A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research evaluated the impact of various oil-based extraction methods from cannabis plants. The researchers specifically used medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which many agricultural operators consider a promising green solvent-based extraction alternative. They examined the antioxidant activity and cannabinoid content of different Cannabis sativa parts, including the sugar leaf, leaf, and root. The extraction techniques investigated included ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), heated infusion extraction (IE), ultrasound-assisted infusion extraction (UIE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The goal was to understand how extraction techniques influence antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition. These findings can be used to optimize the quality and functionality of cannabinoid products.
The research study found significant differences in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of the extracted oils. IE, UIE, and MAE methods resulted in 26.4–148.3% higher color intensity compared to the UAE technique. One finding showed that the different methods had acceptable oxidative stability. This was indicated by peroxide values ranging from 0.055 to 0.276 mg O₂ eq/kg. Another finding indicated that total phenolic content varied between 2.16 and 125.27 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g. Heated infusion extraction (IE) of sugar leaf yielded 131.8% higher phenolics than root extracts. Antioxidant assays demonstrated that IE-extracted sugar leaf oil showed superior activity compared to UAE. The IE method yielded the highest levels of cannabidinol (CBD) at 0.027 g/100 g dry matter and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 0.746 g/100 g dry matter in sugar leaf extracts.
This study is one of the first to explore multiple MCT-based extraction approaches. In addition, most studies have focused on the cannabis flower, whereas this study sheds light on a broader range of cannabis plant tissues and cellular structures. The study suggests the sugar leaf contains valuable antioxidant and cannabinoid compounds that can be enhanced using heated infusion extraction (IE). These bioactive compounds found in cannabis oils potentially offer useful topical and nutraceutical applications.
Source: Journal of Cannabis Research
