours and 7 days. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while gene expression related to mineralization-Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (Dspp), Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (Dmp1), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), TNF-α (Tnf), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) were analyzed via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Mineralization nodule formation was evaluated using alizarin red staining. Macrophages (RAW 264.7) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 2 hours before exposure to the same CBD concentrations. Data analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk normality test and comparisons using ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results: The findings indicated that CBD did not significantly affect OD-21 cell viability, except for the 10 µM concentration after 7 days (p < 0.05). CBD treatment promoted mineralization, with significant differences observed among groups (p < 0.05). Notably, Ptgs2 expression varied between time points, while Runx2 expression was significantly reduced at 24 hours (p < 0.05). In macrophages, Ptgs2 expression was low, and TNF-α levels were downregulated across all tested CBD concentrations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These results suggest that cannabidiol may positively influence the biomineralization process and modulate inflammatory mediator expression.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39706322/

“Cannabidiol is a compelling candidate for innovative dental therapies aimed at both reparative and preventive care.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300571224007048?via%3Dihub

Cannabidiol alleviates LPS-inhibited odonto/osteogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells in vitro

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Aim: Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, exhibits benefits in potentially alleviating a number of oral and dental pathoses, including pulpitis and periodontal diseases. This study aimed to explore the impact of CBD on several traits of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC), such as their proliferation, apoptosis, migration and odonto/osteogenic differentiation.

Methodology: hDPSCs were harvested from human dental pulp tissues. The cells were treated with CBD at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 25 and 50 μg/mL. Cell responses in terms of cell proliferation, colony-forming unit, cell cycle progression, cell migration, apoptosis and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs were assessed in the normal culture condition and P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ‘inflammatory’ milieus. RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis were performed to predict target pathways impacted by CBD.

Results: CBD minimally affects hDPSCs’ behaviour under normal culture growth milieu in normal conditions. However, an optimal concentration of 1.25 μg/mL CBD significantly countered the harmful effects of LPS, indicated by the promoting cell proliferation and restoring the odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of hDPSCs under LPS-treated conditions. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that several proteins involved in cell proliferation and differentiation were upregulated following CBD exposure, including CCL8, CDC42 and KFL5. RNA sequencing data indicated that CBD upregulated the Notch signalling pathway. In an inhibitory experiment, DAPT, a Notch inhibitor, reduced the effect of CBD-rescued LPS-attenuated mineralization in hDPSCs, suggesting that CBD potentially mediates Notch activation to exert its impact on odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.

Conclusions: CBD recovers the proliferation and survival of hDPSCs following exposure to LPS. Additionally, we report that CBD-mediated Notch activation effectively restores the odonto/osteogenic differentiation ability of hDPSCs under inflamed conditions. These results underscore the potential role of CBD as a therapeutic option to enhance dentine regeneration.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39697062/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/iej.14183

Deciphering the Phytochemical Potential of Hemp Hairy Roots: A Promising Source of Cannabisins and Triterpenes as Bioactive Compounds

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Cannabis sativa L., specifically hemp, is a traditional herbaceous plant with industrial and medicinal uses.

While much research has focused on cannabinoids and terpenes, the potential of hemp roots is less explored due to bioproduction challenges. Still, this material is rich in bioactive compounds and demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Biotechnological methods, such as hairy root cultures, enable the efficient production of specialized metabolites while avoiding the issues of outdoors cultures. Despite these benefits, the chemical diversity understanding of hemp hairy roots remains limited.

In this study, we conducted an extensive NMR and LC/MS chemical profiling of hemp hairy roots to determine their chemical composition, revealing the presence of cannabisins for the first time. We then investigated the accumulation of cannabisins and triterpenes in both hemp hairy roots and hemp aeroponic roots.

Our findings reveal that hairy roots produce 12 times more cannabisins and 6 times more triterpenes than aeroponic roots, respectively, in addition to yielding 3 times more biomass in bioreactors. Preliminary bioassays also suggest antioxidant and antifungal properties. This research underscores the potential of hemp hairy roots as a valuable source of specialized metabolites and calls for further exploration into their bioactive compounds and applications.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39683949/

“This study highlights the unique phytochemical profile of hemp hairy roots and underscores their potential for various applications. The advantages offered by hairy root cultures, such as improved productivity of biomass and metabolites, better reliability due to in vitro controlled culture and genetic consistency, and water- and energy-saving potential, make them a promising avenue for further exploration and utilization in industrial and medicinal contexts.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/23/5792

Exploring the Biological Activity of Phytocannabinoid Formulations for Skin Health Care: A Special Focus on Molecular Pathways

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Recent advancements have highlighted the potential of cannabis and its phytocannabinoids (pCBs) in skin health applications.

These compounds, through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), show promise for skin health products. Their ability to regulate inflammation, oxidative stress and cell proliferation makes them useful in addressing skin problems such as inflammation, scarring, healing, acne and aging, positioning them as valuable tools for innovative skincare solutions.

In the present work, the cellular and molecular effects of proprietary pCB-based formulations on ECS modulation, inflammation and skin regeneration were investigated.

Using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and keratinocytes (HaCaT), the effect of formulations in both pre-treatment and treatment scenarios following exposure to stress-inducing agents was assessed. Key molecular markers were analyzed to tackle their efficacy in mitigating inflammation and promoting structural integrity and regeneration.

In vitro results showed that these formulations significantly reduced inflammation, promoted skin regeneration and improved structural functions. In vivo studies confirmed that the formulations were well-tolerated and led to noticeable improvements in skin health, including enhanced barrier function.

This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of pCB-based formulations for cosmeceutical applications. By combining molecular analysis with in vivo testing, this research provides new insights into the therapeutic potential of pCBs for managing various skin conditions.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684852/

“This study confirms the safety and efficacy of pCB-based formulations for skin applications, highlighting their potential to enhance regeneration and structural processes. The findings underscore the promise of cannabis-based products in cosmetics and dermatology, meeting the rising demand for natural, effective skincare solutions and shaping the future of modern skincare and therapeutic approaches.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/23/13142

Anti-staphylococcal activity of soilless cultivated cannabis across the whole vegetation cycle under various nutritional treatments in relation to cannabinoid content

Posted on by
Reply
Scientific Reports

“Antibiotic resistance in staphylococcal strains and its impact on public health and agriculture are global problems. The development of new anti-staphylococcal agents is an effective strategy for addressing the increasing incidence of bacterial resistance.

In this study, ethanolic extracts of Cannabis sativa L. made from plant parts harvested during the whole vegetation cycle under various nutritional treatments were assessed for in vitro anti-staphylococcal effects.

The results showed that all the cannabis extracts tested exhibited a certain degree of growth inhibition against bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-sensitive forms. The highest antibacterial activity of the extracts was observed from the 5th to the 13th week of plant growth across all the nutritional treatments tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 32 to 64 µg/mL. Using HPLC, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) was identified as the most abundant cannabinoid in the ethanolic extracts. A homolog of THCA, tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), reduced bacterial growth by 74%.

These findings suggest that the cannabis extracts tested in this study can be used for the development of new anti-staphylococcal compounds with improved efficacy.”

“In summary, the present study demonstrated the antistaphylococcal activity of ethanolic extracts of C. sativa L. against both of the bacterial strains tested, MSSA and MRSA, across all the vegetation stages, especially from the 5th to the 13th week. The various nutritional treatments had no impact on the resulting antibacterial effect.”

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54805-3

Cost-efficient analysis of cannabinoids in therapeutic oils using HPLC with UV and mass spectrometry detection

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Cannabis oil, derived from Cannabis sativa plants, is increasingly used for therapeutic purposes across a wide range of diseases.

Accurate quantification of cannabinoids is essential, especially for cannabis products sourced from informal markets where supply origins are uncertain.

This study aimed to develop a cost-effective, robust analytical methodology using liquid chromatography in combination with UV- and mass detectors for the quantification of key cannabinoids (THC, CBD and CBN) and the identification of THCA and CBDA.

Utilising an isocratic flow, the method achieved effective separation within 17 min, ensuring simplicity and reproducibility. The methodology validation was aligned with ICH guidelines’ requirements for selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and matrix effects.

Successful application of this method to both homemade and commercial cannabis oil samples underscores its relevance for adjusting therapeutic doses and optimising CBD:THC ratios for specific disease treatments.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39671430/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786419.2024.2439024

Prenatal cannabis exposure and the risk of subsequent maltreatment

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Background: Parental substance use can increase the risk of child maltreatment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess racial bias in newborn drug testing and to investigate the association between prenatal tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure and subsequent child maltreatment.

Participants and setting: This retrospective cohort study (n = 35,437) linked University of Michigan Hospital birth data and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services child maltreatment data relative to a 2018 policy change. Prior to 2018, prenatal THC exposure was routinely substantiated as physical abuse; after 2018 THC exposure was investigated but not automatically substantiated.

Methods: We defined prenatal THC exposure as a positive newborn meconium drug test for THC. The primary outcome was a substantiated Child Protective Services (CPS) report of maltreatment before and after the policy change. Demographic variables included parent age, race, ethnicity, zip code and insurance type. Covariates included prenatal urine drug test orders and results, and newborn drug test orders and results. Regression models estimated the rate of subsequent maltreatment and racial disparities associated with newborn testing.

Results: Regression analyses indicated that Black and multiracial newborns were significantly more likely to be tested for substance exposure at birth. Newborns with a test positive for THC only were not more likely to experience maltreatment after the policy change as compared with newborns that tested negative and newborns not tested.

Conclusions: The evidence strongly supports a policy to end routine CPS investigations for cannabis exposure and eliminate racially biased drug testing practices.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39667085/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145213424005684?via%3Dihub

Cannabidiol (CBD) as an emerging nutraceutical ingredient from industrial hemp: regulation, production, extraction, nutraceutical properties, and functionality

Posted on by
Reply
pubmed logo

“Cannabidiol (CBD) in industrial hemp is a promising functional food ingredient with multifarious health benefits, including anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and anxiolytic effects.

In recent years, the application of CBD in the food industry has been emerging and several CBD fortified products are available across the globe. Currently, the scientific information associated with CBD are segregated, and there is a lack of connectivity between their recent explorations. Therefore, in this review, the findings associated with CBD that are crucial for extending its food applications are comprehensively discussed.

It begins by exploring the global regulatory landscape of CBD. Followingly, the factors that affect CBD production in the field, CBD isolation techniques from industrial hemp flowers, and their functional properties are comprehensively detailed. Importantly, this review examines reported delivery systems for enhancing the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of CBD, thus broadening its potential applications in the food industry.

Overall, this review would connect the patches of CBD information available from the field to food and would be resourceful for food scientists, regulatory agencies, and hemp farmers.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39654401/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2024.2436130