A study investigated the optimal germination period for maximizing the production of cannflavin A (CFL-A) and cannflavin B (CFL-B) in hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.). Using advanced ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with orbitrap mass spectrometry (uHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS), researchers tracked changes in metabolomic activity and antioxidant capacity throughout the germination process.
The study revealed that CFL-A and CFL-B concentrations peaked after 72 hours of germination, alongside significant changes in other bioactive compounds. Polar compounds, including 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, emerged during sugar-to-aldehyde enzymatic conversion, while the non-polar fraction saw a decrease in cannabidiolic acid levels. Additionally, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) formation was observed, potentially serving as an energy source for germination.
Metabolomic profiles analyzed via Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed notable changes between Day 0 and Day 1, stabilizing by Day 3. Antioxidant activity also increased significantly, with radical scavenging capacity improving (DPPH IC50 reduced from 93.00 mg/kg to 43.18 mg/kg) and the highest total phenolic content (TPC) recorded on Day 3.
This research highlights the potential of controlled germination in enhancing cannflavin production and antioxidant activity, offering new opportunities for maximizing the health benefits of hemp seed-derived bioactives.
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