Open AccessProximate composition, phytochemical screening, GC-MS studies of biologically active cannabinoids and antimicrobial activities of Cannabis indica
Author(s) -
Muhammad Saqib Isahq,
Muhammad Siddique Afridi,
Javid Ali,
Muhammad Medrar Hussain,
Sohail Ahmad,
Farina Kanwal
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
asian pacific journal of tropical disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.208
H-Index - 33
ISSN - 2222-1808
DOI - 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)60953-7
Subject(s) - phytochemical , antimicrobial , chemistry , aspergillus flavus , aspergillus parasiticus , terpenoid , antibacterial activity , traditional medicine , food science , biology , medicine , biochemistry , organic chemistry , bacteria , genetics
Objective: To investigate the proximate composition, minerals analysis, phytochemical\udscreening, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies of active cannabinoids and\udantimicrobial activities of Cannabis indica (C. indica) leaves, stems, and seeds.\udMethods: Standard qualitative protocols of phytochemical screening were accomplished\udfor the identification of biologically active phytochemicals. Minerals in plant samples were\udanalyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The resins of C. indica were analyzed\udfor medicinally active cannabinoid compounds by GC-MS. The sample for GC-MS study was\udmixed with small quantity of n-hexane and 30 mL of acetonitrile solution for the identification\udof cannabinoids. Agar well diffusion method was used for antibacterial activity. For antifungal\udactivity, the tested fungal strains were sub-cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar at 28 °C.\udResults: Mineral analysis revealed the presence of sodium, potassium, magnesium and some\udother minerals in all parts of C. indica. Phytochemical investigation showed the presence\udof alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and terpenoids. C. indica divulged wide\udspectrum of antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella\udpneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. The extracts of plant leaves, seeds and stems showed\udsignificant antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, and\udAspergillus oryzae. The biologically active cannabinoids of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol\ud(25.040%) and cannabidiol (resorcinol, 2-p-mentha-1,8-dien-4-yl-5-pentyl) (50.077%) were\udfound in Cannabis resin in high percentage.\udConclusions: The findings of the study suggested that the existence of biologically active\udremedial cannabinoids in elevated concentrations and antimicrobial bioassays of C. indica\udmake it a treasured source to be used in herbal preparation for various ailments