Arthritis and inflammatory conditions require effective therapies, but conventional drugs have side effects. This study explored Cannabis sativa L. essential oil (CSEO) as a safer alternative. A chemical characterization of EO conducted via GC/MS showed the presence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (67.63%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (25.91%), and oxygenated monoterpenes (0.99%). The study used three established inflammation induction tests: xylene-induced ear swelling, carrageenan-induced paw inflammation, and inflammation in the paw induced by Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA). Xylene triggered acute inflammation in the ear, while carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory responses through edema and immune-cell recruitment in the paw. CFA-induced arthritis simulated chronic inflammatory conditions. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with CSEO significantly reduced ear weight in the xylene-induced ear-swelling test, indicating potential inhibition of neutrophil accumulation. In the carrageenan-induced paw inflammation test, CSEO reduced paw volume, suggesting interference with edema formation and leukocyte migration. In the CFA-induced paw inflammation test, CSEO decreased contralateral paw volume, restored body weight, and reduced C-reactive protein levels. Conclusion: this study provides compelling evidence supporting the antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of CSEO. The findings indicate the therapeutic value of EO in the management of arthritis and inflammatory diseases while highlighting the need for further in-depth research to study the molecular mechanisms and validate their safety and efficacy for clinical applications. Preliminary data from this study suggests encouraging prospects for advancing the treatment and prevention of inflammation.

The growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds has intensified the search for novel antioxidants and antimicrobials. This study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial efficacy of the aqueous extract of Ceratonia siliqua seeds (AECS), employing a multi-technique analytical approach for the first time. AECS was analyzed for total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and condensed tannin content. Key compounds were identified using HPLC–ESI–MS/MS, while FTIR and XRD characterized functional groups and crystalline structures. SEM–EDX provided morphological and elemental insights. Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, and antibacterial effects were evaluated against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using MIC and MBC tests. AECS exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid content, with HPLC–MS/MS confirming the presence of gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin. FTIR and XRD provided structural insights, while SEM–EDX revealed a porous morphology with bioactive elements. Phytochemical screening showed a total phenolic content of 30.14 ± 0.16 mg GAE/g DM, a flavonoid content of 8.60 ± 0.80 mg CAE/g DM, and a condensed tannin content of 1.49 ± 0.08 mg CAE/g DM. AECS demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 0.02 ± 0.06 mg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀ = 6.54 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and exhibited potent antibacterial effects against all four bacterial strains, with the strongest activity observed against E. faecium (MIC = 0.78 ± 0.00 µg/mL). While AECS shows activity against multiple bacterial strains, its mechanism of action appears to be predominantly bacteriostatic, rather than bactericidal. This study provides the first comprehensive chemical characterization of AECS using combined spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, unveiling its structural and bioactive properties. These findings position C. siliqua seed extract as a promising natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Cannabis sativa has been widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. However, in Morocco, the ethnobotanical applications of Cannabis sativa, especially its essential oils, are underexplored. This study investigates, for the first time, the effects of Moroccan Cannabis sativa essential oil on peripheral neuropathic pain. Peripheral neuropathic pain was induced in mice through sciatic nerve injury. The mice were treated daily with cannabis essential oil for 21 days. Behavioral tests were conducted on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 to evaluate thermal, mechanical, and cold sensitivity. The essential oil's chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main constituents of the essential oil were (E)-caryophyllene (41.59%) and α-humulene (14%). Daily treatment with the essential oil significantly reduced pain sensitivity and improved functional and histological recovery over time. These effects are linked to the activity of the dominant terpenoids in the oil. Moroccan Cannabis sativa essential oil shows significant therapeutic potential for managing peripheral neuropathic pain. By enhancing recovery and alleviating pain symptoms, it offers a promising alternative for treating chronic pain caused by nerve injuries.