Pharmacognostical specification of Cannabis sativa L. (Bhanga) leaves processed with various Ayurveda-recommended methods

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Since years, Cannabis sativa L. has been used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes. Cannabinoids, mainly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), possess great therapeutic potential; at the counterpart imparts psychotropic and euphoric effects. Considering therapeutic benefits, many countries are legalizing the cultivation and medicinal utilization of Cannabis species. Ayurveda science has recommended four methods for Cannabis processing to reduce its intoxicant effect. The pharmacognostical changes after processing of Cannabis leaves have been reported in this article. METHODS: The dry sample of female species of C. sativa L. was procured from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India; after permission of the excise department. The samples have been tested microscopically for species confirmation. It has been processed by four different methods, namely Jalanimajjana (water dipping), Jalaprakshalana (water-wash), Godugdha Swedana (boiling in cow’s milk), and Babbul-twak Kwatha Swedana (boiling in the decoction of Acacia arabica (Lam.) Willd. Processed samples were tested for organoleptic characters, powder microscopic features and comparative analysis was done with unprocessed samples. RESULTS: Processing changes organoleptic characters and alters the morpho-anatomic features like reduction in trichomes; deformation of structures like cystolith, epidermis, fibers, spiral vessel, trichomes and oil globules. CONCLUSION: Processing changes organoleptic characters, deforms features like epidermis, parenchyma, sclerenchyma, stomata, spiral vessels, fibers, oil globules etc. and alters characteristics of trichomes which are suggestive of changes in active constituents like THC, CBD etc. Reduction in trichomes is indicative of fall in THC levels, which will help to reduce psychoactive nature of Cannabis.