The effect of hemp product consumption on blood fatty acid profiles and cardiovascular disease risk factors: results of a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial

Posted on by

“Hemp seeds are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including gamma linolenic acid (GLA), stearidonic acid (SDA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). To date, limited evidence is available on hemp product consumption and particularly hemp seeds and oil in humans and its relation to cardiometabolic risk factors.

The objective of present study was to examine the effects of hemp product consumption versus similar controls on circulating fatty acid profiles and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

A randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial with 30 normoglycemic adults (18-65 years) within a BMI range of 25-35 kg m-2 were included. Participants consumed both hemp products and controlled products over the course of 4 weeks each. As expected, ALA (18:3 n-3), GLA (18:3 n-6) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3 n-6) were elevated after the hemp treatment than controls. Similarly, ALA, DGLA as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels were elevated after the hemp treatment than controls. No differences in serum lipid levels, glucose and insulin concentrations, blood pressure, or body composition were observed between treatments.

Overall, consumption of hemp products modulated plasma and RBC fatty acids levels in a way which reflected the fatty acids these products are enriched in, without showing differences in major cardiometabolic risk factors. The present study demonstrated the human fatty acids profile response to consuming hemp products, novel functional foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41782552

“Overall, the present study showed that 4-week consumption of hulled hempseed and hemp oil in overweight individuals increased ALA, GLA, DGLA and EPA relative percentages in plasma and RBC respectively, demonstrating effective incorporation of hemp-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids into long-term lipid pools. These changes occurred without adverse effects on lipid metabolism, vascular function, and/or body composition.

Collectively, these findings support the metabolic safety of hemp products and highlight their potential utility as dietary sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids for improving circulating fatty acid profiles.”

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/fo/d5fo04672f

Hemp-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Frontier in Nanomedicine and Therapeutics

Posted on by

“While mammalian-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) face significant challenges in clinical translation due to scalability, cost, and safety, plant-derived EVs (PDEVs) have emerged as a promising alternative.

This review focuses on EVs derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), or HEVs, a particularly compelling source that combines the general benefits of PDEVs, such as improved safety and scalability, with a unique, inherent therapeutic cargo.

HEVs are naturally enriched with a potent mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes through synergistic interactions-a phenomenon known as the ‘entourage effect.’

Preclinical studies already demonstrate their potential, showing significant anti-cancer effects against aggressive tumors like glioblastoma, along with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, the critical challenge hindering their clinical application is the lack of standardized, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-compliant manufacturing protocols to address the inherent biochemical variability of the source material.

Overcoming these obstacles will be vital to unlocking the potential of HEVs as a novel, scalable frontier in nanomedicine.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41787227

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40259-026-00766-0

Cannabidiol and cannabigerol ameliorate steatotic liver disease via phosphocreatine buffering and lysosomal restoration

Posted on by

“Background and purpose: Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids with emerging therapeutic potential in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects remain incompletely understood. In this study, we assessed the metabolomic and lipidomic impact of CBD and CBG in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and MASLD.

Experimental approach: Male C57Bl/6 mice fed on a high-fat diet for 14 weeks were treated for 4 weeks with daily intraperitoneal CBD, CBG or vehicle. Assessments included body composition, indirect calorimetry, glucose tolerance, serum biochemistry and VLDL-triglyceride profiling. Hepatic mechanisms were examined by metabolomics, lipidomics, creatine kinase activity, cathepsin activity-based probes and gene/protein expression, with a choline-deficient diet cohort to test phospholipid-dependence of CBG.

Key results: CBD or CBG treatment improved glycaemic control, reduced hepatic triglycerides and normalised serum lipids, without affecting energy expenditure. Metabolomics revealed increased hepatic phosphocreatine and creatine with enhanced creatine kinase activity, indicating phosphocreatine-based energy buffering independent of fatty acid oxidation changes. Lipidomics showed reduced triglycerides and ceramides, with increased phospholipids and lysobisphosphatidic acids, correlating with restored hepatic cathepsin activity and improved lysosomal lipid degradation. CBG was ineffective in choline-deficient MASLD, indicating phospholipid pathway dependence.

Conclusions and implications: These findings identify a novel, endocannabinoid system-independent mechanism by which CBD and CBG enhance hepatic energy buffering and lysosomal function, contributing to improved liver lipid handling and supporting phytocannabinoids as promising MASLD therapeutics.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41785476

Cannabidiolic acid as a modulator of lipid metabolism in the liver of rats with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease

Posted on by

“This study investigated the effects of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) on hepatic lipid metabolism in a rat model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), addressing the need for natural therapeutic compounds targeting lipid metabolism disorders.

Male Wistar rats were fed a standard diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. During the last 14 days, half of the rats received CBDA intragastrically (0.1 mg/kg BW). The hepatic lipid fractions were analyzed via gas-liquid chromatography, and protein expression was assessed via Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control diet, the HFD significantly increased the expression of fatty acid transporters CD36, FATP5, and FABPpm and elevated the levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, and phospholipids compared with controls.

CBDA treatment in HFD-fed rats significantly decreased CD36, FABPpm, and FATP5 expression as well as total diacylglycerol and phospholipid concentrations. CBDA also decreased the saturated fatty acid content in the FFA and phospholipid fractions while increasing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol fractions.

CBDA ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis by modulating fatty acid transporter expression, reducing harmful lipid accumulation and improving fatty acid composition.

These findings suggest the potential of CBDA as a therapeutic agent for MASLD through the targeting of multiple dysregulated pathways in hepatic lipid metabolism, potentially limiting disease progression.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41792203

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-41130-0

“Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw, fiber-type hemp and cannabis plants”

Bioactivity and Regenerative Potential of Cannabidiol in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Scoping Review of In Vitro Studies

Posted on by

“Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, has shown potential to influence cellular processes that are important for dental tissue repair. The aim of this scoping review was to map in vitro studies evaluating the influence of CBD on the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in order to contribute to a better understanding of its therapeutic potential.

Methods: The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework, supported by the JBI Manual and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on OSF (osf.io/zfhca/). Comprehensive searches were conducted from January to June 2025 in PubMed, EMBASE, BVS, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SciELO. Only studies published in English were included.

Results: Thirty articles were identified, and three in vitro studies met the eligibility criteria. At low concentrations (0.1-5 μM), CBD improved hDPSC viability, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. CBD also activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and wingless-related integration site/beta-catenin signaling (WNT/β-catenin) pathways and increased the expression of odontogenic markers such as Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), Runt-related transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin.

Conclusion: CBD shows promise as a bioactive molecule in regenerative endodontics, supporting mineralization, regulating inflammatory mediators, and promoting critical cellular activities in hDPSCs. Nevertheless, the available evidence is limited and further preclinical and clinical studies are essential to develop therapeutic protocols and assess long-term safety.

These preliminary findings indicate CBD as a novel candidate for regenerative strategies in endodontics.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41767216

Cannabinol derivatives, a new series of α-glucosidase inhibitors: synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and kinetic study

Posted on by

“A new series of cannabinol derivatives was synthesised and assessed for their inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase. Of nineteen derivatives evaluated, the brominated analogues (3a and 3b) demonstrated the most potent inhibition against rat intestinal α-glucosidase. Structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that the phenolic hydroxy group and the introduced bromine atoms play crucial roles in enhancing inhibitory potency. Enzyme kinetic studies further revealed that 3a and 3b retarded both maltase and sucrase via a non-competitive mechanism.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41785417

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786419.2026.2638950

“Three new α-glucosidase inhibitors from aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa leaves: isolation, characterisation, and kinetic study”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39756038

“Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are oral antidiabetic medications used to treat type 2 diabetes”

Alcohol as a Novel Trigger for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

Posted on by

“Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical condition occurring in chronic cannabis users, characterized by cyclic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While the primary trigger is cannabis itself, other precipitants remain poorly defined.

We present the case of a 52-year-old male with recurrent CHS who experienced five distinct hyperemetic episodes, each occurring approximately one week after ingesting a single dose of alcohol. His most recent presentation was complicated by severe, life-threatening hyponatremia requiring intensive care unit management. Diagnostic workup confirmed CHS and excluded other pathologies.

The consistent temporal pattern observed across multiple episodes suggests that a single dose of alcohol may be a novel and specific trigger for CHS. This case highlights a previously underreported precipitant and underscores the syndrome’s potential for severe metabolic complications. Clinicians should consider inquiring about alcohol use in patients with recurrent CHS, as its identification could be pivotal for prevention strategies and patient counseling.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41769444

“This case provides critical clinical insights by identifying a single dose of alcohol as a potential novel trigger for CHS, expanding the known spectrum of precipitants. It underscores the serious morbidity of CHS, which can progress to life-threatening complications like severe hyponatremia necessitating intensive care.”

https://www.cureus.com/articles/434462-alcohol-as-a-novel-trigger-for-cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome#!

“Binge Alcohol Exposure Transiently Changes the Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target to Prevent Alcohol-Induced Neurodegeneration.”

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5742761

Immunomodulatory effect of Cannabis root extract on inflammatory cascades via endocannabinoid system regulation

Posted on by

“Cannabis roots have been widely used in traditional medicine, with documented references in classical texts describing their use for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases and pain. Despite their longstanding ethnopharmacological significance, the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and their underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. The present study was conducted to evaluate the unique anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Cannabis sativa root fractions, and moreover, to investigate its mechanism related with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Methods

Antioxidant activities and phenol contents of various Cannabis root fractions were determined by chemical assays. The effects of cannabis root fractions on inflammatory markers and endocannabinoid receptor (CB1, CB2) levels were evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Intracellular 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels were measured using LC-MS/MS. The fraction with the highest potential was further investigated to elucidate its mechanism using endocannabinoid receptor antagonists.

Results

Among the fractions, ethyl acetate fraction (CSREA) demonstrated the highest potential in both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effect was not attributed to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that CSREA affected intracellular 2-AG levels, supporting its potential via the ECS. CSREA also effectively suppressed ERK phosphorylation, a critical inflammatory signaling pathway modulated by ECS. However, CSREA activity was reduced by co-treatment with a CB1 antagonist.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that CSREA suppresses inflammatory responses and restores cellular homeostasis primarily by regulating the endocannabinoid system. However, its exclusive use of an acute in vitro inflammation model represents a limitation, and the effects of CSREA in chronic and in vivo settings require further investigation.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-026-05317-2

Structural characterization, physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic activity of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) protein hydrolysates prepared via enzyme-microbial synergy

Posted on by

“This study aims to prepare hemp protein hydrolysate (HPH) with hypolipidemic activity using an enzyme-bacterial synergistic approach and to investigate its mechanism of action.

We found that enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation altered the secondary and tertiary structures of hemp protein (HP). Particularly, the reduction of the α-helical structure and the increase of β-sheet endow HPH with better functional properties.

In vitro experiments demonstrated that HPH exhibited potent inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase, with IC₅₀ values of 1.999 ± 0.142 mg/mL and 3.046 ± 0.102 mg/mL, respectively. In free fatty acid-induced HepG2 cells, high concentrations of HPH reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 39.71%, 30.84%, and 21.94%, respectively, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 1.4-fold. Additionally, WB results demonstrated that HPH activated the AMPK signaling pathway and regulated the SREBP1/PPARα/HMGCR/PCSK9-LDLR metabolic pathway, ultimately improving intracellular lipid accumulation.

These results demonstrated that HP may be a promising natural source candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41763749

“Hemp Protein is an excellent source for the development of hypolipidemic peptides.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996926000293?via%3Dihub

“Hyperlipidemia is a common condition characterized by high levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood, often causing no symptoms but significantly increasing risks of stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular disease.”

Dietary Cannabis Seed Supplementation Attenuates Inflammation and Pancreatic Injury in a Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Mouse Model

Posted on by

“Cannabis seed (CS), also known as hemp seed, is a nutrient-dense plant-derived food material rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive components with reported anti-inflammatory properties. However, potential nutritional effects of CS on acute pancreatitis (AP), an inflammation-driven disease with limited dietary management strategies, have not yet been investigated.

In this study, we examined the effects of dietary CS extract in a cerulein-induced AP mouse model. CS extract (5, 10, or 50 mg/kg) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) was orally administered 1 h prior to cerulein injection, and mice were euthanized 6 h after the final challenge.

Oral supplementation with CS significantly attenuated AP severity, indicated by reducing pancreatic weight-to-body weight ratio, serum amylase and lipase activities, histopathological pancreatic injury, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity. CS administration alleviated AP-associated acute lung injury; markedly suppressing pancreatic mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis identified α-linolenic acid, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, as a major nutritional component of CS extract.

Collectively, these findings suggest that CS supplementation may contribute to nutritional modulation of inflammatory responses and systemic organ injury in experimental AP, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient in inflammation-associated pancreatic disorders.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751483

“In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with CS extract attenuates pancreatic inflammation, digestive enzyme leakage, and systemic organ injury in experimental AP. By modulating inflammatory responses and neutrophil-mediated tissue damage, CS shows potential as a functional food ingredient for nutritional management of inflammation-associated pancreatic injury.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/48/2/221