Exploring the dynamics of developmental stages of micropropagated medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) through chemical characterization and optimal plant regeneration

The usage of medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) for therapeutic purposes has been rising in many countries due to increasing evidence for medicinal benefit and favorable regulatory policies [1]. Cannabinoids, particularly Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its acidic counterpart tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) are considered the main bioactive constituents of the plant, though C. sativa is known to produce a wide array of phytochemicals [2]. In line with urgent clinical and research demands, large amounts of plant biomass are required for consistent production of high-quality extracts and isolation of cannabinoids.

Biotechnological approaches, such as in vitro propagation, enable intensified plant multiplication without compromising chemical consistency for end uses [3], [4]. However, during developmental stages of growth various changes occur in metabolite profiles, affecting cannabinoids among others. Chemical characterization of the respective samples is thus of critical importance to provide deeper insight into the dynamics of tissue culture. In this work, an efficient protocol was developed and optimized using stem explants for indirect organogenesis. Appropriate additive and plant growth regulator (PGR) regimens were established, and acclimatized plantlets were well developed. In parallel, metabolomic analyses were conducted based on suitable techniques, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, to acquire rapidly relevant data and monitor systematic chemical differences among the tissue culture samples. Overall, the implemented strategy allowed to gain further knowledge into the biochemical mechanisms underlying growth and developmental processes in the course of medical cannabis tissue culture.

The authors declare no conflict of interest; Funding; Stavros Niarchos Foundation (grant number KA 14 320).

 

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• References

• 1 Abrams DI. The therapeutic effects of Cannabis and cannabinoids: An update from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report. Eur J Intern Med 2018; 49: 7-11
• 2 ElSohly MA, Radwan MM, Gul W. et al. Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L. In: Kinghorn AD, Falk H, Gibbons S, Kobayashi J, eds. Phytocannabinoids. Prog Chem Org Nat Prod (Springer) 2017; 103: 1-36
• 3 Schachtsiek J, Warzecha H, Kayser O, Stehle F. Current perspectives on biotechnological cannabinoid production in plants. Planta Med 2018; 84 (04) 214-220
• 4 Chandra S, Lata H, ElSohly MA. Propagation of Cannabis for clinical research: An approach towards a modern herbal medicinal products development. Front Plant Sci 2020; 11: 958

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Dezember 2022