Lab assays and docking identify cannabis extracts as leads for diabetes research

Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant rich in cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, has been shown to have various pharmacological activities. This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of C. sativa inflorescence extracts using in vitro and computational models. Dried C. sativa inflorescences were extracted sequentially with hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol, before their metabolites were identified by GC-MS. The extracts were tested for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, glucose uptake activity, and antioxidant effects using DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays. Thirty-six metabolites were further docked against diabetes-related proteins. Among the extracts, the hexane extract showed the strongest bioactivity with notable α-amylase inhibition (IC50: 727 µg/mL), DPPH free radical scavenging (IC50: 478.62 µg/mL), and nitric oxide inhibition activity (IC50: 356.51 µg/mL). Docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities for 8-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, cannabivarin, and 9-tetrahydrocannabinol with DPP-4, PTP1B, and other target proteins. These findings highlight the potential of C. sativa inflorescences as a source of antidiabetic agents, warranting further in vivo and clinical validation.