Bioactive compounds from the flowers of Cannabis sativa L.: Isolationof a new alkaloid and biological evaluation of cannabinoids andsesquiterpenoids

OG article by QuocTuan Nguyen 1, SunHyeong Choi 1, HongDa Yun 1,2, YoungMi Lee1, ChulMin Kim 3, SeoJeong Oh 4, ManSoo Cho5, EunSol Lee 6, JungWon Seo 6 and HyunJu Jung 1

January 15, 2026

A study in Records of Natural Products isolated bioactive compounds from the flowers of Cannabis sativa L., including a new alkaloid and known cannabinoids/sesquiterpenoids, evaluating their biological activities. From ethanolic extracts' n-hexane fraction, eight compounds were obtained, with compound 1 identified as the novel 3′,4′-dihydro-6′-methoxyspiro[cyclopentane-1,2′(1′H)-quinoline]-2R,8′-diol. Others included Δ⁹-THC isomers, cannabigerolic acid, and sesquiterpenoids. Compounds inhibited SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell proliferation at 10 μM, with cis-THC showing the strongest effect (IC₅₀ 22.53 μM). The new alkaloid exhibited notable antioxidant activity in DPPH assays. Several inhibited elastase and collagenase enzymes (relevant to skin aging), while tyrosinase inhibition was weaker. This marks the first report of these compounds' inhibitory effects on elastase, collagenase, and tyrosinase from C. sativa flowers, suggesting potential in antitumor therapies and cosmeceuticals for skin health. Further studies could expand applications.