CANNABINOIDS: EXTRACTION METHODS, ANALYSIS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION

CRISTINA L. RAMIREZ; MARÍA A. FANOVICH; MARÍA S. CHURIO

Studies in Natural Products Chemistry

Elsevier

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2019; p. 143 - 173

A new paradigm has been established in the application of cannabinoids in the last decade. The growing accessibility to different types of Cannabis products and the rise in concern about their health benefits have provoked a rapid expansion of the research interests in phytocannabinoids with promising pharmacological properties. The characterization of the diverse chemotypes of Cannabis sativa, the elucidation of their various structures, and quantification of cannabinoids in the complex biological matrices are still challenges for the field of analytical chemistry. Besides, several studies have focused on the chemical aspects of these molecules addressing their acid-base, redox and photochemical reactivities. This knowledge is relevant in relation to the stability of the components in Cannabis preparations and for understanding the molecular basis of the activity of the extracts, such as the antioxidant capacity. The evaluation of physicochemical properties together with the current state and most recent advances in extraction techniques, fractionation and characterization of bioactive compounds from Cannabis are reviewed here. Traditional processing methods and novel technologies, such as supercritical fluid extraction, are described. In addition, the most important characterization methods are critically compared.