The Propagation, Characterisation And Optimisation Of Cannabis Sativa L As A Phytopharmaceutical

Transcript

In response to known pharmacology, and an increasing weight of anecdotal evidence of efficacy, clinical trials have been performed to support the licensing of cannabis-based botanical medicines. The initial applications envisaged were the treatment of cancer pain, neuropathic pain and various symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. With effective alternatives often unavailable, otherwise law-abiding UK patients have regularly turned to illicit cannabis for medical relief. The main active ingredients in this are the cannabinoids THC and CBD, but other pharmacologically active cannabinoids are also present. One study reported here quantifies these cannabinoids and assesses the likely implications for efficacy. Using light microscopy, studies are performed to expand current knowledge of the form and function of trichomes in Cannabis sativa L. Supporting chemical analyses ascertain what secondary metabolites are biosynthesised within these trichomes, and determines where and when this occurs. To comply with the demands of the pharmaceutical industry, and in marked contrast to illicit cannabis, a phytopharmaceutical feedstock must meet high expectations regarding the minimum and maximum content of a range of compounds. Specific studies are performed to ascertain how growing methods affect the secondary metabolite content. They also aim to find out how a tight specification can be met while satisfying commercial and environmental expectations. This involves studying plant development and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in both indoor and outdoor conditions.