An overview of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological implications of Cannabis sativa L.

Authors

Shubh Pravat Singh Yadav, Monika Kafle, Netra Prasad Ghimire, Nitesh Kumar Shah, Prasanna Dahal, Subarna Pokhrel


Published

December 17, 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Cannabis sativa L. is an annual, dioecious, herbaceous, monotypic genus of blooming plants, synthetically rich in the natural constituents of complex compounds including terpenophenolic chemicals such as phytocannabinoids. Thus, cannabis is gaining a distinct fascination in the pharmaceutical research under its medicinal properties despite being prohibited in many countries. This study aims to provide overview of cannabis’s phytochemical and pharmacological qualities as well as its cannabinoids synthesis.

Methods
Between 2011 and April 2022, the literature was reviewed by searching Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and SpringerLink databases. The accompanying vital terms were utilised: ‘C sativa L.’, ‘Chemical constituents’, ‘Biosynthesis’, ‘Pharmacological aspects’, ‘Phytocannabinoids’, and ‘Terpenes’.

Results
More than 588 bioactive compounds have been extracted and characterised into various classes of cannabinoids and non-cannabinoids (i.e., terpenes, alkaloids, hydrocarbons etc.). Overall, 20 studies show to exhibit diversified implications of cannabis in arrays of diseases, especially cancer and neurological disorders, because of its analgesic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, sedative, spasmolytic, antimicrobial, and expectorant effects.

Conclusion
This investigation suggests that the cannabinoids from Cannabis sativus can be employed to treat different serious ailments.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis is safe and highly effective for treating neuropathic pain and concomitant sleep disturbance.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2023.100798

Citations

Yadav, S. P. S., Kafle, M., Ghimire, N. P., Shah, N. K., Dahal, P., & Pokhrel, S. (2023). An overview of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological implications of Cannabis sativa L. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 100798.