Cannabis sativa L.: A Review on Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Aspects

Noureddine Chaachouaya; Abdelhamid Azerouala; Bouchaib Bencharkia; Allal Douirab; Lahcen Zidaneb

doi:10.18502/tim.v8i1.12407

Noureddine Chaachouaya Agri-Food and Health Laboratory (AFHL), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Settat, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco
Abdelhamid Azerouala Agri-Food and Health Laboratory (AFHL), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Settat, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco
Bouchaib Bencharkia Agri-Food and Health Laboratory (AFHL), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Settat, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco
Allal Douirab Plant, Animal Productions and Agro-industry Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
Lahcen Zidaneb Plant, Animal Productions and Agro-industry Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v8i1.12407

Keywords: Cannabis sativa L.; Botany; Natural products; Phytochemistry; Phytopharmacology; Traditional medicine

Abstract

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been one of the most important sources of medicine since the dawn of human civilization. Indigenous communities have used products from these plants in different conditions throughout history. Cannabis sativa L. is one of the most widely employed herbaceous medicinal plants for textiles, and fibers, in medicine, as a source of food, animal food, animal bedding, and agriculture for seeds. This paper highlights the traditional applications, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of C. sativa. Extensive database retrieval, such as Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, PubMed, SciFinder, ChemSpider, CNKI, PubFacts was performed using the keywords “Hemp” and “Cannabis,” as well as the scientific name of this plant species (Cannabis sativa). Besides, reviews of relevant textbooks, documents, and patents were also employed to collect sufficient information. This study revealed numerous pharmacological activities of C. sativa that could help with several health issues. Additionally, more than 565 bioactive constituents have been isolated and identified from diverse parts of C. sativa. This could help discover potential therapeutic effects and develop new medications to benefit human health.