GC-MS based metabolomic approach to understand nutraceutical potential of Cannabis seeds from two different environments

Cannabis sativa L. is a valuable plant that has regained its importance for medicinal use. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry based untargeted metabolomic study was conducted in seeds of two accessions from different environments. A total of 236 metabolites were observed, and 43 metabolites were found differentially significant (p <= 0.05) in both the accessions. Based on the qualitative and quantitative accumulation of the nutraceutically important amino acids, cannabinoids, alkaloids, and fatty acids, the high altitude temperate Himalayan accession (CAN2) was found to have an advantage over the low altitude subtropical accession (CAN1). Seed oil from CAN2 showed the exclusive presence of linoleic acid and a- linolenic acid. The reducing power and DNA nicking assay on the methanolic extracts suggested higher antioxidant and nutraceutical potential in CAN2 and corroborated with the metabolic content of phenols and flavonoids. The environmental effect on the antioxidant and nutraceutical value in seeds is further discussed.

Automated summary

This study conducted an untargeted metabolomic study on cannabis seeds, finding that the Himalayan accession exhibited superior accumulation of nutrients and higher antioxidant and nutraceutical potential compared to the subtropical accession. The exclusive presence of linoleic acid and a-linolenic acid in the seed oil of the Himalayan accession was noted. The environmental impact on the antioxidant and nutraceutical value in seeds was also discussed.