Phytochemistry, bioactivity, and medicinal use of Cannabis sativa roots: a comprehensive review.

Abstract

Background: Cannabis sativa is among the earliest domesticated plants and has been widely utilized for nutritional, industrial, and medicinal purposes. While its aerial parts, particularly the leaves and inflorescences, have been extensively studied due to their recreational and therapeutic applications, the roots remain comparatively neglected, despite their long-standing use in traditional medicine for treating wounds, burns, and inflammation.

Aim: This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of C. sativa roots, with emphasis on their pharmacological potential.  RESULTS: The roots of C. sativa contain a diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites, including phytosterols, alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive constituents have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. In vivo studies further demonstrate nociceptive and antispasmodic effects, with no evidence of cytotoxicity.

Conclusion: C. sativa roots represent an underexplored pharmacognostic resource with significant potential for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Their chemical diversity and biological activities provide a strong rationale for renewed scientific attention, supporting future research into this underestimated part of a species of growing medical and economic relevance.