Hemp Seed Oils in Stem Cell Therapy: Cold Pressed vs. Supercritical CO2 Extraction?

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the effects of hemp seed oil (HSO) on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to enhance tissue repair, regulate inflammation, and promote angiogenesis. Background HSO, rich in bioactive compounds, was obtained via cold press (CP) and supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO 2 ) methods to assess its effects on cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ASCs. Methods Chemical composition were assessed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the % radical scavenging activity (RSA) with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). ASCs were treated with HSO and, cell viability was measured at 24, 48, and 72 h using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and VEGF was quantified by real-time PCR. Results The CP-fixed HSO had higher linoleic (48.48%) and oleic acid (29.33%) content than ScCO 2 -extracted HSO. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity were greater in CP-fixed HSO [57.85 mgGAE (mgGallic Acid Equivalent)/g, 68.8%] than in ScCO 2- extracted HSO (58.5 mgGAE/g, 19.9%). Cell viability increased significantly with 75 and 100 µL of CP-fixed HSO at 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). CP-fixed HSO up-regulated IL-10 and reduced IL-6 at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05), while also increasing VEGF with 50 and 100 µL at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). ScCO 2 -extracted HSO primarily up-regulated IL-10 but had limited effects on IL-6 and VEGF. Conclusions CP-fixed HSO had superior phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and enhanced ASC viability, anti-inflammatory effects, and angiogenesis, suggesting strong therapeutic potential for stem cell use.