Antihyperglycemic potential of hemp extracts (Cannabis sativa, Cannabaceae)

Author: Marija Perić Scientific Coordinator: Nebojša Kladar, PhD, Assistant Professor; Nebojša Salaj, MPharm, Junior Researcher Institution: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy

INTRODUCTION: Hemp (Cannabis sativa, Cannabaceae) is a plant species which is primarily known for its high content of cannabinoids, while phenolics and flavonoids present in hemp have been less studied. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and shows significant increase of incidence in the world. Phenolics and flavonoids possess antioxidant effect, but there is also possibility to exert antihyperglycemic effect by reduction of dietary carbohydrate digestion, and consequent absorption, through the inhibition of key enzymes involved in their intestinal metabolism – α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

AIM: The aim of the conducted study was to examine antihyperglycemic potential (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase) of hemp aqueous and ethanolic extracts in vitro and perform their preliminary and detailed chemical characterization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aqueous and ethanol extracts were preliminary and detailed chemically characterized by spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography methods. The potential of the extracts to inhibit the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was also estimated.

RESULTS: Preliminary chemical characterization showed high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the obtained extracts. The results of detailed chemical characterization showed the absence of gallic acid, quercetin and rutin and the presence of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and trans-cinnamic acid. The aqueous extracts showed higher potential to inhibit α-amylase compared to the ethanol extracts, which were more potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase. CONCLUSION: Both types of hemp extracts contain high amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, but there are some content variations of these extracts. The aqueous extracts are more potent α-amylase inhibitors, while the ethanolic extracts show higher potential to inhibit α-glucosidase in the used in vitro test-systems, when compared to the ability of acarbose to inhibit aforementioned enzyme. However, future in vivo research is required for further understanding of the antihyperglycemic activity mechanisms of secondary metabolites found in examined hemp extracts.

Questions & answers

Please, tell us a little bit more about yourself. My name is Marija and I am a 5th year Pharmacy student. There are so many reasons why I have chosen pharmacy, but the most important is being able to help people of all ages every day and also be there to support them about their therapy. I am interested in biochemistry, toxicology and clinical pharmacy and I really enjoy working in the lab, spending time with my family and friends and listening to music.

Tell us a bit more about your research and its significance. For the past few years hemp has been in the spotlight because of its anticancer effect, but we wanted to discover other effects. The reason why we have chosen Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is the increase of its incidence in the world. The significance of our research is that we have found out that hemp extracts are showing some antihyperglycemic potential so we are hoping we have motivated colleagues to continue research on this topic. In your opinion, what is the benefit of joining ESSP and what advice do you have for students undertaking research in the future? In my opinion, the benefit of joining ESSP is having an opportunity to present your research and be able to get in touch with colleagues. My advice for students is just be curious and never give up because you will never know what is waiting for you in the end. Maybe you will change the future.

What was the biggest challenge while carrying out the research and how did you overcome that? The biggest challenge while carrying out the research was staying in lab every other day for so many hours despite of all my students responsibilities and private ones, but I have founded a purpose and it was all worth it. Everything about this research was beautiful and meaningful experience.