Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Cells Shown by Compounds in Industrial Hemp Roots

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September 04 2025

Cannabis compounds, beyond cannabinoids, are being explored for their potential uses and benefits. A recent study published in August 2025 investigated the effects of neolignans found in hemp roots on cancer cells.

Following the legalization of industrial hemp through the 2018 Farm Bill, researchers have noted the potential of low-THC hemp strains for diverse applications, including livestock feed, paper production, building materials, and now, possibly, the pharmaceutical industry.

The study, titled “Neolignans isolated from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) roots have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells,” appeared in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Using liquid chromatography, researchers tentatively identified neolignans in root samples. After preparing the samples for analysis, their inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was tested against multiple cancer cell lines.

The presence of dadahol A was confirmed using a commercially available reference standard, and dadahol B was also detected in the hemp samples.

The purities of dadahols A and B were evaluated against two high-risk neuroblastoma cell lines, a hepatoblastoma (pediatric liver cancer) cell line, and a Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell line. These four cell lines were selected due to their relevance to pediatric cancers.

Key Findings from the Study:

• The highest cytotoxic activity was observed in semi-pure fractions containing dadahol A and/or dadahol B, compared to the control, across all four cell lines.

• The compounds demonstrated varying effects on cancer cells.

• Pure dadahol A exhibited the lowest inhibitory concentration across all tested cell lines.

The study marked the first demonstration of antiproliferation activity by dadahols on cancer cells. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and molecular basis of these compounds’ cytotoxicity.

“While industrial hemp is best known for its cannabinoid content, it contains hundreds of other phytochemicals with potential applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals,” the researchers noted. “Utilizing every part of the hemp plant, including the roots, could reduce agricultural waste and add value for growers.”

Other parts of the cannabis plant have also been recently studied for their potential benefits. A May 2025 study analyzed the phenolics in cannabis leaves using an optimized analytical method, identifying flavoalkaloids for the first time.

These secondary metabolites, less common than flavonoids, are present in plants. “Our analysis highlights the medicinal potential of cannabis plant material, often considered waste,” said study author André de Villiers in a press release from Stellenbosch University. “Cannabis exhibits a rich and unique non-cannabinoid phenolic profile, which could be significant for biomedical research.”

Additionally, parts of the hemp plant typically deemed waste have been studied for their nutritional value in livestock feed. A study published in May 2025 explored the use of spent hemp biomass as feed for cows, examining cannabinoid accumulation in their milk and tissue. The researchers found that after a withdrawal period, THC was no longer detectable in tissue samples, eliminating the risk of cannabinoid consumption.