Cannabis sativa L. has been cultivated for its fiber and seed since ancient times in various parts of the world.
It is one of the oldest cultivated industrial plants. Archaeological studies have found fabric remains made from hemp dating back to 8000 BC. Originating in Asia, hemp has spread throughout the world in different ways.
Hemp fibers are stronger but coarser than cotton and flax fibers. For this reason, they are mostly used in the production of twine, rope, and tether. They are also used in the production of durable materials such as sails, tent fabrics, sacks, cars, ferry wagons, cannon covers; tarpaulins, bags, fishing nets, and special papers such as banknotes and cigarette paper.
Hemp is ideal for sustainable living. It is economical because it can be used in many different industrial areas with high yield and quality. Since it is an alternative to petroleum-derived products, it significantly reduces external dependency.
It is very useful in the construction sector as it is a durable, light and natural insulation material. It can be used in the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings. It releases much more oxygen than trees and contributes to the growth of forests as it is an alternative to paper and wood products that cause tree cutting.
The medicinal value of the plant, which is increasingly used around the world against cancer, neurological diseases and pain, is becoming more understood.
Hemp seeds contain two main types of proteins, edestin (65%) and albumin (35%). Edestin protein is only found in hemp seeds and helps with digestion. It is considered the backbone of DNA and produces antibodies that are vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. Glutamic acid, which is contained in hemp proteins, is a neurotransmitter that helps combat stress in humans.
The omega-6 omega-3 ratio (ω 6/ω 3) is between 2:1 and 3:1, and this ratio is considered optimal for human health . In terms of fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption has positive effects on health. It is known to have positive effects on the immune system and cardiovascular diseases and is effective in preventing obesity.
The oil obtained from hemp seeds is used in the production of soap, varnish, polish, paint, and cosmetics. The pulp remaining after the oil is extracted from hemp seeds is used in animal nutrition. Extracts obtained from hemp seeds are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Hemp seeds are also used as bird food.
The use of hemp as food dates back to prehistory. Hemp seeds, in particular, are consumed as a snack due to their rich nutritional content.
About Hemp Seed Oil...
It is known that the flowers and resin of hemp, thought to be the first cultivated plant, were used in meditation and various religious rituals in India and Tibet. The first Chinese pharmacopoeia written by Emperor Chen Nung (3200 BC) states that hemp was used in the treatment of fatigue, rheumatism and malaria.
It is seen that it was used as a medicine in ancient Greek and Roman periods to relieve pain and improve mood. Galen, a Roman physician, was one of the physicians who prescribed medical cannabis. In his world-renowned great work called El-Kanun Fi't-Tıb, Ibn-i Sina wrote that a compress made with boiled cannabis root reduces fever.
There are currently 4 cannabis-based drugs in total, 2 of which are synthetic drugs that use cannabis as prototypes, and 2 drugs that use standardized cannabis extracts. Dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic cannabinoids approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nausea and vomiting that accompany cancer chemotherapy. Nabiximols is a standardized cannabis extract that contains 2.7 mg THC and 2.5 mg cannabidiol CBD per 100 microliters and is used in the form of an oromucosal spray to treat spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) that has not responded to other treatments. Finally, in 2018, a cannabidiol-containing drug called Epidiolex was approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of LennoxGastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe and rare forms of epilepsy.
Source:
CANNABIS AND ITS USE IN HEALTH, Seda YILDIRIM, Ufuk KOCA ÇALIŞKAN.
Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Ankara
Ankara Pharmacist Journal / J. Fac. Pharm. Ankara, 44(1): 112-136, 2020 Doi: 10.33483/jfpau.559665
