Phytoconstituents Determination of Cannabis sativa Plant Extracts

Adesegun J. Kashimawo¹, Christiana Isaac¹, Keme K. Yenagoa², Samuel J. Bunu^1,3

Keywords: Cannabis sativa, cannabinoid, thin-layer chromatography, phytoconstituents, oxidative stability

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i2.00126

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i2.00126

Publish Date: 22-09-2025

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Pages: 365 - 373

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Citation: 0

Author Affiliation:

1 Consultant, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, Nigeria
2 Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services, Public Health Pharmacy Unit, Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
3 Consultant, Drug Analysis and Research Center, Ebisamdex Global Ventures Ltd, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cannabis sativa has garnered significant attention due to its complex phytochemistry and diverse pharmacological properties. Given the rising interest in medicinal cannabis, understanding its physicochemical properties is crucial for drug development, quality control, and abuse prevention. This study aimed to analyze its phytoconstituents, with a focus on the isolation and profiling of cannabinoids.

Methods: Fresh C. sativa leaves were macerated in ethanol to obtain a crude extract, which underwent phytochemical screening to detect alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, steroids, and resins. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed using a n-hexane/diethyl ether (8:2) ratio as the mobile phase to separate cannabinoids, with visualization under UV light. Column chromatography further purified the extract, and subsequent TLC confirmed cannabinoid-rich fractions. Hydrogen peroxide-modified TLC was employed to assess oxidation effects on cannabinoid stability.

Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and resins, while saponins and tannins were absent. TLC analysis revealed distinct Rf values for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC = 0.94) and cannabidiol (CBD = 0.90), with color differentiation indicating successful separation and a more polar nature of CBD. Column chromatography yielded enriched fractions, validated by TLC. Hydrogen peroxide exposure altered Rf values of 0.78 to 0.8, suggesting oxidative degradation. The study identified THC and CBD as dominant markers, alongside minor cannabinoids, reinforcing C. sativa’s complex chemical profile. These findings give clues to further research into standardized extraction protocols and stability testing to optimize medicinal applications of the plant and its phytoconstituents.

Conclusions: This study highlights the efficacy of TLC and column chromatography for cannabinoid isolation and profiling. The presence of THC, CBD, and other bioactive compounds underscores C. sativa’s dual therapeutic and psychoactive potential.

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