Influence of decarboxylation on Cannabis sativa’s antioxidant activity and flavonoid profile: A preliminary study

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. is used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Cannabinoids and phenolic compounds were identified in its composition. It is known that decarboxylation transforms acid cannabinoids into their neutral, usually more active, forms. Our aim was to determine the effect of the decarboxylation on C. sativa´s resin (CSR) antioxidant effect and its relationship with cannabinoids and polyphenolic compounds. The DPPH scavenger activity, the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the metal chelating activities were determined for the raw CSR and decarboxylated C. sativa´s resin (CSRD). The phytochemical composition was studied by HPLC. The decarboxylation process modified the HPLC flavonoids profile and increased the resin’s antioxidant activities. The EC50 of CSRD for DPPH activity was 2.5 times lower than CSR EC50 (p<0.001); for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, CSRD presented an EC50 2.7 times lower than CSR (p<0.001). CSR did not exert metal chelating activity. In view of these results, it could be promising to decarboxylate CSR to improve its antiepileptic and antioxidant effects.