Review: Cannabis sativa; ethnobotanicals, classifications, pharmacology and phytochemistry Folajimi Avoseh 1,2* , Opeyemi Avoseh 3 , Fanyana Mtunzi 1,2 , Winny Maboya 1 1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Science, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; 2 Institute of Chemical and Biotechnology, Vaal University of Technology, Sebokeng, South Africa; 3 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Nigeria Introduction : Cannabis sativa L. (hemp), a species of the family of Cannabaceae, is one of the most controversial plant materials in the world. Cannabis strains produce more than 600 different secondary metabolites, many of which are biologically active. Aim : The aim of the review is to highlight the chemistry of Cannabis sativa with emphasis on its taxonomy, local use, pharmacology importance, and phytochemistry. Methodology : Adopting the established method, we sought observational studies examining the relationship between cannabis, phytochemistry, taxonomy, pharmacology, and ethnobotanics, reported between 1995 to 2023. We retrieved additional references from reviews, selected articles and cited reference databases such as Google Scholar, NIH, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline. Results : There have been many alterations to the taxonomy of Cannabis since Linnaues contribution in the 18th century. The ambiguity in the classification of Cannabis is centered on the development of strains worldwide as revealed in the review. Therefore, the taxonomy of Cannabis includes scientific, cultivars or strains, chemotypes, and as recreational or medicine. Cannabinoids are predominantly if not entirely, synthesized and sequestered in small structures called glandular trichomes 1 . Traditionally, it was used for medicinal purposes, the production of textiles, paper, food, and elements in many local rituals 2 . These cannabinoids determine the overall use of the plant as medicinal or recreational. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are chemically related sesquiterpenoids reported for their pharmacological properties. While the CBD is the “good guy”, due to their high binding affinity to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to exert their pharmacological activities. Cannabinoids act via cannabinoid receptors, but they also affect the activities of many other receptors, ion channels and enzymes. However, (E)-caryophyllene is the major component in the essential oils. Cannabis is a diverse plant with reported uses for every part of the plant, the inner woody layer is commonly used for fuel, building materials, and animal bedding 3 . Conclusion : The review shows the primitive traditional use of Cannabis sativa and the controversy between being medicinal or psychoactive. However, the pharmaceutical applications of C. sativa cannot be overemphasised, National policies have been implemented to permit and regulate its usage. References 1. Mahlberg, P.G.; Kim, E.S.; Kim, E.S. Accumulation of Cannabinoids in Glandular Trichomes of Cannabis ( Cannabaceae ) Cannabis ( Cannabaceae ). J. Ind. Hemp ISSN 2008, 9, 15–36. 2. Balant, M.; Gras, A.; Ruz, M.; Vallès, J.; Vitales, D.; Garnatje, T. Traditional Uses of Cannabis: An Analysis of the CANNUSE Database. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2021, 279. 3. Balant, M.; Gras, A.; Ruz, M.; Vallès, J.; Vitales, D.; Garnatje, T. Traditional Uses of Cannabis: An Analysis of the CANNUSE Database. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2021, 279.
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