Comparative evaluation of physicochemical, qualitative and chromatographic profile of unprocessed and processed Cannabis sativa L (Bhanga) leaves

Cannabis (Bhanga) has been extensively explored in research for therapeutic benefits. Out of 80+ phyto-cannabinoid detected till date; out of which Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabinol (CBN) are therapeutically important. Psychotropic concern about cannabis is a majorly attributed to THC presence. For reducing intoxicant effect, Ayurveda recommends processing (Shodhana) of cannabis.

To evaluate impact of cannabis leaves processing techniques through pharmacognosy, photochemistry and chromatography.

Four different processing methods; namely water-immersion (Jala-nimajjana) (JN), water-wash (Jala-prakshalana) (JP), boiling in cow’s milk (Godugdha-Swedana) (GS) and boiling in decoction of Acacia arabica (Babbul twak Kwatha-Swedana) (BKS) were performed as mentioned in Ayurveda classics. Water and ethanol extract of respective sample and processing media were prepared. Processed samples were evaluated for physicochemical, qualitative and chromatographic studies (HPTLC) and comparative evaluation was done against markers THC, CBD and CBN.

Processed samples showed variation in physico-chemical parameters. Functional groups like carbohydrates, phenols and steroids retained after processing in all samples. Additionally; protein and tannin groups were found in samples processed by GS and BKS method. Processing of cannabis reduced THC, CBD and CBN from samples and which transferred to media as quantified through HPTLC. In GS method, no maker visualized through HPTLC. This may be due to changes in nature of molecules caused by boiling. Reduction of THC found highest in JP (31%) followed by JN (18%) and BKS (16%) method.

Processing showed changes in physicochemical parameters of cannabis leaves and reduces its THC content;thus; reducing its intoxicant effect without altering presence of functional group.