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Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview
Abstract
The seed of Cannabis sativa L. has been an important source of nutrition for thousands of years in Old World cultures. Non-drug varieties of Cannabis, commonly referred to as hemp, have not been studied extensively for their nutritional potential in recent years, nor has hempseed been utilized to any great extent by the industrial processes and food markets that have developed during the 20th century. Technically a nut, hempseed typically contains over 30% oil and about 25% protein, with considerable amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Hempseed oil is over 80% in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and is an exceptionally rich source of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-3). The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (n6/n3) in hempseed oil is normally between 2:1 and 3:1, which is considered to be optimal for human health. In addition, the biological metabolites of the two EFAs, gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-6; GLA) and stearidonic acid (18:4 omega-3; SDA), are also present in hempseed oil. The two main proteins in hempseed are edestin and albumin. Both of these high-quality storage proteins are easily digested and contain nutritionally significant amounts of all essential amino acids. In addition, hempseed has exceptionally high levels of the amino acid arginine. Hempseed has been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years in traditional oriental medicine. Recent clinical trials have identified hempseed oil as a functional food, and animal feeding studies demonstrate the long-standing utility of hempseed as an important food resource.
... However, new agro-industrial crops such as cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) are emerging within the last few years [3,5]. Hempseed typically contains over about 30% oil, 25% protein, 34% carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals [6]. Cannabis sativa cultivars grown for industrial purposes are characterized by lower levels of delta-9tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC), the active principle responsible for cannabis's psychotropic effects [7]. ...
... Furthermore, hempseed oil serves as a source of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids (PU-FAs), and hemp sprouts are rich in antioxidants [8][9][10]. It is worth noting that hempseed oil can contain trace amounts of THC and the other cannabinoids, which are lipophilic antioxidants having therapeutic potential [6]. However, due to the high polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of hemp seed, the oil is highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration during long-term storage or preparing food by heat processing [11]. ...
... Hemp seed and hempseed oil are also outstanding sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The seeds contain approximately 30% of oil, with over 80% of it being composed of PUFAs [6,61]. The importance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as the correct ratio (n-6/n-3) has been described in many studies, confirming health protection, therapeutic effects, positive influence on the physiology of cells and tissues, protection against cardiovascular morbidity, anti-neuroinflammatory activity, or immunomodulatory effect [62][63][64][65][66]. Prociuk et al. [67] did not confirm the cardioprotective effects or the effect of hemp seed on body weight of rabbits during an eight-week experiment. ...
Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost.
... In the present study, HS varieties showed an interesting nutritional profile, containing large amounts of crude protein, oil and crude fiber at 24-25, 26-29 and 21-26 g/100 g as fed, respectively. Similar values for crude protein were reported by EFSA [8], Alonso-Esteban et al. [34], House et al. [35], Callaway [36] and Klir et al. [37] testifying that, among other protein sources largely diffused in animal feeding, the HS can be located as an intermediate crude protein (CP) source, between soybean (on average 39.2 g/100 g, on DM) and sunflower seeds (on average 19.2 g/100, on DM) [38]. The high average total lipid content is in line with that reported in the literature [8,35,37,39], but lower than that reported by Callaway [36]. ...
... Similar values for crude protein were reported by EFSA [8], Alonso-Esteban et al. [34], House et al. [35], Callaway [36] and Klir et al. [37] testifying that, among other protein sources largely diffused in animal feeding, the HS can be located as an intermediate crude protein (CP) source, between soybean (on average 39.2 g/100 g, on DM) and sunflower seeds (on average 19.2 g/100, on DM) [38]. The high average total lipid content is in line with that reported in the literature [8,35,37,39], but lower than that reported by Callaway [36]. Starch content in the three varieties of hemp seeds resulted higher than that reported by Fan et al. [40]. ...
... Starch content in the three varieties of hemp seeds resulted higher than that reported by Fan et al. [40]. Crude fiber content was similar to that reported by Razmaitè et al. [39] and lower than that reported by Callaway [36] and House et al. [35] and EFSA [8]. Insoluble fibers (IDF) are the dominant fibers in HS, consisting of approximately cellulose (46%), lignin (31%), and hemicellulose (22%) [41]. ...
The present research aimed to study the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, antiox-idant activity, total phenolic and N-trans-Caffeoyltyramine content of three distinct varieties of hemp seeds (Carmaenecta, Enectaliana and Enectarol, grown in a Mediterranean area (Central Italy), as feed in the diet of farm animals. Proximate composition was determined using the official methods of analyses; the fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography, total phenolic content (TPC) and the scavenging activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+) by the colorimetric method, and N-trans-Caffeoyltyramine content by HPLC analysis. The hemp seed Enectarol showed the highest total lipid content and the best antioxidant activity with the highest TPC, N-trans-Caffeoyltyramine content, and ABTS•+, and the lowest peroxidation index and DPPH•; Carmaenecta showed the best fatty acid profile and nutritional indices (atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio), and Enectaliana showed the highest crude protein and dietary fiber content. The differences observed in the chemical composition, fatty acid profile and antioxidant activity are because of the varieties, considering that all other growing conditions were the same. The results obtained suggest that hemp seed can be used as a source of lipid and protein in animal diets due to their valuable antioxidant activity and as a rich source of essential fatty acids.
... The Hemp plant, scientifically classified as Cannabis sativa L., which is a member of the Cannabinaceae family, has been widely recognized and acknowledged for its significant contributions throughout history in the realms of food production, medicinal applications, and the provision of various types of fibre (Russo and Reggiani, 2015). Hemp, a widely distributed and extensively cultivated plant, carries substantial industrial importance owing to its diverse applications as a source of whole seeds, dehulled seeds, seed flour, oil, and fibre (Callaway, 2004). In countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye, roasted salted hemp seeds are still sold as snacks in herbalists and are also used as bird feed (e.g., canary, pigeons) during mating period to increase stamina of male birds (Karimi and Hayatghaibi, 2006). ...
... In countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye, roasted salted hemp seeds are still sold as snacks in herbalists and are also used as bird feed (e.g., canary, pigeons) during mating period to increase stamina of male birds (Karimi and Hayatghaibi, 2006). Hemp seeds, which serve as an excellent protein source for poultry, have been documented to possess a noteworthy abundance of edestin and albumin, two types of storage proteins that exhibit exceptional quality and are characterized by their effortless digestibility and possession of indispensable amino acids (Callaway, 2004). Hemp seeds contain 20-25% high quality protein, 30-36% fat, 30-40% fiber and 6-7% moisture. ...
... Hemp seeds contain 20-25% high quality protein, 30-36% fat, 30-40% fiber and 6-7% moisture. In addition, while the energy content in the seed is 2200 kJ/100 g, the energy content in the seed meal is reported as 1700 kJ/100 g (Callaway, 2004). Khan et al. (2010) fed 160 day-olds broiler chicks with basal diet and basal diet+hemp seed (5, 10 and 20%). ...
The rapid increase in the human population has also increased the demand for raw materials in many fields. The increasing population has brought along the problem of opening agricultural areas to settlement. For this reason, versatile plants that bring high efficiency from the unit area without harming the existing natural resources and can contribute in many fields such as food, textile, biofuel and animal nutrition arouse excitement among scientists. Industrial plants also provide the diversification of agriculture, enable the simultaneous development of plant and animal production, and make significant contributions to local economies, especially in developing countries. Industrial crops play a crucial role in various aspects of human society, economy, and sustainability. Their importance extends beyond food production and consumption, as they contribute to a wide range of industries and offer several benefits. One of these sectors which affected by industrial plants is poultry nutrition. Industrial crops are utilized to meet the energy, protein, vitamin, fibre, Omega-3, antioxidant, phytochemicals, phosphorous and mineral requirements of poultries. Such as soybeans, sunflower, maize, cottonseed and flax are widely used in the feeding of poultries. They serve as high-energy and protein sources, promoting healthy growth and productivity. These crops are specifically cultivated to provide essential nutrients and meet the dietary needs of poultries. As a conclusion, industrial crops serve as essential ingredients of poultry feeding methods, providing the crucial nutrients, energy, and protein required for the appropriate growth, development, and productivity of poultries. Their inclusion in diets ensures the optimal health and well-being of poultries in various agricultural settings. This review article has examined some important industrial plants as poultry feed.
... The Hemp plant, scientifically classified as Cannabis sativa L., which is a member of the Cannabinaceae family, has been widely recognized and acknowledged for its significant contributions throughout history in the realms of food production, medicinal applications, and the provision of various types of fibre (Russo and Reggiani, 2015). Hemp, a widely distributed and extensively cultivated plant, carries substantial industrial importance owing to its diverse applications as a source of whole seeds, dehulled seeds, seed flour, oil, and fibre (Callaway, 2004). In countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye, roasted salted hemp seeds are still sold as snacks in herbalists and are also used as bird feed (e.g., canary, pigeons) during mating period to increase stamina of male birds (Karimi and Hayatghaibi, 2006). ...
... In countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye, roasted salted hemp seeds are still sold as snacks in herbalists and are also used as bird feed (e.g., canary, pigeons) during mating period to increase stamina of male birds (Karimi and Hayatghaibi, 2006). Hemp seeds, which serve as an excellent protein source for poultry, have been documented to possess a noteworthy abundance of edestin and albumin, two types of storage proteins that exhibit exceptional quality and are characterized by their effortless digestibility and possession of indispensable amino acids (Callaway, 2004). Hemp seeds contain 20-25% high quality protein, 30-36% fat, 30-40% fiber and 6-7% moisture. ...
... Hemp seeds contain 20-25% high quality protein, 30-36% fat, 30-40% fiber and 6-7% moisture. In addition, while the energy content in the seed is 2200 kJ/100 g, the energy content in the seed meal is reported as 1700 kJ/100 g (Callaway, 2004). Khan et al. (2010) fed 160 day-olds broiler chicks with basal diet and basal diet+hemp seed (5, 10 and 20%). ...
The rapid increase in the human population has also increased the demand for raw materials in many fields. The increasing population has brought along the problem of opening agricultural areas to settlement. For this reason, versatile plants that bring high efficiency from the unit area without harming the existing natural resources and can contribute in many fields such as food, textile, biofuel and animal nutrition arouse excitement among scientists. Industrial plants also provide the diversification of agriculture, enable the simultaneous development of plant and animal production, and make significant contributions to local economies, especially in developing countries. Industrial crops play a crucial role in various aspects of human society, economy, and sustainability. Their importance extends beyond food production and consumption, as they contribute to a wide range of industries and offer several benefits. One of these sectors which affected by industrial plants is poultry nutrition. Industrial crops are utilized to meet the energy, protein, vitamin, fibre, Omega-3, antioxidant, phytochemicals, phosphorous and mineral requirements of poultries. Such as soybeans, sunflower, maize, cottonseed and flax are widely used in the feeding of poultries. They serve as high-energy and protein sources, promoting healthy growth and productivity. These crops are specifically cultivated to provide essential nutrients and meet the dietary needs of poultries. As a conclusion, industrial crops serve as essential ingredients of poultry feeding methods, providing the crucial nutrients, energy, and protein required for the appropriate growth, development, and productivity of poultries. Their inclusion in diets ensures the optimal health and well-being of poultries in various agricultural settings. This review article has examined some important industrial plants as poultry feed.
... The non-drug type Cannabis sativa, also called hemp or industrial hemp, is crucial to the industrial, medicinal, and food sectors [7][8][9]. Hemp seeds have been used as food and medicine in China for at least 3000 years [10][11][12]. Over the past 20 years, products (oil, meal, and protein powder) derived from hemp seeds have attracted interest owing to their nutritional and pharmaceutical values [11,12]. ...
... Over the past 20 years, products (oil, meal, and protein powder) derived from hemp seeds have attracted interest owing to their nutritional and pharmaceutical values [11,12]. The main focus is on the content of both macro-and micronutrients: polyunsaturated fatty acids of oil, proteins, total fiber, vitamins, and minerals in hemp seeds [9,10,[13][14][15]. In particular, hemp seed proteins are characterized by good digestibility, contain all the essential amino acids in a balanced ratio, and have nutritional value comparable to that of other proteins, such as soy protein and egg white [9][10][11]. ...
... The main focus is on the content of both macro-and micronutrients: polyunsaturated fatty acids of oil, proteins, total fiber, vitamins, and minerals in hemp seeds [9,10,[13][14][15]. In particular, hemp seed proteins are characterized by good digestibility, contain all the essential amino acids in a balanced ratio, and have nutritional value comparable to that of other proteins, such as soy protein and egg white [9][10][11]. The presence of abundant proteins and other essential nutrients indicates that hemp seeds are an excellent alternative natural protein source for human health management. ...
... Unlike marijuana, which is also a variety of Cannabis sativa, industrial hemp has a much lower concentration of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), usually less than 0.3% (Adhikary et al. 2021). It is a versatile and renewable resource with a wide range of applications such as the production of fiber (Shahzad 2012), building materials (Collet and Pretot 2014), biofuel (Prade et al. 2011), food and nutrition (Callaway 2004), body care products (Leson et al. 2001), and animal bedding (Hillig 2004). Hemp also offers numerous environmental benefits including phytoremediation (Golia et al. 2023), renewable energy production (Struik et al. 2000), carbon sequestration (Beerling et al. 2018), reduced water and pesticide use (Callaway 2004;Fortenbery and Bennett Page 2 of 9 Quansah Amissah Journal of Cannabis Research (2023) 5:37 2004), and improved soil fertility (Kraenzel et al. 1998;Amaducci et al. 2015). ...
... It is a versatile and renewable resource with a wide range of applications such as the production of fiber (Shahzad 2012), building materials (Collet and Pretot 2014), biofuel (Prade et al. 2011), food and nutrition (Callaway 2004), body care products (Leson et al. 2001), and animal bedding (Hillig 2004). Hemp also offers numerous environmental benefits including phytoremediation (Golia et al. 2023), renewable energy production (Struik et al. 2000), carbon sequestration (Beerling et al. 2018), reduced water and pesticide use (Callaway 2004;Fortenbery and Bennett Page 2 of 9 Quansah Amissah Journal of Cannabis Research (2023) 5:37 2004), and improved soil fertility (Kraenzel et al. 1998;Amaducci et al. 2015). Due to its numerous applications and environmental benefits, industrial hemp has gained significant interest in recent years, leading to increased cultivation and research worldwide. ...
... Another promising area for Ghanaian hemp is the food and beverage sector. Hemp seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and other nutrients, making them a valuable addition to various food products (Callaway 2004). The construction industry also presents potential market opportunities for Ghanaian hemp. ...
Background
Global interest in hemp cultivation and utilization is on the rise, presenting both challenges and opportunities for African countries. This article focuses on Ghana’s potential to establish a thriving hemp sector, considering its favorable climate, abundant agricultural resources, and existing policies and programs that support the growth and advancement of the agricultural sector, as well as agro-processing and value addition.
Main body
Ghana’s recent decriminalization of cannabis with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels marks a progressive step, unlocking opportunities for research, commercial production, and innovation in hemp-related sectors. This regulatory change paves the way for the development of textiles, construction materials, and wellness products derived from hemp. However, the African hemp industry faces various simultaneous challenges, including pest management, absence of regulatory frameworks, limited research, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to finance and investment capital for small-scale farmers. Fortunately, several countries that have legalized hemp cultivation and processing have found innovative solutions to these challenges through the use of integrated pest management strategies, establishing collaborations with international standards organizations, implementing public–private partnerships, offering tax incentives for investors, and providing low-interest loans and credit facilities for small-scale farmers. Ghana can draw inspiration from these successful approaches and adapt them to its own context to foster the growth of the hemp industry.
Conclusion
By capitalizing on its strengths and addressing the challenges it is likely to face while developing its hemp industry, Ghana can position itself as a leader in the African hemp industry. This position of leadership would not only drive economic growth, but also create job opportunities and foster sustainable development through responsible hemp cultivation and utilization.
... It thrives in lowtemperature conditions, which makes it feasible to cultivate when growing other oil seeds proves to be challenging (Karimi and Hayatghaibi 2006;Shariatmadari 2023). The primary products derived from Cannabis sativa include whole seeds, seed meal, hulled seeds, oil, fiber, and hashish (Adams and Martin 1996;Callaway 2004). Whole hemp seeds (HS) have been demonstrated to possess a metabolizable energy (ME) content of 18.0 MJ/kg for pigeons (Hullar et al. 1999). ...
... This unique quality has led to the historical utilization of HS in traditional medicine for addressing issues related to gas and indigestion (Eriksson and Wall 2012). The premium protein in HS is easily digestible and contain significant quantities of all essential amino acids, providing crucial nutritional value (Callaway 2004). Notably, HS contains higher levels of arginine in comparison to others parts of the plant, a feature that distinguishes it from the other plant origin protein (Callaway 2004). ...
... The premium protein in HS is easily digestible and contain significant quantities of all essential amino acids, providing crucial nutritional value (Callaway 2004). Notably, HS contains higher levels of arginine in comparison to others parts of the plant, a feature that distinguishes it from the other plant origin protein (Callaway 2004). Industrial HS exhibit a low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (~0.3%), which is known to trigger appetite (Hampson et al. 2000;Koch 2001;Konca et al. 2014). ...
The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of different levels of hempseed (HS) on growth performance, immunity and gut health in broiler chickens. A total of 192 Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into four groups and fed HS as follow: control (HS0), HS 10% (HS-10), HS 15% (HS-15) and HS 20% (HS-20). The study on HS supplementation in broilers revealed no significant impacts on feed intake during the starter (p = .2294) and finisher phases (p = .2294), or overall (p = .0944), though numerical increases were noted with higher HS levels. Body weight gain showed no significant influence in the starter and finisher phases, with overall weight gain also not significantly different (p = .0944), but numerically higher with increased HS. Feed conversion ratio was unaffected in the starter (p = .6986) and finisher phases (p = .6425), and overall (p = .2218). Dressing percentage (p = .1062) and mortality (p = .1631) were not significantly altered, but HS-20 had the highest dressing percentage and lowest mortality numerically. White blood cell counts increased significantly (p = .0377), especially in HS-15 and HS-20 groups. IgM and IgG production was higher in HS-20 on day 28 (p = .021). Gut pH (p > .05) and intestinal histomorphology (p > .05) were not significantly affected, although villus height increased numerically with higher HS levels. These results suggest potential benefits of HS, especially at higher inclusion levels. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated that HS incorporation into the diet of broilers did not affect the growth performance and gut health; however, the immune responses were significantly higher at 15 and 20% levels.
... With growing interest in plant-based diets, retail sales of plantbased protein products in the EU and UK increased by approximately 10% annually between 2010 and 2020 (Geijer 2020). Hemp seed, in particular, has gained attention as a "superfood" due to its high protein content, which accounts for 20-26% of unhulled seeds (Callaway 2004;Potin and Saurel 2020). Hemp proteins contain all nine essential amino acids and exhibit excellent digestibility (Wang et al. 2008). ...
... Hemp proteins contain all nine essential amino acids and exhibit excellent digestibility (Wang et al. 2008). Notably, hemp seeds are rich in arginine, which makes up about 12% of their amino acid profile, compared to less than 7% in most food-based proteins (Callaway 2004). Arginine, a semiessential amino acid, plays a crucial role in regulating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (Tong and Barbul 2004), improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity (Forzano et al. 2023), and suppressing arthritis and inflammatory bone loss (Cao et al. 2024). ...
In Europe, hemp fiber has historically been utilized in textile, paper, and construction industries prior to the emergence of synthetic fibers. The demand for hemp fibers in the European Union (EU) has led to a significant increase in cultivation area, rising by 46.5% from 22,010 hectares (ha) in 2016 to 32,250 ha in 2022. Recently, the European Parliament relaxed hemp regulations by raising the allowable THC level from 0.2% to 0.3%. France stands as the largest hemp fiber producer, contributing 78% of EU production, equivalent to 121,720 tonnes in 2022. This increase in production is driven by the fibers’ use in textiles, clothing, paper, and hemp seed in food products. Notably, the building industry has seen a rise in the use of hemp, particularly in materials such as hemp insulation and hemp concrete. Furthermore, innovations in hemp include the development of bioplastics and the replacement of glass fibers with hemp fibers in the automotive sector. This review explores the regulatory landscape, industrial applications of hemp fiber, and the future potential of hemp by-products as alternative agricultural commodities in EU countries.
... Medically, hemp supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and may alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders. Additionally, hemp cultivation is highly sustainable, requiring less water and pesticides compared to other crops, making it environmentally friendly [19]. The current study is aimed at applying RSM to optimize the soaking and heating procedures involved in the production of hemp seed milk, with the following objectives: ...
... Variations in protein, fat, and carbohydrate content in hemp seed milk are influenced by several factors during extraction and processing. Seed quality and maturity impact nutrient levels, with mature seeds typically containing more oil and immature seeds having higher carbohydrate content [19]. Soaking and blending affect extraction efficiency; prolonged soaking may lead to nutrient leaching, while intensive blending releases more proteins and fats. ...
Plant-based milk is becoming an increasingly important component in developing new food items. Hemp seed has anti-inflammatory effects and a high protein content, which gives health advantages. Hemp milk is a suitable alternative for those with allergies to milk protein and lactose or concerns about cholesterol. However, optimal extraction conditions for hemp milk are not well documented. This study utilized a response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) to optimize the variables of soaking time (A), heating time (B), and temperature (C) for hemp milk production. The study measured levels of antinutrients such as phytic acid, tannins, and saponins, as well as nutrients like fat and protein. Regression models were developed to analyze these factors, and their effectiveness was evaluated using a lack of fit test and the coefficient of variation (R2). The study found that soaking duration, extraction time, and temperature had a substantial (p<0.05) influence on responses. The optimal soaking period, extraction time, and temperature for best hemp seed milk production are as follows: soaking period of approximately 9 h, heating time in a water bath for almost 60 min, and heating temperature of 48°C. The experimental findings confirmed the accuracy of the predicted models within a satisfactory response range. Additionally, the results suggest that the formulated model is effective for enhancing milk production and achieving consistent quality.
... Unlike its close relative-medical hemp (typically known as marijuana), which features an intoxicating amount of delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC) and is thus often illegally cultivated for recreational purposes-industrial hemp is utilized for its seeds, fiber, and medical components, and can be made into thousands of products (Crini et al. 2020;Struik et al. 2000). Hemp seeds contain more than 30% oil and are rich in dietary fiber (Callaway 2004). As oil released from pressed hemp seeds is mostly comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids and with a nutritionally optimal lipid composition, it is considered a functional food and a healthy addition to human diets and animal feed (Callaway 2004;Simopoulos 2002). ...
... Hemp seeds contain more than 30% oil and are rich in dietary fiber (Callaway 2004). As oil released from pressed hemp seeds is mostly comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids and with a nutritionally optimal lipid composition, it is considered a functional food and a healthy addition to human diets and animal feed (Callaway 2004;Simopoulos 2002). Moreover, hemp seeds, technically a nut, may greatly contribute to sufficient dietary fiber intake, which has been positively associated with the prevention of a host of common chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Yang Yang and Zhenhua Lu have contributed equally to this work. ...
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multifaced crop that has the potential to be exploited for many industrial applications, and making use of salt lands is considered to be a sustainable development strategy for the hemp industry. However, no elite salt-tolerant hemp varieties have been developed, and therefore supplementing appropriate exogenous substances to saline soil is one possible solution. Calcium-containing compounds are well-known for their salt tolerance enhancing effects, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we first assessed the ameliorative effects of calcium amendments on salt-stressed hemp plants and then investigated these mechanisms on hemp using integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics. The stress phenotypes could be lessened by Ca²⁺ treatment. Certain concentrations of Ca²⁺ maintained relative electrical conductivity and the contents of malondialdehyde and chlorophyll. Ca²⁺ treatment also generally led to greater accumulations of soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrates and proline, and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. Through functional classification, pathway enrichment, and network analysis, our data reveal that accumulation of dipeptides is a prominent metabolic signature upon exogenous Ca²⁺ treatment, and that changes in mitochondrial properties may play an important role in enhancing the salt tolerance. Our results outline the complex metabolic alternations involved in calcium-mediated salt stress resistance, and these data and analyses would be useful for future functional studies.
... In this study, the CP content of hempseed cake was found to be 33.2%. This value is similar to 33.5% and 30.7% values reported by Callaway, (2004). The obtained values for CA (5.9%), EE (5.5%), and NDF (38.4%) are lower compared to 7.2% CA, 16.4% EE, and 41.7% NDF reported by Silversides, (2010). ...
... The obtained values for CA (5.9%), EE (5.5%), and NDF (38.4%) are lower compared to 7.2% CA, 16.4% EE, and 41.7% NDF reported by Silversides, (2010). While the NFE value was found to be 39.0% in this study, it was reported as 42.6% by Callaway, (2004). According to Ancuta and Sonia (2020), cold pressed hempseed cake contains 86.39%-93.65% ...
This study aimed to determine nutrient composition and chemical properties of some cakes obtained by cold pressed method proposed as alternative protein sources, and to reveal their usability in animal feeding. The feed materials used in this study are safflower, black cumin (e and m), flaxseed (e and m), carrot seed, walnut, hempseed, and camelina seed cakes. The proximate analysis, metabolic energies, total phenolic content, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity of these cakes were determined and compared. The average percentage nutrients content of the cakes varies from 95.8 (walnut cake) to 91.9 (flaxseed cake e) for dry matter, from 13.1 (carrot seed) to 3.9 (safflower cake) for crude ash, from 23.5 (flaxseed e cake) to 5.5 (hempseed cake) for ether extract, from 46.8 (flaxseed cake m) to 20.0 (safflower cake) for crude protein, from 45.4 (walnut meal) to 21.9 (safflower cake) for nitrogen-free extract, and from 9.4 (flaxseed m) to 2.2 (safflower cake) for sugar. Starch content was below detectable level in all feed samples. The highest crude fiber was at 37.1, NDF at 52.7, and ADF at 40.4 were found in safflower cake. The highest metabolic energies for poultry (12.8 Mcal kg-1) and for ruminants (14.01 Mcal kg-1) were obtained from black cumin seed cake (e). The highest total flavonoid content (3.15 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (2.64 mg QE/g) were found in walnut cake. The antioxidant activity (%) varied from 31.3 for black cumin seed cake (m) to 6.7 for camelina seed cake. Considering the high amount of crude protein (>20%) in the investigated cakes, it is concluded that they can be recommended as alternative protein sources for feeding livestock.
... Las SC han alcanzado una popularidad creciente en los últimos años debido a que muestran contenido de proteínas que son comparables a otras semillas oleaginosas principales como la soya. Es así como se ha demostrado que esta semilla contiene 20-25% de proteínas, 20-30% de carbohidratos, 25-35% de aceite y 10-15% de fibra insoluble y una rica gama de minerales (Callaway, 2004). Además, las proteínas en la SC son ricas en aminoácidos esenciales y fáciles de digerir. ...
... Por otra parte, se han identificado en las SC un total de 181 proteínas, siendo la globulina edestina (67 a 75%) y la albúmina globular (25 a 37%) las dos principales proteínas de almacenamiento (Bartkiene et al., 2020;Crescente et al., 2018). Con respecto a los carbohidratos, la mayoría de ellos son fibras insolubles que residen en la capa externa de las SC, por lo que durante el descascarillado se eliminan tres cuartas partes del contenido de estos (Callaway, 2004). De igual forma, las SC son fuente de minerales, principalmente de potasio, fósforo y magnesio. ...
En los últimos años, ha crecido el interés por adoptar dietas saludables que contribuyan a prevenir
enfermedades. En este contexto, el estudio y desarrollo de nuevos alimentos y bebidas funcionales ha adquirido
relevancia. Alimentos lácteos con aporte de probióticos y prebióticos muestran potencial para mejorar la
composición de la microbiota intestinal, siendo temas centrales en investigaciones actuales. Sin embargo,
problemas como la intolerancia a la lactosa y el contenido elevado de colesterol en productos lácteos
fermentados representan desafíos a tratar. Esto ha impulsado una tendencia emergente: la creación de productos
fermentados de origen vegetal, incorporando ingredientes alternativos como semillas, hojas y tallos de plantas.
En países en desarrollo, las limitaciones tradicionales y económicas para el consumo de lácteos fermentados
refuerzan la idea de reducir los componentes lácteos como vehículos para agentes probióticos. Actualmente, se
investigan bebidas probióticas no lácteas, como aquellas enriquecidas con semillas de cáñamo (SC), tema que
se abordará en esta revisión. Así, bebidas fermentadas como zumos, infusiones y extractos vegetales podrían
posicionarse como alimentos de gran valor nutricional a nivel global, perfilándose como la próxima generación
de alimentos funcionales en la que las bacterias probióticas desempeñarán un papel fundamental.
Palabras clave: probióticos, bebidas funcionales, bebidas fermentadas, semillas de cáñamo.
... It is distinguished by the level of the psychoactive substance of the plant called "Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)". This substance is found at very low levels (THC ≤ 0.3%) in species developed and grown for industrial purposes (Small and Marcus, 2003;Callaway, 2004;Farinon et al., 2020). With worldwide breeding studies, many cannabis varieties can be produced for industrial purposes and those with low THC content have been developed. ...
... Hemp seeds contain 25 -36% oil, 20 -34% carbohydrates, 20 -27% protein and approximately 5260 -6258 kcal/kg of gross energy. With these features, it has the characteristics of being an alternative food/feed raw material/additive with nutraceutical effects in both human and animal nutrition (Deferne and Pate, 1996;Farinon et al., 2020;Leizer et al., 2000;Callaway, 2004;Fallahi et al., 2022). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (75 -80%) constitute a significant portion of hemp seed oil, and omega-3 fatty acids (17 -19% αlinolenic acid) constitute a significant portion of them (Parker et al., 2003;Klir et al., 2019). ...
This study aimed to explore the impact of incorporating hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa L.) at 1.5% and 3% levels in broiler diets on broiler performance, carcass yield, weights of some internal organs, and some blood parameters. In total, 132 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were utilized, with the control group (C) receiving a basal diet without supplementation. Experimental groups included 1.5% hemp seed oil (HOA) and 3% hemp seed oil (HOB) added to the basal diet. The 42-day experiment concluded with the total average live weight (LW) for control, HOA, and HOB groups reaching 2637.90, 2647.81, and 2665.68 g, respectively. Average live weight gains (LWG) were 2595.03, 2605.16, and 2622.54 g; average feed intake (FI) amounted to 4044.25, 3880.78, and 3900.36 g, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) values were 1.56, 1.50, and 1.49, respectively. While LW, LWG, and FI values did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05), the addition of hemp seed oil notably improved FCR (P < 0.05). Relative carcass rates and weights of carcass, heart, pancreas, and spleen were similar across groups (P > 0.05). However, liver weight was lowest in the HOA group, and the bursa of Fabricius weight was lowest in the C group (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in serum glucose, albumin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol parameters among groups (P > 0.05). Total protein, HDL-c, non-HDL-c, LDL-c, TAC, and TOC values were significantly influenced by hemp seed oil (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the data suggest that adding up to 3% hemp seed oil to broiler diets can have notable effects on feed conversion ratio and serum biochemical parameters, offering critical health benefits, particularly in improving serum lipid profiles. However, the antioxidant properties of hemp seed oil were found to be weak.
... Hemp seed is now a foodstuff under the EU Regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods [43]. Its proximate nutritional quality including its energy value was elucidated by several recent works [11,19,44]. In order to evaluate the nutritional composition in terms of essential minerals contained in our AMSD1 Cannabis seed, an elemental profiles using ICP-AES was carried out ( Table 1). ...
... Concerning the rate of H 2 O is about 3.85%, the fat content is 30.25%, and the total mineral percentage is 6.97%. These values agree with those data reported to date [11,46]. The phytochemical dosages were performed using different solvents to determine the concentrations of TPC, TFC, TF, and TAC in AMSD1 seeds. ...
This study investigated the molecular, phytochemical, and biological aspects of ten local Moroccan traditional landrace Cannabis seeds. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed using DNA barcode determination, revealing two distinct molecular profiles: “Cannabis, species sativa, subspecies indica” and “Cannabis, species sativa, subspecies sativa”. Furthermore, a new sequence was identified by sequencing of the THCA synthase coding gene. Chemical profiling via HPLC-ESI-FULL-MS and GC-MS-MS of AMSD1 maceration extracts revealed 13 non-volatile chemicals, including 3 inactive cannabinoids and 3 polyphenols, and 24 intriguing volatile compounds, including 7 previously unreported in Cannabis seed extracts. Moreover, the in vitro/in silico analysis provision of biological activities through their antioxidant power, antimicrobial effect, and cytotoxicity potency, as well as antiviral activity, were realized. These results contribute to a thorough comprehension of Moroccan Cannabis seeds, illuminating their molecular, phytochemical, and biological features. Furthermore, they highlight the seeds as a potential source of nutritious components with antioxidant properties, offering valuable insights for future research.
... Its protein contains high levels of glutamic acid and arginine, making it an interesting protein source for human nutrition and health [80]. With 12% arginine content, hemp protein exceeds other high-protein animal-derived or plant sources such as wheat, soy, egg white and whey [81]. The amino acid profile of hemp protein is comparable to high-quality protein sources such as egg white and soy proteins [81]. ...
... With 12% arginine content, hemp protein exceeds other high-protein animal-derived or plant sources such as wheat, soy, egg white and whey [81]. The amino acid profile of hemp protein is comparable to high-quality protein sources such as egg white and soy proteins [81]. While the literature on the bioavailability of hemp protein is still scarce, the in vitro digestion of isolated hemp proteins showed greater digestibility than isolated soy proteins [82,83]. ...
This review discusses different protein sources and their role in human nutrition, focusing on their structure, digestibility, and bioavailability. Plant-based proteins, such as those found in legumes, nuts, and seeds, may contain anti-nutritional factors that impact their bioavailability apart from structural and compositional differences from animal proteins. Animal proteins are generally highly digestible and nutritionally superior to plant proteins, with higher amino acid bioavailability. Alternative protein sources are also processed in different ways, which can alter their structure and nutritional value, which is also discussed.
... It is a versatile plant, and its fiber can be used for industrial purposes, seeds for food, and flowers for medicinal purposes [7] [9] [10]. Raw, cooked, or pressed cannabis seeds are rich sources of fiber, proteins, and fats with high nutritional value [8] [3]. According to a report by the UN's International Narcotics Control Board [11], the UK produced almost half of the world's legal cannabis in 2016 at a whopping 95 tons of production, followed by Canada's 80.7 tons of production, with Portugal and Israel trailing at 21 tons and 9.2 tons respectively. ...
... A brief overview of the characteristics of each type of hemp product is provided below. Hemp seeds contain essential nutrients, such as alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, with an ideal 3:1 ratio [31]. They are also a rich source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, along with significant amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, polyphenols, and flavonoids [28,[32][33][34]. ...
This review examined the potential of hemp components as functional feed and food ingredients, focusing on their impact on the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Following hemp legalization, there was growing interest in its potential to enhance animal diets and processed animal products due to its rich nutritional profile, including high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, and fibre. Incorporating hemp components into feed for monogastric animals, particularly poultry, improved lipid stability, sensory attributes, and the fatty acid composition of meat and eggs. Hemp supplementation for ruminants, especially in goats, increased PUFA and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk, improved meat tenderness, and enhanced oxidative stability. However, research on hemp supplementation for pigs and beef remained limited, indicating the need for further exploration of these species. Hemp cake, rich in protein, fibre, and essential fatty acids, was the most widely used hemp component due to its economic viability, nutritional benefits, and sustainability, contributing to improved meat and milk quality. Regulatory concerns about the transfer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) residues in the produced animal products restricted the use of hemp biomass. In processed animal products, hemp components were studied for their potential to enhance nutritional value, replace animal fats, and serve as natural preservatives. Although they improved the fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of meat products, challenges such as textural changes and increased lipid oxidation needed to be addressed for optimal use. Limited studies on dairy products indicated promising nutritional enhancements, but textural issues could impact consumer acceptance. In conclusion, hemp components show significant potential for improving the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Further research is necessary to address regulatory, sensory, and formulation challenges and to expand their application across different animal species and processed animal products.
... A recent study revealed that the nutritional content of industrial hemp products is comparable to that of alfalfa and could be safely incorporated into the diet of ruminant animals (Parker et al., 2022). It has also been reported that industrial hemp seeds and flowers have been used for therapeutic purposes (Callaway, 2004). Whereas, industrial hemp seeds are also being used in ruminants as amino acid and fatty acid sources (Klir et al., 2019). ...
... 18 This may be attributed to the fact that the seeds of non-psychoactive cannabis served as a potential source of oil, protein, dietary fibers, and a considerable amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. 19 Status of Cannabis Use, Policies, and Research in Nepal Cannabis production and its use has been well-documented since the 19th century. 11,13 Nepal saw a surge in tourism during the 1960s-70s as the government permitted legal cannabis shops. ...
The unique historical and cultural background of Nepal has shaped its perspective on cannabis usage. Narcotic Drugs Control Act 1976 of Nepal prohibits the cultivation, production, manufacture, sales, and distribution of narcotic drugs, which also include various forms of cannabis. With proponents for cannabis legalization increasing in the country, it is equally crucial to analyze context and practices in countries already adopting legalization. As such, this article contextualizes the current debates in Nepal with global policies and practices and talks about the possible impacts of changing the laws on society, the economy, and public health. Policymakers in Nepal must make decisions based on evidence and facts when deciding how to regulate cannabis.
... In modern times, the sativa subspecies is legally cultivated in many countries, not only for its seeds, an excellent source of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, but also for the production of "Cannabidiol = CBD" (non-psychoactive cannabinoid), which is of significant importance (Ferrini et al. 2021). The existing literature primarily focuses on CBD, overlooking the biologically valuable molecules present in both the seeds and leaves of Cannabis sativa, which hold high nutritional value (Callaway 2004;Wang et al. 2008;Da Porto et al. 2012;Teh and Birch 2013;Pojic et al. 2014;Liang et al. 2015;Schluttenhofer and Yuan 2017;Mikulec et al. 2019;Rapa et al. 2019). ...
This study was conducted to evaluate the wound-healing activities of a Cannabis sativa L. plant extract and cannabidiol on incision wounds. An incision was created and sutured in rats under anaesthesia. Routine wound care procedures were applied for 10 days, followed by histological wound examinations. The cellular bioactivities of the hemp extract and CBD were assessed for MCP-1, EGF, BFGF, IL-8, and COL-1 using ELISA on the rat skin wound healing activity. A one-way ANOVA was used for the data analysis. The EGF values in the plasma were similar in the povidone-iodine, hemp seed oil, and hemp essential oil groups (P > 0.05). However, the EGF levels were lower in the CBD group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). The MCP-1 values in the hemp seed oil, hemp essential oil, and CBD were similar (P > 0.05), whereas povidone iodine exhibited lower MCP-1 levels compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). It was determined that the plasma BFGF, IL-8, and COL 1 values of the groups were similar (P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of CBD, seed oil, and hemp leaf extract on incision wound healing. It demonstrates that hemp extract holds greater potential benefits for wound healing compared to CBD.
... Las cáscaras se pueden moler finamente y el polvo resultante (harina) se puede utilizar para enriquecer productos de panadería, carne u otros productos alimenticios con fibra y proteína vegetal (Bárta et al., 2023), otros usos de estos residuos son en la avicultura (fibra), preparación de sustrato para hongos, producción de cebos de pesca y en la fabricación de almohadillas de cáscara de cáñamo (Samodolova & Ulrikh, 2022), se usa con fines industriales, incluidos alimentos para animales, ropa de cama para animales, relleno de almohadas y colchones, un sustrato para la propagación de hongos y el tratamiento de aguas residuales (Samodolova y Ulrikh 2022). Las cáscaras de las semillas se utilizan actualmente como suplemento para el ganado debido a su alto contenido de fibra y proteínas (Callaway, 2004). Las cáscaras de cáñamo del proceso de descascarado representan otro subproducto potencial del cáñamo que podría usarse en dietas animales (Tripathi & Kumar, 2022) Nuestros experimentos han demostrado que la cáscara de cáñamo es suficientemente eficaz para eliminar contaminantes de las aguas residuales a diferentes temperaturas, Por lo tanto, la cáscara de cáñamo puede clasificarse como un sorbente prometedor y muy eficaz. ...
Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre las cáscaras de las semillas de cáñamo, que permitió identificar los componentes de las cáscaras, sus usos, beneficios y necesidades de investigación Introducción:
... With its deliciously nutty flavor, hempseed is an excellent source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and vital fatty acids. It also contains important amino acids, which are found in the highly digestible protein albumin and edestin [6]. Most hempseed oils (>90%) contain polyunsaturated fatty acids [7], which are well known for their protective properties against inflammatory disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disease [8,9]. ...
Cannabis sativa, otherwise known as hemp, is discussed to highlight the various problems and prospects associated with its use as an herbal ingredient. The chemical composition of hemp, with classification based on cannabinoid contents, its biological activities, current global scenarios and legality issues, economic importance, and future prospects, are discussed.
... The principal applications of hemp are contingent upon its variety, provenance, and geographical location (Schultz, 2020). Hemp cultivars are mostly cultivated for seed production, with hemp oil being the most lucrative commodity (Callaway, 2004). Hemp seed typically contains 30-35% seed oil, which can only be obtained by the process of cold pressing (Hazekamp et al., 2010). ...
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a highly commercialized crop used in the production
processes of more than 25,000 products in many different industries. Industrial hemp is a
versatile, sustainable plant with a variety of applications in its various forms, including fiber
from hemp stalks, foods from hemp seeds, and oil from hemp flowers and seeds. Hemp seeds
in their hulled or whole form, stalks and grass, leaves, oil and oil meal have high potential for
use as an alternative raw feed material in animal nutrition. Considering the fact that the share
of feed cost in overall production costs in animal husbandry is around 70%, and the most
important part of this feed cost is the protein source feed raw materials, it is important to reveal
the possibilities of using alternative feed raw materials. Although there are many studies in the
field of animal nutrition using hemp and its by-products, studies in sheep are limited. Because
of their tendency to extensive feeding and their ability to use feed resources that other animals
cannot use, sheep are known to breed well with a wide range of alternative feedstuffs. Due to
these characteristics, research on feeding hemp to sheep has been increasing in recent years. In
this review, the nutrient contents of hemp and its products and the findings of previous studies
on feeding hemp to sheep were summarized and the possibilities of using hemp in sheep feeding
were strived to be revealed.
... The principal applications of hemp are contingent upon its variety, provenance, and geographical location (Schultz, 2020). Hemp cultivars are mostly cultivated for seed production, with hemp oil being the most lucrative commodity (Callaway, 2004). Hemp seed typically contains 30-35% seed oil, which can only be obtained by the process of cold pressing (Hazekamp et al., 2010). ...
Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) is a highly commercialized crop used in the production processes of more than 25,000 products in many different industries. Industrial hemp is a versatile, sustainable plant with a variety of applications in its various forms, including fiber from hemp stalks, foods from hemp seeds, and oil from hemp flowers and seeds. Hemp seeds in their hulled or whole form, stalks and grass, leaves, oil and oil meal have high potential for use as an alternative raw feed material in animal nutrition. Considering the fact that the share of feed cost in overall production costs in animal husbandry is around 70%, and the most important part of this feed cost is the protein source feed raw materials, it is important to reveal the possibilities of using alternative feed raw materials. Although there are many studies in the field of animal nutrition using hemp and its by-products, studies in sheep are limited. Because of their tendency to extensive feeding and their ability to use feed resources that other animals cannot use, sheep are known to breed well with a wide range of alternative feedstuffs. Due to these characteristics, research on feeding hemp to sheep has been increasing in recent years. In this review, the nutrient contents of hemp and its products and the findings of previous studies on feeding hemp to sheep were summarized and the possibilities of using hemp in sheep feeding were strived to be revealed.
... Hemp is an annual plant, extremely versatile, with various uses in agriculture, medicine, food, cosmetics, textile industry, automobile industry, construction (Andre et al., 2016;Popa et al., 2021;Popa et al., 2022). As a crop, Cannabis sativa can be grown for its fiber (Del Gatto Andrea et al., 1999;Johnson, 2014) or for its seeds (Callaway, 2004;Hanks, 2008). The hemp leaves and flowers have a specific aroma, and their extracts contain a variety of useful terpenes and flavonoids, as well as other compounds that are used as pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides) or effective therapeutic agents (Kolodziejczyk et al., 2012;Băluţă, 2013;Russo & Marcu, 2017). ...
This work aims to present data related to the structure of the entomofauna and the variation of the relative abundance of species in the ecosystem of the monoecious hemp crop, cultivated in an ecological system. The researches were carried out between 2017 and 2018, in monoecious hemp crop, cultivated in an ecological system, within the Agricultural Research and Development Station Secuieni-Neamț. The biological material was collected by the classic method, namely with the help of Barber-type soil traps, which were installed in the monoecious hemp crop. Later, the collected material was subjected to a mathematical analysis, as a result of which a series of ecological indicators were obtained, highlighting the characteristics of the analyzed biocenosis. 423 specimens were collected, belonging to 4 orders, 11 families, 12 subfamilies, 13 genera and 15 species. The order Coleoptera had the maximum weight by the number of specimens collected (48.70%), while the order Lepidoptera recorded a weight of only 0.24%. The Gryllidae family had the maximum weight by the number of specimens collected (36.88%), while the Noctuidae and Scutelleridae families have 0.24% each.
... Depending on the part of the plant from which it is extracted, the composition of hemp oil has different components. Thus, phyto-cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenoids such as β-caryophyllene (BCP) and limonene, are accumulated in flowers and leaves (Grof, 2018) Cannabis sativa seeds contain little or no phyto-cannabinoids, being rich in omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, substantial amounts of γ-linolenic acid, and other nutritious antioxidants (Callaway, 2004). ...
The present paper makes a review of the current industrial hemp uses, given the biological, ecological, technological, sociological and economic properties of its cultivation and capitalisation. The whole plant can be processed with zero waste. The oils from the organic hemp plant, with a complex composition, being non-toxic and processed by modern technologies, can be used as raw materials for the manufacture of phyto-medicines and food supplements or for cosmetics products, according to the bio-circular economy principles. In our case study, such oils produced in an organic processing facility are analysed. The chromatographic analysis showed a balanced ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (omega6 / omega3). After processing the aerial part of the hemp plant (herba) to obtain CBD (cannabinoid) oil, the remains are used as the plant base for the production of bio-compost, and after the cold pressing of seeds, the resulting parts are dried and ground. The resulting powder, which represents a rich source of quality, easily digestible proteins, can be used in the bio-economic circuit for obtaining premixes (for human and veterinary use), bakery products, protein bars and various functional foods.
... Consistent with this, 2 g/meal of leucine at four meals per day, totaling ≥8 g/day, was established as the target. The leucine contents of various commonly consumed animal-and plant-sourced proteins were originally derived from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other sources [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49]. These items included beef, egg, and cod for animal proteins, milk, whey, and casein for dairy proteins, and lentils, quinoa, black beans, corn, soy, peas, rice, oats, hemp, potatoes, wheat, spirulina, and mycoprotein for plant proteins [50,51]. ...
American football players consume large quantities of animal-sourced protein in adherence with traditional recommendations to maximize muscle development and athletic performance. This contrasts with dietary guidelines, which recommend reducing meat intake and increasing consumption of plant-based foods to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The capacity of completely plant-based diets to meet the nutritional needs of American football players has not been studied. This modeling study scaled dietary data from a large cohort following completely plant-based diets to meet the energy requirements of professional American football players to determine whether protein, leucine, and micronutrient needs for physical performance and health were met. The Cunningham equation was used to estimate calorie requirements. Nutrient intakes from the Adventist Health Study 2 were then scaled to this calorie level. Protein values ranged from 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day and leucine values ranged from 3.8–4.1 g/meal at each of four daily meals, therefore meeting and exceeding levels theorized to maximize muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle protein synthesis, respectively. Plant-based diets scaled to meet the energy needs of professional American football players satisfied protein, leucine, and micronutrient requirements for muscle development and athletic performance. These findings suggest that completely plant-based diets could bridge the gap between dietary recommendations for chronic disease prevention and athletic performance in American football players.
... Як з біологічної точки зору, так і з господарської, коноплі посівні (Cannabis sativa L.) -це унікальний вид рослин [5,6]. Особливо цінними для організму людини є продукти переробки насіння, а саме олія, яка характеризується високими смаковими і технічними властивостями [7,8,9]. Урожайність сільськогосподарських культур, як правило, характеризується показником кількості вирощеної продукції на одиниці площі посіву. ...
Мета досліджень – встановити залежність біологічної урожайності товарного насіння конопель технічних від сорту та норм висіву за звичайного рядкового та широкорядного способів сівби. Методи. Дослідження виконані впродовж 2018–2020 рр. в Закладі вищої освіти «Подільський державний університет» в умовах Західного Лісостепу України. Під час проведення досліджень використано такі наукові методи, як польовий, лабораторний, аналіз, конкретизація, узагальнення. В експеримент включені технологічний фактор А – норми висіву насіння за ширини міжрядь у посівах 15 см – 1,2; 1,8; 2,4; 3,0; 3,6 млн. шт./га та 45 см – 0,6; 0,9; 1,2; 1,5; 1,8 млн. шт./га та біологічний фактор В – сорти коноплі ЮСО-31, Гляна та Глесія. Розміщення ділянок коноплі технічної – систематизоване ярусне. Кількість повторень – чотириразова. Облік урожаю товарного насіння сортів коноплі технічної проводили методом обмолоту пробних снопів. Результати. Доведено, що норма висіву, як фактор технологічного характеру в управлінні інтегральним показником урожайності товарного насіння конопель належить до ефективних чинників за впливом на рівень біологічної урожайності. Встановлено також значущість біологічного фактора, тобто залежність урожайності від сорту. Висновки. Встановлено, що за умови звичайного рядкового способу сівби істотно найвище інтегральне значення біологічної урожайності товарного насіння отримано при нормі висіву 1,8 млн. шт./га. Показники конопель технічних становлять для сорту Глесія у 2018 р. – 1605 кг/га, у 2019 р. – 1476 кг/га, у 2020 р. – 1644 кг/га; для сорту Гляна у 2018 р. – 1472 кг/га, у 2019 р. – 1305 кг/га, у 2020 р. – 1466 кг/га; для сорту ЮСО-31 у 2018 р. – 1072 кг/га, у 2019 р. – 1048 кг/га, у 2020 р. – 1116 кг/га. За умови широкорядного способу сівби достовірно найвищий біологічний рівень урожайності товарного насіння коноплі технічної отримано при нормі висіву 0,6 млн. шт./га для сорту Глесія у 2018 р. – 1739 кг/га, у 2019 р. – 1755 кг/га, у 2020 р. – 1819 кг/га; для сорту Гляна у 2018 р. – 1556 кг/га, у 2019 р. – 1454 кг/га, у 2020 р. – 1641 кг/га; для сорту ЮСО-31 у 2018 р. – 1282 кг/га, у 2019 р. – 1208 кг/га, у 2020 р. – 1379 кг/га.
This study was to develop high-nutritious energy bar from extruded hemp obtained by extrusion process. Mixture of rice flour and defatted hemp was extruded at a barrel temperature of 110 and 130°C, and moisture content of 20 and 25%. Properties of extrudates such as bulk density, expansion index, breaking strength, apparent elastic modulus, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) have been analyzed. The antioxidant potential was determined by the DPPH-radical scavenging assay. The expansion index was the highest in rice-hemp extrudate at 130°C barrel temperature and 20% moisture content among the other hemp-added extrudates. The WAI was increased with increase in moisture content, while the WSI was increased with increase in barrel temperature. The peak viscosity of rice extrudate had higher valule than those of extrudate added with hemp. DPPH scavenging activity of rice-hemp extrudate at 130°C barrel temperature and 20% moisture content showed the highest value. Sensory properties, moisture content and color were assessed for quality of energy bar. The color values of the energy bar indicated decreasing L (lightness) and b (yellowness), and increasing a (redness) after 30 days storage at ambient condition. The highest overall acceptable was the energy bar added with rice-hemp extrudate at 130°C barrel temperature and 20% moisture content.
This review delves into the promising potential of non-traditional vegetable oils as a novel resource for crafting sustainable products. non-traditional vegetable oils, derived from non-food crops like Jatropha, Neem, Rubber seed oil castor, and Karanja, represent a significant class of renewable resources gaining traction for their potential applications in sustainable product manufacturing. Leveraging non-traditional vegetable oils offers several advantages over edible oils. Firstly, their non-edible nature eliminates competition for resources between food and non-food applications. Secondly, non-traditional vegetable oils often boast greater abundance and lower costs compared to edible oils, making them an attractive choice for sustainable product development. The versatility of non-traditional vegetable oils extends beyond their potential in sustainable product manufacturing. They also hold promise in the production of lubricants, surfactants, soaps, textile auxiliaries, and cosmetics. Additionally, non-traditional vegetable oils offer environmental benefits. Certain non-traditional vegetable oils crops, such as jatropha, thrive on marginal lands unsuitable for food crops. This utilization can alleviate pressure on valuable agricultural land and provide income-generating opportunities for farmers in developing nations. In conclusion, non-traditional vegetable oils emerge as a compelling resource for sustainable product development, offering a plethora of advantages over edible oils and contributing to environmental sustainability. As research and innovation continue, non-traditional vegetable oils are poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping a more sustainable future.
In this work, the type of fermentation and baking technology used to make hemp bread was investigated. The physicochemical composition of flour and bread, the protein nutritional quality, fatty acids profile, texture, consumer acceptance, analysis of volatile compounds using an electronic nose and chemical compounds using an electronic tongue were determined. Differences in protein and total dietary fiber content were observed in the obtained breads. The use of sourdoughs had a minor effect on the physical properties of the bread tested (the volume and mass of the loaves, color, or crumb texture). There was no clear effect of the tested sourdoughs on the parameters of the crumb texture and its moisture, assessed physically, both on the day of baking and during storage. In this bread, the limiting amino acid was lysine (amino acid score from 56.22% to 57.63%), but the breads did not differ significantly in the value of this indicator. The n-6/n-3 ratio in breads containing hemp flour (from 3.73 to 4.48) may have a beneficial effect on human health. The best-rated bread was the HB4 with a score of 6.09. The acceptance of remaining breads were in the range from 3.91 for HB1 to 4.91 for HB2.
The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of hemp press cake flour (HPCF) on fatty acids and the microbiological quality of gluten-free bread. Seven types of gluten-free bread with different amounts of HPCF (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 %) were produced. Gas chromatography was used to determinate the amounts of individual fatty acids, as well as the groups of fatty acids (saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, branched fatty acids). HPCF contains significantly higher content of linoleic acid, α- linoleic acid, omega - 3 fatty acids and Omega - 6 fatty acids compared to rice flour, which indicates that replacing rice flour with HPCF will contribute to a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the content of these essential fatty acids in different types of bread. The change in the microbiological quality of the gluten-free bread with different amounts of HPCF starts thirty-six hours after the production.
Cannabis sativa L. is an ancient crop whose agricultural adoption has been interrupted to prevent the use of marijuana as psychoactive drug. Nevertheless, hemp – the Cannabis sativa type with low concentrations of intoxicating Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoid – is experiencing resurged interest thanks to loosened cultivation restrictions and its potential as multipurpose bio-based crop. In fact, hemp has valuable applications, including production of medicines from its non-intoxicating cannabinoids, food, medical, and industrial uses of its seed oil rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and production of fibers for textiles and industry from its stems. Recently, several hemp genomic and genetic resources have been developed, allowing for a significant expansion of the genetic knowledge on major hemp traits, as cannabinoids, oil, and fibers synthesis, and regulation of flowering and sex determination. Still, hemp is an under-improved crop, whose advancement will depend on the ability to expand and collectively use the novel resources available in light of the fast advancements in bioinformatics and plant phenotyping technologies. This review discusses on the current genetic and genomic knowledge on the most important hemp traits, and provides a perspective on how to further expand such knowledge and tackle hemp improvement with the most up-to-date tools for plant and hemp research.
Extraction of cannabinoids from different parts of the plant matrix is often carried out by various traditional methods based on the use of organic solvents. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has emerged as one of the most intriguing approaches for the extraction of cannabinoids. This review examines the importance of the SFE of cannabinoids, extraction parameters, selection of a suitable co-solvent/modifier, and appropriate sample preparation. To characterise the composition of the mixture of cannabinoids different analysis methods can be applied. One of them is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which requires no derivatisation of the analysed sample and allows for a determination of a wide variety of both acidic and neutral cannabinoids. Nevertheless, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is gaining increasing importance due to its superior identification of analytes which is based on both the retention times of analytes as well as specific qualifier ions. Another interesting analytical method is supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), which uses supercritical fluids (SCFs) such as CO2 in combination with different modifiers, to successfully separate and determine cannabinoids. The use of SFC allows for an efficient and above all, rapid separation of the desired analytes. There is an essential need to efficiently investigate the influence of various experimental parameters on the retention behaviour of cannabinoids in SFC.
Emollients plus are defined as topical formulations containing active ingredients with no pharmacological effect. They are designed to target multiple mechanisms in AD pathophysiology. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of emollient plus medical device cream by performing a post-marketing surveillance study. It was carried out in cooperation with 88 members of the Polish Association for Atopic Diseases who were diagnosed with AD and voluntarily fulfilled the questionnaire after 14 days of product use. Additionally, the medical device underwent in vitro/ex vivo testing. Cytotoxicity was assessed by in vitro studies: direct MTT assay and indirect Agarose Overlay Assay. An ex vivo EpiDerm™ culture (EPI-200) was used to investigate the irritation potential, and culture medium was collected after 18 h of contact with the skin model to perform a flow cytometric for the analysis of inflammatory cytokines. A dermatological assessment with the local SCORAD was employed to confirm the efficacy of the cream. It was found that 86% of patients with AD observed an improvement in their skin condition during the two-week testing period. In vitro/ex vivo assays confirmed that the product is safe, non-irritant, and does not stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines. According to the local SCORAD, the symptoms of AD were alleviated. Moreover, preliminary studies indicated its efficacy in eliminating S. aureus on patients’ skin.
Background
Alopecia areata is an inflammatory, autoimmune, non-scarring, common patchy, hair-loss condition. Many treatment lines are used to treat alopecia areata, but all are palliative. Alternative medicine, like aromatherapy is expected to promote hair growth, but they are still lacking the scientific basis. Hemp oil is one of the aromatherapies that comprises polyunsaturated fat in approximately 76% involving “essential fatty acids” mainly omega-6 fatty acids” and lesser amount of “omega-3 fatty acids.”
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate hemp seed oil effect in the treatment of patients with alopecia areata.
Materials and Methods
This was a clinical trial planned to evaluate the efficacy of hemp seed oil in 20 patients with localized alopecia areata for 2 months. Plant material is hemp oil extract, applied at night daily for 2 months. Regrowth of terminal hair was evaluated by clinically and by trichoscope examination to evaluate the pathologic changes response. The assessment was done at 0, 4, and 8 weeks of the treatment.
Results
After 8 weeks of the treatment, the response was marked in five (25%) patients, moderate in eight (40%) patients, and mild in two (10%) patients. Five (25%) patients revealed no response. There was a significant increase in the response of patients who were under the marked improvement group between 4 and 8 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Hemp seed oil can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for localized alopecia areata. Additional clinical trials are advised to adjust the dose and determine the period of time, which is required to obtain a better result.
The current interest in hemp is not limited to the medicinal use for humans, it is also gaining attention as a valuable feed ingredient for animals. For instance, the processing of whole hemp seed (HS) for the extraction of the oil can result in various feed materials for animals, including HS hulls, dehulled HS, HS oil, and HS cake/meal. However, currently, HS-derived products are not approved as feed ingredients in Canada, in part, because the safety and efficacy of these derivatives, like other jurisdictions, require certification by regulatory bodies for their use in animal feeds. In this context, this document reviews previous studies testing the application of hemp-derived products in various animal feeds, including poultry, swine, ruminants, as well as in aquaculture production to support their safety and efficacy. Furthermore, the document attempts to review available data on the transfer of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the psychoactive component) into animal products. Hence, the aim of this work is to support future policy directions and guidelines for the application of various hemp-derived products in animal feeds.
This study investigated the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative status and immune responses in weanling piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge. Suckling piglets (n = 24) were randomly selected from two litters for an oral supplementation (1 mL/day) with fish oil or hemp oil and vitamin E supplementation (60 mg natural vitamin E/mL oil) from day 10 to 28 of age. At day 29 and 30 of age, each piglet was orally inoculated with 6.7 × 10⁸ and 3.96 × 10⁸ CFU of F4 and F18 E. coli, respectively. Blood was sampled from all piglets on day 28 before E. coli challenge and on day 35 of age to investigate immunological and oxidative stress markers in plasma. One week after weaning and exposure to E. coli, a general reduction in the α-tocopherol concentration and activity of GPX1 was obtained. Vitamin E supplementation lowered the extent of lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidative status and immune responses after E. coli challenge. Hemp oil had the greatest effect on antioxidant enzyme activity. Provision of hemp oil and vitamin E to suckling piglets may reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea.
The control of proliferation and epithelial restitution are processes that are poorly understood. The effects of (n-3), (n-6) and trans fatty acids on proliferation of subconfluent IEC-6 cultures and restitution of wounded IEC-6 monolayers were investigated. Incorporation of supplemented fatty acids into cellular phospholipid was also assessed. Sulforhodamine B protein dye binding assay was utilized to assess the proliferative effects of fatty acids on growth of IEC-6 cultures. Incorporation of supplemental fatty acids into cellular phospholipid was examined by thin-layer chromatography combined with gas chromatography. The modulation of epithelial restitution was examined by razor blade wounding confluent IEC-6 monolayers grown in media supplemented with various fatty acids. Inhibition of eicosanoid synthesis by indomethacin during the wounding assay was also assessed. Both (n-3) and (n-6) fatty acids significantly inhibited growth of this intestinal epithelial cell model at concentrations above 125 mmol/L. The trans fatty acid, linoelaidate 18:2(n-6)trans, inhibited growth of IEC-6 cells at concentrations above 250 mmol/L. Another trans fatty acid, elaidate 18:1(n-9)trans, was well-tolerated at concentrations as high as 500 mmol/L. Eicosapentanoic 20:5(n-3), linoleic 18:2(n-6), a-linolenic 18:3(n-3), g-linolenic 18:3(n-6) and arachidonic 20:4(n-6) acids all significantly enhanced cellular migration in the IEC-6 model of wound healing. Eicosapentanoate, linoleate, a-linolenate, g-linolenate and arachidonate are all capable of improving reconstitution of epithelial integrity following mucosal injury. Inhibition of eicosanoid synthesis reduced the enhancement of restitution by n-6 fatty acids back to control levels. J. Nutr. 129: 1791-1798, 1999.
In most of the western world where industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa, is licensed for cultivation, the plants must not exceed
a level of 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal intoxicating constituent of the species. Because there are no publicly
available germplasm hemp collections in North America and only a very few, recent North American cultivars have been bred,
the future breeding of cultivars suitable for North America is heavily dependent on European cultivars and European germplasm
collections. Based mostly on material from Europe, this study surveyed THC levels of 167 accessions grown in southern Ontario,
making this the largest survey to date of germplasm intended for breeding in North America. Forty-three percent of these had
THC levels ≥0.3% and, therefore, are unsuitable for hemp development in North America. Discrepancies were found between THC
levels reported for some germplasm holdings in Europe when they were grown in Canada and, accordingly, verification of THC
levels developed in North America is necessary.
Several sources of information suggest that man evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids of approximately 1 whereas today this ratio is approximately 10:1 to 20-25:1, indicating that Western diets are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids compared with the diet on which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Omega-3 fatty acids increase bleeding time; decrease platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and fibrinogen; and increase erythrocyte deformability, thus decreasing the tendency to thrombus formation. In no clinical trial, including coronary artery graft surgery, has there been any evidence of increased blood loss due to ingestion of omega 3 fatty acids. Many studies show that the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on serum lipids depend on the type of patient and whether the amount of saturated fatty acids in the diet is held constant. In patients with hyperlipidemia, omega 3 fatty acids decrease low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol if the saturated fatty acid content is decreased, otherwise there is a slight increase, but at high doses (32 g) they lower LDL cholesterol; furthermore, they consistently lower serum triglycerides in normal subjects and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia whereas the effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) varies from no effect to slight increases. The discrepancies between animal and human studies most likely are due to differences between animal and human metabolism. In clinical trials eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the form of fish oils along with antirheumatic drugs improve joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; have a beneficial effect in patients with ulcerative colitis; and in combination with drugs, improve the skin lesions, lower the hyperlipidemia from etretinates, and decrease the toxicity of cyclosporin in patients with psoriasis. In various animal models omega 3 fatty acids decrease the number and size of tumors and increase the time elapsed before appearance of tumors. Studies with nonhuman primates and human newborns indicate that DHA is essential for the normal functional development of the retina and brain, particularly in premature infants. Because omega 3 fatty acids are essential in growth and development throughout the life cycle, they should be included in the diets of all humans. Omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids are not interconvertible in the human body and are important components of practically all cell membranes. Whereas cellular proteins are genetically determined, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to a great extent dependent on the dietary intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
It has been reported that essential fatty acid levels may be low and that there may be reduced levels of delta-6-desaturase metabolites of linoleic acid in patients with atopic eczema. Good therapeutic results have been reported on the use of evening primrose oil (Efamol) in adults but not in children. Efamol contains gamma-linolenic acid, the delta-6-desaturase metabolite of linoleic acid. The authors have studied 24 children with atopic eczema: 12 of them were treated with a higher dose of evening primrose oil than in previous studies and 12 with placebo olive oil. The clinical status and plasma, neutrophil and lymphocyte fatty acid composition in these children have been evaluated. After 4 weeks the eczema of essential fatty acid-treated children significantly improved in comparison with that of placebo-treated children (p less than 0.01). There were significant changes in plasma fatty acid composition between the basal values and the end of active treatment, and between the placebo and actively treated children. Neutrophil and lymphocyte fatty acid composition did not seem to be related to disease activity.
Hand dermatitis is a common therapeutic challenge with limited and unsatisfactory therapy modules. A possible beneficial role of oral evening primrose oil needs to be investigated.
Pharmacological doses of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) could improve the water permeability barrier of the epidermis in chronic hand dermatitis. Clinical improvement, changes in the lipogram and epidermal lipid composition could define functional improvement of the skin. Electron-microscopic evaluation of the epidermal lipid bilayer could underline the efficacy of essential fatty acids in chronic hand dermatitis.
Thirty-nine patients with chronic (> 1 year), stable hand dermatitis entered a 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Patch test with the European standard of allergens, haematogram and serum IgE values were determined before commencement of the study. Active therapy (600 mg/day of GLA) was administered to half the patient group. Medication was given for 16 weeks and observations continued for another 8 weeks. Patients were assessed clinically, using a visual analogue scale at 4-week intervals. Plasma and red blood cell lipograms, as well as skin biopsies, were taken before therapy, after the 16-week supplementation period and at week 24. Tissue was used for histological evaluation, electron-microscopic assessment and epidermal lipid analysis.
Improvement in clinical parameters was present in the Epogam and placebo groups, but no statistical difference could be confirmed between the groups. Haematogram, blood and epidermal biochemistry were normal at baseline. No change in the lipid composition of plasma red cells or epidermis could be detected during the trail. Ultrastructurally skin specimens showed no change during the study period.
The study indicates that the therapeutic value of orally administered GLA for chronic hand dermatitis is not superior to that of placebo.
A diet including 2-3 portions of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to the intake of 1.25 g EPA (20:5n-3) + DHA (22:6n-3) per day, has been officially recommended on the basis of epidemiological findings showing a beneficial role of these n-3 long-chain PUFA in the prevention of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. The parent fatty acid ALA (18:3n-3), found in vegetable oils such as flaxseed or rapeseed oil, is used by the human organism partly as a source of energy, partly as a precursor of the metabolites, but the degree of conversion appears to be unreliable and restricted. More specifically, most studies in humans have shown that whereas a certain, though restricted, conversion of high doses of ALA to EPA occurs, conversion to DHA is severely restricted. The use of ALA labelled with radioisotopes suggested that with a background diet high in saturated fat conversion to long-chain metabolites is approximately 6% for EPA and 3.8% for DHA. With a diet rich in n-6 PUFA, conversion is reduced by 40 to 50%. It is thus reasonable to observe an n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio not exceeding 4-6. Restricted conversion to DHA may be critical since evidence has been increasing that this long-chain metabolite has an autonomous function, e.g. in the brain, retina and spermatozoa where it is the most prominent fatty acid. In neonates deficiency is associated with visual impairment, abnormalities in the electroretinogram and delayed cognitive development. In adults the potential role of DHA in neurological function still needs to be investigated in depth. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors DHA has been shown to reduce triglyceride concentrations. These findings indicate that future attention will have to focus on the adequate provision of DHA which can reliably be achieved only with the supply of the preformed long-chain metabolite.
Human beings evolved consuming a diet that contained about equal amounts of n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids. Over the past 100-150 y there has been an enormous increase in the consumption of n-6 fatty acids due to the increased intake of vegetable oils from corn, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cottonseed, and soybeans. Today, in Western diets, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids ranges from approximately 20-30:1 instead of the traditional range of 1-2:1. Studies indicate that a high intake of n-6 fatty acids shifts the physiologic state to one that is prothrombotic and proaggregatory, characterized by increases in blood viscosity, vasospasm, and vasoconstriction and decreases in bleeding time. n-3 Fatty acids, however, have antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and vasodilatory properties. These beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids have been shown in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and, in some patients with renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most of the studies were carried out with fish oils [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. However, alpha-linolenic acid, found in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, rapeseed, and walnuts, desaturates and elongates in the human body to EPA and DHA and by itself may have beneficial effects in health and in the control of chronic diseases.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to affect the immune response and administration of the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid has been reported to be beneficial in multiple sclerosis (MS) and EAE. In this study we have investigated the effects of oral feeding of plant lipid rich in the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid from Borago officinalis on acute and relapse disease and the immune response in EAE using SJL mice. EAE was induced by an encephalitogenic peptide (92-106) of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), and mice were fed the plant lipid daily from 7 days after EAE induction to assess the effects on acute disease and from day 25 to assess the effects on disease relapse. The clinical incidence and histological manifestations of acute EAE, and the clinical relapse phase of chronic relapsing EAE (CREAE) were markedly inhibited by omega-6 fatty acid feeding. A significant increase in the production of TGF-beta1 in response to concanavalin A (Con A) at day 13 and a significant increase in TGF-beta1 and PGE2 to Con A, PPD and MOG peptide (92-106) at day 21 were detected in spleen mononuclear cells from fatty acid-fed mice. There was no difference in interferon-gamma, IL-4 and IL-2 production between the fatty acid-fed and control groups. Significantly higher TGF-beta mRNA expression was found in the spleens of omega-6 fatty acid-fed mice at day 21. There were no differences in spleen cell proliferative response to Con A, PPD and MOG peptide (92-106). Biochemical analysis of spleen cell membrane fatty acids revealed significant increases in the eicosanoid precursor fatty acids dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid in response to gamma-linolenic acid feeding, indicating rapid metabolism to longer chain omega-6 fatty acids. These results show that oral feeding of gamma-linolenic acid-rich plant lipid markedly affects the disease course of acute EAE and CREAE and is associated with an increase in cell membrane long chain omega-6 fatty acids, production of PGE2 and gene transcription and, on activation, secretion of TGF-beta1.
The present paper describes the historical use of cannabis, starting with its use in Assyria and China. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of cannabis action are explained, including the identification of the cannabinoid receptors CB(1) and CB(2), as well as the isolation of endogenous cannabinoids from the brain and periphery. The use of delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol as an anti-vomiting and anti-nausea drug for cancer chemotherapy, and as an appetite-enhancing agent is described. Clinical work in multiple sclerosis, which may lead to the approval of tetrahydrocannabinol as a drug for this condition, is presented. Preclinical and clinical investigations with cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic cannabis constituent, are also described. Recent work with cannabidiol in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis may lead to clinical investigations. A synthetic cannabinoid, HU-211 (Dexanabinol), is in advanced clinical stages of investigation as a neuroprotectant in head trauma. The above clinical approaches may ultimately lead to the realization that cannabinoids are valuable clinical drugs in numerous fields.
Immunological unresponsiveness or hyporesponsiveness (tolerance) can be induced by feeding protein antigens to naive animals. Using a classical oral ovalbumin gut-induced tolerance protocol in BALB/c mice we investigated the effects of dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on high-and low-dose oral tolerance (and in non-tolerised animals, i.e. effects of antigen challenge alone) in relation to lymphoproliferative, cytokine and antibody responses. Fish oil rich in long-chain n-3 fatty acids decreased both T-helper (Th) 1- and Th2-like responses. In contrast, borage (Borago officinalis) oil rich in n-6 PUFA, of which gamma-linolenic acid is rapidly metabolised to longer-chain n-6 PUFA, increased Thl-like responses and decreased Th2-like responses, and possibly enhanced suppressor cell or Th3-like activity. These findings are in general agreement with other studies on the effects of long chain n-3 PUFA on immune system functions, and characterise important differences between long-chain n-3 and n-6 PUFA, defining more precisely and broadly the immunological regulatory mechanisms involved. They are also discussed in relation to autoimmune disease.
Remodeling of lipoprotein particles in the postprandial period is considered to be an important source of atherogenic particles, but acute changes occurring after meals have been little studied.
We sought to characterize changes in LDL particle composition occurring after a single meal, with particular reference to potential lipid exchange with particles carrying dietary fatty acids.
In a balanced design, 8 healthy subjects ingested isoenergetic meals of different fat content: low-fat, rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We investigated changes in LDL composition 4 and 6 h after meal ingestion.
The LDL triacylglycerol-to-protein ratio closely mirrored the plasma triacylglycerol concentrations after each of the meals, and there was a strong association between these variables in both the fasting and postprandial states (P < 0.001). A postprandial increase in LDL triacylglycerol was associated with a decrease in LDL cholesterol. There were no effects of the ingestion of a single meal on the LDL density profiles for protein or for any of the lipid components. The fatty acid composition of total LDL lipids changed in the postprandial period, with an enrichment in PUFA after the PUFA-rich meal and in SFA after the SFA-rich meal.
The changes observed in LDL composition after single meals are in accord with the proposition that there is neutral lipid exchange in the postprandial period, with triacylglycerol enrichment of LDL particles at the expense of cholesteryl esters. The change in the fatty acid composition of LDL particles implies significant lipid exchange with particles containing dietary fat.
Among the fatty acids, it is the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which possess the most potent immunomodulatory activities, and among the omega-3 PUFA, those from fish oil-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)--are more biologically potent than alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Some of the effects of omega-3 PUFA are brought about by modulation of the amount and types of eicosanoids made, and other effects are elicited by eicosanoid-independent mechanisms, including actions upon intracellular signaling pathways, transcription factor activity and gene expression. Animal experiments and clinical intervention studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, might be useful in the management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Coronary heart disease, major depression, aging and cancer are characterized by an increased level of interleukin 1 (IL-1), a proinflammatory cytokine. Similarly, arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and lupus erythematosis are autoimmune diseases characterized by a high level of IL-1 and the proinflammatory leukotriene LTB(4) produced by omega-6 fatty acids. There have been a number of clinical trials assessing the benefits of dietary supplementation with fish oils in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches. Many of the placebo-controlled trials of fish oil in chronic inflammatory diseases reveal significant benefit, including decreased disease activity and a lowered use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Several sources of information suggest that man evolved on a diet with a ratio of ω6 to ω3 fatty acids of ∼ 1 whereas today this ratio is ∼10:1 to 20–25:1, indicating that Western diets are deficient in ω3 fatty acids compared with the diet on which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Omega-3 fatty acids increase bleeding time; decrease platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and fibrinogen; and increase erythrocyte deformability, thus decreasing the tendency to thrombus formation. In no clinical trial, including coronary artery graft surgery, has there been any evidence of increased blood loss due to ingestion of ω3 fatty acids. Many studies show that the effects of ω3 fatty acids on serum lipids depend on the type of patient and whether the amount of saturated fatty acids in the diet is held constant. In patients with hyperlipidemia, ω3 fatty acids decrease low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol if the saturated fatty acid content is decreased, otherwise there is a slight increase, but at high doses (32 g) they lower LDL cholesterol; furthermore, they consistently lower serum triglycerides in normal subjects and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia whereas the effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) varies from no effect to slight increases. The discrepancies between animal and human studies most likely are due to differences between animal and human metabolism. In clinical trials eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the form of fish oils along with antirheumatic drugs improve joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; have a beneficial effect in patients with ulcerative colitis; and in combination with drugs, improve the skin lesions, lower the hyperlipidemia from etretinates, and decrease the toxicity of cyclosporin in patients with psoriasis. In various animal models ω3 fatty acids decrease the number and size of tumors and increase the time elapsed before appearance of tumors. Studies with nonhuman primates and human newborns indicate that DHA is essential for the normal functional development of the retina and brain, particularly in premature infants. Because ω3 fatty acids are essential in growth and development throughout the life cycle, they should be included in the diets of all humans. Omega-3 and ω6 fatty acids are not interconvertible in the human body and are important components of practically all cell membranes. Whereas cellular proteins are genetically determined, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to a great extent dependent on the dietary intake. Therefore appropriate amounts of dietary ω6 and ω3 fatty acids need to be considered in making dietary recommendations, and these two classes of PUFAs should be distinguished because they are metabolically and functionally distinct and have opposing physiological functions. Their balance is important for homeostasis and normal development. Canada is the first country to provide separate dietary recommendations for ω6 and ω3 fatty acids.
Fifteen laboratories participated in a collaborative study to determine total, saturated, unsaturated, and monounsaturated fats in cereal products by gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Cereal products, representing a wide range of cereal grains and processes, were hydrolyxed in 8N HCI and extracted with ethyl and petroleum ethers. FAMEs were produced by the reaction of the mixed ether extracts with sodium hydroxide in methanol (NaOH/MeOH) and then with boron trifluoride reagent (14% BF3 in MeOH). They were quantitatively determined by capillary GC. Total fat was calculated as the sum of individual fatty acids expressed as triglyceride equivalents in accordance with nutrition labeling guidelines. Saturated, unsaturated, and monounsaturated fats were calculated as sums of individual fatty acids. The total fat contents of samples ranged from 0.56 to 12.64%. A split design was used to determine performance parameters of results obtained by 15 laboratories on 24 samples. Of the 24 samples, 7 were blind duplicates and 5 were independent materials. Statistical analysis for total fat yielded a relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) range of 1.32 to 13.30% and a relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR) range of 4.42 to 22.82%. The goal of this study was to determine total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated, and monounsaturated fat in cereal-based products by complete extraction, methylation, and quantitation of total fatty acids. The acid hydrolysis-capillary GC method for determining total, saturated, unsaturated, and monosaturated fats in cereal products has been adopted by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Hemp meal (HM) is derived from the processing of hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) seeds. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritive value of HM for ruminants. Two ruminally fistulated cows were used in a randomized complete-block design to estimate in situ ruminai dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability of HM relative to canola meal (CM), heated canola meal (HCM) and borage meal (BM) meal. Intestinal availability of rumen undegraded CP was estimated using a pepsin-pancreatin in vitro assay. Twenty growing lambs were utilized in a completely randomized design to determine total-tract nutrient digestibility coefficients of diets in which HM replaced CM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% as a protein source. Results of the in situ study showed that the soluble-CP fraction of HM was similar to that of HCM and lower (P < 0.05) than those of CM and BM. Rate of degradation of the potentially degradable CP fraction and effective CP degradability of HM was higher (P < 0.05) than HCM and lower (P < 0.05) than CM and BM. Rumen undegraded CP and intestinal digestibility of RUP were highest (P < 0.05) for HM and HCM (average 782.5 and 644.5 g kg-1 of CP, respectively), intermediate for CM (473.9 and 342.9 g kg-1 of CP, respectively) and lowest for BM (401.5 and 242.3 g kg-1 of CP, respectively). However, total available CP was similar for the four protein sources (average 857.8 g kg-1 of CP). Feeding up to 200 g kg-1 HM did not affect voluntary intake or total-tract nutrient digestibility coefficients for sheep fed a barley-based diets. Hemp meal is an excellent source of RUP, with high post-ruminal availability, and may be used to replace CM with no detrimental effects on nutrient utilization by sheep.
Hempseed oil was dispensed in an open clinical trial involving in- and outpatients, for the treatment of chronic Ear, Nose and Throat disorders (external otitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis), acute external otitis, and one case of trauma, for a total of 117 cases. The application of hempseed oil made it possible to reduce the period of treatment of all mentioned cases by eight days (9%), compared with standard treatments. The results allowed us to consider hempseed oil as an effective means for treating ENT disorders as well as injuries resulting from traumas or burns.
Researchers tend to picture the people of Ice Age Europe as big-game hunters where masculine muscle and brawn were essential
to survival. New discoveries from the Czech Republic indicate, however, that the Gravettian people--who lived from Spain to
southern Russia some 29,000 to 22,000 years ago--used nets rather than speed and might to capture vast numbers of hares, foxes,
and other mammals. That would make them the earliest known net hunters, and it may help explain the larger, more settled populations
that are a hallmark of Gravettian times.
Hempseed offers a unique nutritional package, in terms of dietary oil, protein, vitamins and minerals, which can be produced at high latitudes (> 50° latitude). Hempseed oil is highly unsaturated and contains both essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) in a nutritionally balanced ratio, in addition to considerable amounts of biochemically important gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). The protein in hempseed is complete, in that it contains all of the essential amino acids in nutritionally significant amounts, and lacks the nutritional inhibiting factors found in soya. Hempseed could become a viable replacement for imported soya in Northern Europe, particularly as feed stock for animals.
The recently reported cases of skin lesions discussed here were produced under conditions which indicate a lack of some growth factor. In no case were conditions such that uncomplicated fat-deficiency could result. It would be impossible, therefore, for these rats to respond to small doses of unsaturated fats. An adequate supply of all water soluble growth factors must be fed if the typical fat deficiency results are to be obtained. Growth should approximate that given by the daily consumption of 0.65 gm. or more of high grade dried yeast.
The oil content, the tocopherol composition, the plastochromanol-8 (P-8) content and the fatty acid composition (19 fatty acids) of the seed of 51 hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) genotypes were studied in the 2000 and 2001 seasons. The oil content of the hemp seed ranged from 26.25% (w/w) to 37.50%. Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of genotype, year and of the interaction (genotype year) on the oil content. The oil contents of the 51 genotypes in 2000 and 2001 were correlated (r = 0.37**) and averaged 33.19 1.45% in 2000 and 31.21 0.96% in 2001. The -tocopherol, -tocopherol, -tocopherol, P-8- and -tocopherol contents of the 51 genotypes averaged 21.68 3.19, 1.82 0.49, 1.20 0.40, 0.18 0.07 and 0.16 0.04 mg 100g–1 of seeds, respectively (2000 and 2001 data pooled). Hierarchical clustering of the fatty acid data did not group the hemp genotypes according to their geographic origin. The -linolenic acid yield of hemp (3–30 kg ha–1) was similar to the -linolenic acid yield of plant species that are currently used as sources of -linolenic acid (borage (19–30 kg ha–1), evening primrose (7–30 kg ha–1)). The linoleic acid yield of hemp (129–326 kg ha–1) was similar to flax (102–250 kg ha–1), but less than in sunflower (868–1320 kg ha–1). Significant positive correlations were detected between some fatty acids and some tocopherols. Even though the average content of P-8 in hemp seeds was only 1/120th of the average -tocopherol content, P-8 content was more closely correlated with the unsaturated fatty acid content than -tocopherol or any other tocopherol fraction. The average broad-sense heritabilities of the oil content, the antioxidants (tocopherols and P-8) and the fatty acids were 0.53, 0.14 and 0.23, respectively. The genotypes Fibrimon 56, P57, Juso 31, GB29, Beniko, P60, FxT, Flina 34, Ramo and GB18 were capable of producing the largest amounts of high quality hemp oil.
Research from the 1930s to the 1950s established that a deficit of n-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) leads to an inflammatory skin condition in both animals and humans. In a common inherited skin condition, atopic dermatitis (eczema), there was evidence of low blood EFA concentrations and of a therapeutic response to exceptionally high doses of linoleic acid. More recently, it has been established that there is no deficit of linoleic acid in atopic eczema. Concentrations of linoleic acid instead tend to be elevated in blood, milk, and adipose tissue of patients with atopic eczema, whereas concentrations of linoleic acid metabolites are substantially reduced. This suggests reduced conversion of linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). In most but not all studies, administration of GLA has been found to improve the clinically assessed skin condition, the objectively assessed skin roughness, and the elevated blood catecholamine concentrations of patients with atopic eczema. Atopic eczema may be a minor inherited abnormality of EFA metabolism.
Blood samples were collected from 48 atopic eczema patients and 33 normal subjects in Bristol, and from 434 normal individuals worldwide. In the plasma phospholipids in the atopic eczema patients, the concentrations of linoleic acid and the ratio of linoleic acid to its metabolites were significantly elevated as compared with both sets of controls. In the atopic eczema patients there were major abnormalities in the red cell phospholipids with saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids being significantly elevated and the concentrations of most essential fatty acids being significantly reduced. Patients with atopic eczema thus show abnormalities related both to desaturation of essential fatty acids and to their incorporation into red cell membranes.
We have measured all the essential fatty acids (EFA) in plasma phospholipids in forty-one adults with atopic eczema and fifty normal controls. The major dietary n-6 EFA, linoleic acid, was significantly elevated, but all its metabolites, 18:3n-6, 20:3n-6, 20:4n-6, 22:4n-6, and 22:5n-6 were significantly reduced. The major dietary n-3 EFA, alpha-linolenic acid, was also elevated, though not significantly, while all its metabolites were also significantly reduced. These observations suggest that atopic eczema is associated not with any defect of EFA intake, but with abnormal metabolism, possibly involving the enzyme delta-6-desaturase. Treatment with oral evening primrose oil produced partial correction of the n-6 EFA abnormality, but had no effect on the n-3 EFAs.
In the plasma phospholipids of a group of 50 young adults with atopic eczema, there was an elevation of cis-linoleic acid associated with a deficit of gamma-linolenic acid and of the prostaglandin precursors, dihomogammalinolenic acid and arachidonic acid. This suggests that atopics have a deficit in the function of the delta-6-desaturase enzyme which converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid. Carriers of cystic fibrosis tend to be phenotypically atopic, supporting previous suggestions that in homozygote cystic fibrosis patients the key defect may be in the delta-6-desaturase enzyme. Atopic patients may be exceptionally sensitive to side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They fail to flush in response to application of niacin compounds to the skin, a reaction mediated by prostaglandins. A deficit of prostaglandin precursors would explain both of these observations. That the observed biochemical deficit plays a causative role in the manifestations of atopy was indicated by the fact that in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, gamma-linolenic acid in the form of evening primrose oil (Efamol), partially corrected both the biochemical abnormalities and the clinical state.
The proportions of linoleic acid in total plasma lipids and phospholipids were significantly greater and those of oleic acid were lower in pre-puberal and puberal atopic patients as compared with age-matched healthy controls. The n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio of the triacylglycerol fraction was also lower in atopic patients. However, no significant decreases in the proportions of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid were observed in plasma lipids of atopic patients, suggesting that delta 6-desaturase activity is not impaired in atopic patients. We provide an explanation for the beneficial effects of raising the n-3/n-6 ratio of dietary oils in the context of suppressing allergic hyper-reactivity in humans.
The advanced stages of many illnesses and their treatments are often accompanied by intractable nausea, vomiting, or pain. Thousands of patients with cancer, AIDS, and other diseases report they have obtained striking relief from these devastating symptoms by smoking marijuana.1 The alleviation of distress can be so striking that some patients and their families have been willing to risk a jail term to obtain or grow the marijuana. Despite the desperation of these patients, within weeks after voters in Arizona and California approved propositions allowing physicians in their states to prescribe marijuana for medical indications, federal officials, including the President, . . .
A 10-kDa protein was isolated from resting seeds of hemp (Cannabis sativa) by buffer extraction, gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The protein did not inhibit bovine trypsin. It consisted of subunits composed of 27 and 61 residues and was held together by two disulfide bonds. The complete amino acid sequence was identified by protein analysis, and had 20 mole% of amino acids containing sulfur. The protein was most similar to a methionine-rich protein of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and to Mabinlin IV, a sweetness-inducing protein of Capparis masaikai. The high methionine content and the absence of trypsin inhibitory activity suggested that the seed protein can be used to improve the nutritional quality of plant food-stuffs.
Altered composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been observed in allergic individuals and it has been proposed that this is due to an impairment of δ‐6‐desaturase activity. We have studied the composition of PUFA in serum phospholipids in twenty‐two 12‐15 year old children with asthma and/or allergic dermatitis and 23 non‐atopic controls of similar age. The relative levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n‐3) and total n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) were lower (1.46%± 0.54 vs. 1.90%± 0.58, P = 0.01 for DHA and 2.34%± 0.67 vs. 2.80%± 0.77, P <0.05 for total n‐3 LCP) and the ratio of total n‐6 to n‐3 LCP was higher (P < 0.01) in the allergic children than in the controls. In addition to these differences, the relative levels of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n‐3) and the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n‐6) to dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DHGLA, C20:3n‐6) were also lower in the 12 allergic children with positive skin prick test, as compared with the SIT negative children (both P < 0.05). In non‐allergic children, the levels of total n‐3 correlated with n‐6 LCP (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the n‐3 LCP, i.e. EPA, DPA and DHA, correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.52‐0.78, all p < 0.01) and correlated with n‐6 LCP, i.e. C20:2, DHGLA and AA respectively (r = 0.56‐0.83, all P < 0.01). Most of these correlations were absent in allergic children.
Higher levels of C20:2n‐6 and lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n‐3) were recorded in 11 allergic children with serum IgE above the median level (56 kU/1), as compared to 11 with lower IgE levels (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of C20:2n‐6 correlated with the IgE levels in the children (r = 0.65, P = 0.001).
The findings could not confirm an impaired δ‐6‐desaturase activity in allergic school children and suggest that a disturbance of LCP metabolism is associated with allergic diseases.
We have shown that the age-associated increase in prostaglandin E(2) production contributes to the decline in T cell-mediated function with age. Black currant seed oil (BCSO), rich in both gamma-linolenic (18:3n-6) and alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3) acids, has been shown to modulate membrane lipid composition and eicosanoid production.
Our objectives were to 1) test whether dietary supplementation with BCSO can improve the immune response of healthy elderly subjects, and 2) determine whether the altered immune response is mediated by a change in the factors closely associated with T cell activation.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (soybean oil) study was conducted to examine the effect of 2 mo of BCSO supplementation on the immune response of 40 healthy subjects aged >/=65 y. In vivo immune function was determined by delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were tested for in vitro immune response.
In subjects supplemented with BCSO, the total diameter of induration at 24 h and individual responses to tetanus toxoid and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were significantly higher than their baseline values. The change in response to tetanus toxoid was significantly different from that of the placebo group. The BCSO group showed a significant increase in proliferative response of PBMCs to the T cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin that was not significantly different from that observed in the placebo group. BCSO had no effect on concanavalin A-induced mitogenic response, interleukin 2 and -1beta production, and PBMC membrane fluidity. Prostaglandin E(2) production was significantly reduced in the BCSO-supplemented group, and this change was significantly different from that of the placebo group.
BCSO has a moderate immune-enhancing effect attributable to its ability to reduce prostaglandin E(2) production.
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Foods containing seeds or oil of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) are increasingly found in retail stores in the U.S. The presence of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in these foods has raised concern over their impact on the results of workplace drug tests for marijuana. Previous studies have shown that eating hemp foods can cause screening and confirmed positive results in urine specimens. This study evaluated the impact of extended daily ingestion of THC via hemp oil on urine levels of its metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) for four distinct daily THC doses