Cannabinoids From Trema micranthum (L.) Blume (Cannabaceae): A Cannabinoid Profiling System

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Phytochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Trema micranthum (L.) Blume is a tropical plant species belonging to the Cannabaceae family.
• Previous research identified cannabidiol (CBD) and related compounds in T. micranthum extracts.
• The plant is recognized as a potential new botanical source for cannabinoids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and utilize a comprehensive Cannabinoid Profiling System (CPS).
• To analyze the detailed cannabinoid chemical composition of T. micranthum.
• To identify novel cannabinoids within the plant species.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of cannabinoids from T. micranthum fruits, leaves, and inflorescences using a methanol/hexane solvent mixture.
• Application of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS).
• Utilized both targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry approaches for broad cannabinoid analysis.

Main Results:

• The Cannabinoid Profiling System (CPS) enabled a wide-ranging analysis of the plant's cannabinoid profile.
• Quantification of known cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiolic acid, and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A, in various plant parts.
• Identification of 26 distinct cannabinoids in T. micranthum, marking the first report of these compounds in this species.

Conclusions:

• Trema micranthum is confirmed as a significant botanical source of diverse cannabinoids.
• The developed CPS is effective for comprehensive cannabinoid profiling in plant species.
• This study expands the known phytochemistry of T. micranthum and highlights its potential in cannabinoid research.