An innovative method for the extraction and HPLC analysis of bioactive policosanols from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L.

This study investigates an innovative method for the extraction and hplc analysis of bioactive policosanols from non-psychoactive cannabis sativa l.. The research utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the primary analytical technique to address specific challenges in pharmaceutical analysis. Policosanols (PCs) refer to a mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols. Sugar cane is the main industrial source of PCs, but others, including beeswax and Cannabis sativa L., are also known. In the raw material PCs are bonded to fatty acids to form long-chain esters, known as waxes. PCs are mainly... Research Background and Significance Policosanols (PCs) are a group of long-chain aliphatic alcohols recognized for their bioactive properties, including lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects, which render them valuable in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Traditionally, sugar cane wax has been the predominant industrial source of policosanols; however, alternative sources such as beeswax and Cannabis sativa L. are gaining attention due to their unique phytochemical profiles. In Cannabis sativa L., policosanols exist primarily in esterified forms bonded to fatty acids, which necessitates effective extraction techniques to liberate these bioactive compounds for analysis. The study by Brighenti et al. (2023) is significant as it addresses the analytical challenges associated with the extraction and quantification of policosanols from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L., a plant increasingly explored for pharmaceutical utility without the psychoactive effects of THC. By developing an innovative extraction method coupled with a robust HPLC analytical protocol, the research advances the capability to accurately profile policosanols, thus supporting quality c