Work

The entourage effect in Cannabis sativa L.: Implications for functional foods and nutraceuticals

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cannabis sativa L., an important ancient, cultivated crop, is a valuable source of chemically diverse bioactive compounds, which may have significant value as functional foods and nutraceuticals. Indeed, Cannabis produces an array of phytochemicals, including cannabinoids, terpenes along with their oxygenated derivatives (terpenoids), phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignanamides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and even a few alkaloids, through a complex metabolic network of polyketide, isoprenoid, phenylpropanoid, and lipid metabolism. Increasing evidence also supports that Cannabis preparations have potent biological and nutritional properties mediated through the entourage effect, where interactions between different phytochemicals are synergistic. Such phytochemical cooperativity influences the physicochemical stability, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and receptor signaling, thus making its efficacy greater than when different bioactive compounds are used separately. However, notwithstanding these synergistic and functional benefits, translation of hemp-derived bioactives into practical applications is limited by chemotype variability, physicochemical instability, and poor oral bioavailability of lipophilic cannabinoids. Advances in metabolomics- and multi-omics-based phytochemical analysis, coupled with the development of specific technologies for preparation of food-grade formulations including nanoemulsions, lipid nanoparticles, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, etc., have opened up promising avenues to maintain the phytochemical diversity of hemp extracts while preserving optimal dispersion characteristics in various food products. Therefore, chemoprofile analysis and standardization of such extracts are crucial, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, safety, and potency of these hemp-based formulations. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on phytochemical biosyntheses, synergetic interactions, processing effects, formulation strategies, and nutrition applications related to hemp-derived phytochemicals. Focus is given on the mechanistic and technological importance of the entourage effect, in order to support the rational development of efficient hemp-based functional foods in precision nutrition.

Source: Food and Humanity

DOI: 10.1016/j.foohum.2026.101616

Authors: Ravi Pratap Singh, Craig Schluttenhofer, Brandy E. Phipps

Institution: Central State University

Language: English

Topic: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990