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

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.