The legalization of the cultivation of low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and high cannabidiol (CBD) Cannabis Sativa plants is gaining momentum around the world due to increasing demand for CBD-containing products. In many countries where CBD oils, extracts and CBD-infused foods and beverages are being sold in health shops and supermarkets, appropriate testing of these products is a legal requirement. Normally this involves determining the total Δ9-THC and CBD and their precursor tetrahydrocannabinolic acids (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). As our knowledge of the other relevant cannabinoids expands, it is likely so too will the demand for them as additives in many consumer products ensuring a necessity for quantification methods and protocols for their identification. This paper discusses therapeutically relevant cannabinoids found in Cannabis plant, the applicability and efficiency of existing extraction and analytical techniques as well as the legal requirements for these analyses. Graphical Abstract
1 November 2015 in Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
Introduction: Wound management presents significant challenges, requiring effective treatments. Herbal extracts have been traditionally used to support healing due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cellregenerative properties.Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), and Broadleaf (Plantago major) extracts, both individually and combined, on wound healing in vitro and in vivo in equine models. In vitro tests using human macrophages and keratinocyte cell lines to assess cellular responses such as cytokine secretion and phagocytic activity under simulated inflammatory conditions. Additionally, pilot case studies on equines with open wounds provided practical insights into the extracts’ healing capabilities.Results: MTT assay was used to assess cytotoxicity. The extracts did not significantly affect the viability of HaCaT or THP-1 cells. The herbal extracts reduced IL-8 levels and increased phagocytic activity in macrophages, indicating an ability to modulate inflammatory responses. In vivo, the extracts were well tolerated and associated with supported healing in equines. These effects were suggested to be attributed to the synergistic actions of the herbal components.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the herbal extracts may be useful for supporting wound healing. Their natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties could provide an additional option alongside traditional wound management approaches.
Bovine omentum, a by-product of beef processing, offers potential for collagen recovery within the circular bioeconomy. It consists mainly of lipids (42.14%) and proteins (18.79%), such as collagen. In this study, collagen was isolated using acid-based and enzymatic methods. Acid-soluble collagen (ASC) was successfully extracted, yielding 3.98%. Additionally, enzymatic extraction of collagen from the residue obtained after ASC extraction using Protana® Prime (1–10%, w/w) resulted in variable yields (4.98% to 11.15%) (p < 0.05). The maximum solubility of all collagen samples was observed at pH 3, while NaCl concentrations above 4% (w/v) significantly reduced solubility (p < 0.05). ASC demonstrated the highest emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index (213.73 m2/g and 172.09 min, respectively) (p < 0.05), whereas enzyme-extracted collagens exhibited comparatively lower emulsifying capacities, particularly at higher enzyme concentrations (7.5% and 10%). FTIR spectra revealed characteristic bands for collagen, indicating that the triple helical structure was maintained, irrespective of treatment. All collagen samples contained glycine as the major amino acid (approximately 1/3rd of the total amino acid) with proline and hydroxyproline. SDS-PAGE identified type I collagen, which consisted of αI and αII chains. Therefore, bovine omentum would be an alternative source of collagen for various applications in the food industry.
Biodegradable polymer–based controlled‐release fertilizers (CRFs) offer an environmentally friendly approach to enhancing nutrient use efficiency while minimizing ecological impacts. In this study, poly (lactic acid) (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and their blends were investigated as carrier matrices for potassium (K + ). Composites containing 10 wt% potassium sulfate (KS) were produced by melt compounding, followed by comprehensive characterization of their physical, thermal, rheological, mechanical, and K + release performances. The density results confirmed uniform dispersion of KS throughout all formulations. Melt flow index and rheological behaviors revealed that CA content governed melt fluidity, while KS slightly reduced viscosity without compromising processability. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that increasing CA content suppressed PLA crystallinity (from 4% to 2.9% for the blends with no KS loaded and from 5.4% to 3.7% for KS blends) and promoted predominantly amorphous structures, with CA further modulating chain mobility depending on the material composition. The tensile behaviors indicated that PLA contributed strength and stiffness, while CA enhanced ductility; however, limited interfacial compatibility resulted in non‐linear responses, and KS incorporation caused a moderate decline in tensile strength (~17.4%). The K + release studies demonstrated strong dependence on both polymer composition and release environment, where PLA40‐CA60/10% KS exhibited enhanced and tunable K + release, while soil condition produced slower and more complicated release profiles ( n values > 0.5) compared with water condition ( n values < 0.5). Overall, these findings demonstrate that PLA–CA composites effectively mitigate nutrient losses from leaching and percolation, while offering excellent processability and environmental sustainability.