Analysis of the Polysaccharides in Cannabis sativa Joey and Cannabis sativa Fedora 17

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L., also known as hemp, is a member of the Cannabaceae family, and a cousin to Cannabis indica (Bagci, 2003). The exact origin of cannabis is unknown, but based on research it is believed that cannabis originated in Asia (Ranalli, 1999). Cannabis sativa Joey, and Cannabis sativa Fedora 17 are two strains of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Little is known about the polysaccharide composition of hemp in general, and these strains in particular. In this study, the polysaccharides from both strains were extracted by reflux in EtOH and water. The samples were then deproteinated using Sevag Reagent. Steps were also taken to remove the lipids and fatty acids from the samples. The polysaccharides were purified using a DEAE anion exchange column by FPLC. Fractions from the column were assayed for polysaccharides using a phenol/sulfuric acid assay. The purity of the fractions from the ion exchange column were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography using refractive index detection. Based on size exclusion analysis, the polysaccharides Cannabis sativa Joey were purer than those from Cannabis sativa Fedora 17 after a single chromatography step. Future research would include repeating the extraction on Cannabis sativa Fedora 17 to confirm results. Once the results are confirmed, the polysaccharides will be further purified using a preparative scale size exclusion column. Once purified, the monosaccharide composition can be determined for each major polysaccharides from each strain.