A comparative study on enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of Cannabis root extract prepared by combined processing process

Objectives: Cannabis root is a medicinal plant that has been used in traditional medicine around the world. However, in previous studies using simple extracts, the biological activity was not relatively prominent compared to other herbal medicines. The aim of the present study is to confirm the enhancement of anti-inflammatory activity and bioactive compound of Cannabis root extract prepared by combined processing process.Methods: A series of processes including repeated steam and dry, fermentation, hydrothermal extraction and ethanol extraction was applied to Cannabis root. The antioxidant content of cannabis root extracts obtained through a combined processing process was investigated by analyzing the total phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid contents. Anti-inflammatory effects were tested in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was examined by western blot. Finally, the component profile of Cannabis root extract was analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin layer chromatography (TLC).Results: The cannabis root extract prepared by complex processing process had higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than simple extract. Total phenolic and tannin contents were significantly increased, and DPPH free radical inhibition activity was strengthened by combined processing process. Increased NO production and iNOS expression in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner upon extract treatment by complex processing process. Additionally, the Stigmasterol content of Cannabis root extract was increased through a complex processing process.Conclusions: Further research is needed on the mechanisms and substances that exhibit the anti-inflammatory effects of Cannabis roots extract prepared by complex processing process.