Cannabinomics in the flower of Cannabis sativa: a systematic review of extraction, analytical identification, and micro/nanoencapsulation methods for bioactive metabolites

TL;DR

This paper reviews methods for extracting and analyzing bioactive compounds from Cannabis sativa, focusing on improving their use in pharmaceuticals and other industries.

Contribution

The study systematically reviews extraction and encapsulation methods for cannabinoids, highlighting gaps in industrial scalability and standardization.

Findings

Extraction and metabolomic analysis methods are gaining relevance for therapeutic bioproducts.

Micro and nanoencapsulation technologies improve cannabinoid bioavailability.

Correlation between extraction conditions and product efficiency remains understudied.

Abstract

The use of Cannabis sativa has evolved from textile applications in ancient times to a growing interest in its therapeutic and nutraceutical properties. Its regulation varies worldwide, with restrictions on ∆9-THC concentrations depending on the country. Cultivation factors, such as temperature, humidity and photoperiod, affect the concentration of their bioactive metabolites, among which phytocannabinoids have demonstrated impact on the biological regulation of the human organism. Their application in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries has prompted research into the optimization of their production and extraction.

The purpose of this systematic review is to identify methodologies for the extraction, analysis and application of cannabinoids in various industries, focusing on agro-industrial transformation to increase their added value and optimize their therapeutic use.

A systematic search was performed in the Scopus database on November 14, 2024, identifying keywords and their synonyms for each research question, using Boolean operators. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 related to cannabinoid extraction, identification and application methodologies were included, excluding non-scientific papers. The PRISMA methodology was applied to filter and select articles.

The studies analyzed show that extraction and metabolomic analysis methodologies have gained relevance in recent years, especially for obtaining bioproducts for therapeutic purposes. It was identified that cannabinoids, mainly THC and CBD, have potential in the treatment of inflammatory, neurological and chronic pain diseases. In addition, the application of emerging technologies for the micro and nanoencapsulation of cannabinoids, optimizing their bioavailability, was evidenced. However, there are still gaps in the literature on the correlation between extraction operating conditions and the efficiency of the final product, which hinders its industrial scalability.

The growing interest in Cannabis sativa research has led to the exploration of various techniques for the extraction and analysis of its metabolites. However, despite advances in laboratory methodologies, the industrial application of these processes remains a challenge. The lack of studies correlating operational variables with extraction efficiency limits the standardization of bioproducts. Future research should focus on articulating technology and applied science to establish production models to improve the traceability and safety of Cannabis sativa extracts, favoring their integration into the pharmaceutical and agro-industrial industry.

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