Green solvent-based extraction of Cannabis sativa L. by-products: enhancing antioxidant potential and cannabinoid enrichment using MCT oil

With the growing interest in the therapeutic applications of Cannabis sativa L., understanding how extraction techniques influence its antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition is essential for optimizing product quality and functionality. This study evaluated the impact of various oil-based extraction methods—specifically using medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)—on the antioxidant activity and cannabinoid content of Cannabis sativa sugar leaf, leaf, and root. The extraction techniques investigated included ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), heated infusion extraction (IE), ultrasound-assisted infusion extraction (UIE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Significant differences were observed in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of the extracted oils. Compared to UAE, the IE, UIE, and MAE methods resulted in 26.4–148.3% higher color intensity. Peroxide values ranged from 0.055 to 0.276 mg O₂ eq/kg, indicating acceptable oxidative stability. Total phenolic content varied between 2.16 and 125.27 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g, with IE of sugar leaf yielding 131.8% higher phenolics than root extracts. Antioxidant assays revealed that IE-extracted sugar leaf oil showed superior activity, with increases of 3.16-fold (DPPH), 0.32-fold (ABTS), 6.18-fold (FRAP), and 3.89-fold (1,10-phenanthroline) compared to UAE. Furthermore, the IE method yielded the highest levels of CBD (0.027 g/100 g dry matter) and THC (0.746 g/100 g dry matter) in sugar leaf extracts. These findings highlight the sugar leaf as a valuable by-product rich in bioactive compounds. Heated infusion extraction notably enhances the antioxidant and cannabinoid content of cannabis oils, offering potential for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.