Characterization of Lignanamides from Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed and Their Antioxidant and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities.

Hemp seed is known for its content of fatty acids, proteins, and fiber, which contribute to its nutritional value. Here we studied the secondary metabolites of hemp seed aiming at identifying bioactive compounds that could contribute to its health benefits. This investigation led to the isolation of 4 new lignanamides, cannabisin M (2), cannabisin N (5), cannabisin O (8), and 3,3'-demethyl-heliotropamide (10), together with 10 known lignanamides, among which 4 was identified for the first time from hemp seed. Structures were established on the basis of NMR, HR-MS, UV, and IR as well as by comparison with the literature data. Lignanamides 2, 7, and 9-14 showed good antioxidant activity, among which 7, 10, and 13 also inhibited acetylcholinesterase in vitro. The newly identified compounds in this study add to the diversity of hemp seed composition, and the bioassays implied that hemp seed, with lignanamides as nutrients, may be a good source of bioactive and protective compounds.

Essential oils from Calyptranthes concinna, C. lucida and C. rubella (Myrtaceae)

Essential oils from Calyptranthes concinna, C. lucida and C. rubella, collected in Southern Brazil, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Sixty-two compounds were identified representing about 98 por cento of the oil contents. All samples were rich in cyclic sesquiterpenes (more then 90 por cento), mainly those from cadinane, bisabolane and germacrane cyclization pathway. The mainly components characterized were byclogermacrene (22.1 por cento in C. concinna; 11.7 por cento in C. rubella), cis-calamenene (10.3 por cento in C.concinna), beta-caryophyllene (16.5 por cento in C. rubella; 9.4 por cento in C. lucida), beta-bisabolene (25.5 por cento in C. lucida), spathulenol (15.4 por cento in C. rubella) and caryophyllene oxide (7.6 por cento in C. concinna)