Screening of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of Hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.)

Hemp seeds ( Cannabis sativa L.) are a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antihypertensive properties, making them promising functional food ingredients. This study investigated eight industrial hemp cultivars (Futura 83, Felina 32, Futura 75, Henola, Fedora 17, USO 31, Ferimon, and KC Zuzana). The effects of genotype and environmental conditions on seed proximate composition and health-related bioactivity were assessed across different environments. Three growing environments differing in soil characteristics, temperature and two water-availability regimes: rainfed (natural precipitation only) and irrigated (supplemental water application). Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (ORAC, ABTS) reducing power (FRAP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity were assessed, together with nutritional composition. The study showed that water availability influenced significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) proximate composition, showing in irrigated hemp seeds higher protein and lipid content, while rainfed hemp seeds increased dietary fibre. Significant genotype × environment interactions ( p ≤ 0.05) were observed, hemp seed cultivated in environment E3 showed highest TPC and antioxidant capacity. Futura 75, Ferimon, and KC Zuzana emerged as the most promising cultivars due to their higher phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and ACE inhibitory activity. These findings highlight the potential of targeted cultivar selection and agronomic management to maximize the nutraceutical value of hemp seeds.