Work

Industrial hemp Futura 75 infructescence as a source of essential oils: Micromorphology, chemical profile, and yield of essential oils

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: While numerous studies have focused on the inflorescence of industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) as a source of bioactive compounds, the infructescence – typically considered waste after seed harvesting – has received little attention. This study aimed to characterize the morphology of mature infructescences and to assess their potential as raw material (RM) for extraction of essential oils (EO). EO content, yield, and chemical profile were investigated in relation to the type of RM (entire infructescence after threshing, I, including stems, lateral branches, leaves, and bracts; vs bracts and leaves only, BL) and its position along the infructescence (apical, middle, or basal). EO yield was 3.902 L ha −1 for I and 3.474 L ha −1 for BL. EO content ranged from 0.325 % to 0.271 % in BL and from 0.215 % to 0.157 % in I, being the highest in the apex and decreasing towards the base. Seventy-two chemical compounds of the EO were identified, with α -pinene, β -caryophyllene, cannabidiol, caryophyllene oxide, and myrcene as the most abundant. A gradual shift in the metabolite profile was observed along the infructescence, with monoterpenes prevailing in the apical parts and sesquiterpenes and cannabinoids becoming more prominent in the basal ones. These results demonstrate that hemp infructescences, as by-products of fibre or seed production, can serve as a valuable and sustainable source of EO rich in bioactive molecules, increasing the profitability of hemp cultivation, even on marginal soils. • Industrial hemp infructescence is a good source of essential oils (EO). • The EO yield and chemical profile depend on the part of the infructescence used. • Seventy-two chemical compounds were identified, with monoterpenes dominating apically. • The proportion of sesquiterpenes and cannabinoids increases basipetally. • α -pinene, β -caryophyllene, and cannabidiol are the major components of EO.

Source: Industrial Crops and Products

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121527