UPLC-MS Analysis of Cannabis sativa Using Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), and Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) as Marker Compounds: Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Survival and Progression

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. extracts were characterized by ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) as marker compounds. The inhibitory effects of various extracts were determined on the survival and progression of highly metastatic breast cancer cells. A higher amount of CBD was found in the dichloromethane extract, and this was found to be effective in inhibiting breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in angiogenesis. Collectively, it may be concluded that CBD, THC, and THCA in the African variety of C. sativa can be used as marker compounds in UPLC-MS analysis. The ability of the plant to inhibit breast cancer cell survival and progression may affirm the traditional use of the drug as an anticancer agent.