Hypercholesterolemic Effect of Drug-Type Cannabis sativa L. Seed (Marijuana Seed) in Guinea Pig

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. has two drug and nondrug varieties. Nondrug varieties of Cannabis are hemp but drug varieties commonly referred to as marijuana. Marijuana is considered nutritional and narcotic plant. Marijuana has not been studied extensively for its nutritional potential in recent years but whole hempseed typically contains over 30% oil (3%saturated, 28% unsaturated fatty acids) and about 25% protein. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of whole marijuana seed on lipid profile of guinea pig. This study was experienced on fourteen guinea pigs as case and control groups. In control group, guinea pigs were fed with normal diet while case group had free access to normal diet and marijuana seed for 60 days. At the end of experiment the feeding of animal stopped and after 12hr fasting, the animal anesthetized by ketamine/xylazine combination and 5 ml of blood of heart was taken. The blood parameters were measured by automated biochemical analyzer. Marijuana seed significantly increased total cholesterol and LDL-c levels (p=0.00) while HDL-c and triglyceride levels didn`t significantly change. In spite of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that highly incorporated in hempseed, short term feeding of marijuana seed has not improved blood lipid profile. It may be due to hidden orexigenic phytocannabinoids that found in drug-type seed. In the light of this research, it is recommended that individuals who are affected to cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, they should not use unclean marijuana seed that cultivated in Isfahan province of Iran in their food preparation on regular basis.