Hemp Seed: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects by Dr. Smita Barode 

Introduction:

The seeds produced from the hemp plant are edible and nutritious. Scientifically the hemp plant is the same as marijuana (Cannabis). Although they are related to the same genus, hemp seeds do not have the same activity as cannabis. Hemp seeds contain healthy fats, nutrients and minerals, which provide numerous benefits to Human Health. The hemp is an ancient, unisexual plant known as Cannabis Sativa L., belonging to the family Cannabaceae. It is also referred to as industrial cannabis and is used in the energy source, automobile and construction markets. The seeds of hemp or cannabis are used as functional food, medicinal product, animal feed and in the preparation of herbal formulation.^1,2 Let us discuss the importance and health benefits of Hemp seeds. 

Nutritional Value of Hemp Seed:

Nutritional contents of hemp seed per 100g²:

• Phosphorus: 1160 mg
• Potassium: 859 mg
• Magnesium: 483 mg
• Calcium: 145 mg
• Fat: 34.6 mg
• Carbohydrate: 34.4 mg
• Fibre (Total Dietary): 33.8 mg
• Protein: 25.6 mg
• Iron: 14 mg
• Sodium: 12 mg
• Zinc: 7 mg
• Manganese: 7 mg
• Copper: 2 mg

Properties of Hemp Seed:

• It may improve memory and learning function. 
• It might enhance locomotor activity. 
• It may increase insulin response. 
• It may act as an anti-fungal agent. 
• It may act as an anti-inflammatory. 
• It may reduce pain. 
• It may prevent neuronal damage.^2,3 

Potential Uses of Hemp Seed for Overall Health:

1. Potential Use of Hemp Seed in Managing Ovarian Hormone Deficiency-induced Hypercholesterolemia

A study by Farinon et al.,2020, investigated the role of hemp seed in hypercholesterolemia caused by ovarian hormone deficiency. The experiment showed a positive result by providing unchanged levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma with hemp seed supplements in the diet. This study reveals that hemp seed may potentially manage hypercholesterolemia, which develops due to ovarian hormone deficiency. More research concerning human efficacy needs to be conducted to validate the potential use of Hemp seeds.²  

2. Potential Use of Hemp Seed as an Anti-cancer Agent

Leizer et al. 2000 reported that omega-3- 3 PUFA present in hempseed oil may have an inhibitory effect on the cancerous cells and might act as an anti-cancer agent. It has also shown inhibitory effects on tumour growth. Apart from Omega-3 PUFA, hemp seed oil also contains gamma-tocopherol in significant amounts, which also has anti-cancer properties. The gamma-tocopherol is known to inhibit the cancerous growth of colon cells and reduce the damage caused to the DNA by free radicals. 

However, these hemp seeds have different bioactive compounds which may deactivate the free radicals. Further clinical data is needed for validation.³ Cancer is a serious disease, and if you have any symptoms related to cancer, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate. 

3. Potential Use of Hemp Seed in Atherosclerosis

A study by the Farinon et al. 2020 explained the potential functionality of hemp for human Health. Further, research studies have been conducted to validate the effect of hemp seed on fat deposition in arteries, commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. It was observed that supplementing hemp seeds with a high-fat diet may decrease cholesterol levels and may prevent atherosclerosis-related changes in the aorta (the artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart to other body parts). The consumption of hemp seeds also decreases triglyceride levels and inflammation, which may reduce oxidative stress. These findings suggested that hemp seed may have the potential against atherosclerosis, but more clinical trial data is required to establish its efficacy in humans.²  

4. Potential Use of Hemp Seed as an Anti-ageing Agent

The anti-aging property of hemp seed is discussed by Farinon et al.,2020. They showed that hemp seed mixed with a vegetable diet might have a beneficial effect on promoting Health and longevity by significantly improving the morphology of the spleen and liver, gut flora and memory and decreasing inflammation. These findings suggest that hemp seed may slow the ageing process. However, more studies should be conducted to establish the true extent of its efficacy on humans.² 

5. Potential Use of Hemp Seed in Degenerative Brain Diseases

Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger which is responsible for the normal functioning of the body and brain. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme converts acetylcholine into choline and acetate. The acetylcholine synthesis decreases with age, but the acetylcholinesterase enzyme continues with its regular activity leading to improper brain functioning. This improper brain functioning may affect memory and cognition in the long run leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Potin and Saurel, 2020 mention that hemp seeds’ protein can potentially inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase may slow the progression of degeneration of brain diseases. Thus, it is suggested that hemp seed may have a potential for brain degeneration, but more research data is required to validate its efficacy in human health.¹ 

Though studies show the benefits of Hemp seed in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Hemp seed on human Health. 

Based on my observations, hemp seed extracts contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipogenic, and collagen-promoting properties. Due to the presence of these properties, hemp seeds might be quite useful in reducing the occurrence of acne.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Hemp Seed?

Hemp seeds are healthy and nutritious nuts used by humans for various purposes. Some of the uses of hemp seed are: 

• It may increase the nutritional value of food.  
• Hemp seeds might be used in multiple beverage industries like wine and beer.  
• They may also be used as nutraceutical products. 
• The oil from hemp seed may also be used in skincare products and cosmetics. 
• The unprocessed whole seed may be used as animals’ and birds’ fodder.  
• Hemp seed oil may also be an alternative to olive oil for cardiovascular Health. 
• The hemp seeds may also be used to make flour that has high fibre and protein content.^1,2,4 

One should always consult an Ayurvedic physician before consuming hemp seeds in large quantities or for therapeutic benefits. They will be the best person to prescribe the correct form and dosage for your health condition. 

Some studies show that hemp seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, hemp seeds might help in altering micro-organisms of the digestive tract which leads to improved digestion.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Hemp Seed:

• The hemp seeds contain some anti-nutritional compounds that lead to a reduction in the absorption of nutrients in the body. 
• The presence of tannins, saponins, glycosides and trypsin inhibitors may lead to decreased metabolism, which may release toxic products into the body. 
• The saponins present in hemp seed may cause gastric irritation. 
• The trypsin inhibitors present in the inner part of hemp seed may reduce the digesting ability of proteins and amino acids, impacting the nutritional value of food. 
• They can exert a toxic effect on red blood cells by causing destruction, also known as hemolysis.² 

Precautions to Take with Hemp Seeds:

People suffering from gastric irritations, ulcers and poor metabolism should avoid using hemp seed. Pregnant and lactating mothers, the elderly and children should use the hemp seed and its oil only after consultation with the doctor. 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

Since cannabinoids, one of the constituents of hemp seeds, may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin (an anticoagulant). People must avoid the consumption of hemp seed and consult doctors when on medication.⁵ 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Żuk-Gołaszewska K, Gołaszewski J. Hemp production. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 42. 2020:1-36. Available from: https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41384-2_1  

2. Farinon B, Molinari R, Costantini L, Merendino N. The seed of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional quality and potential functionality for human health and nutrition. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 29;12(7):1935. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/7/1935  

3. Leizer C, Ribnicky D, Poulev A, Dushenkov S, Raskin I. The composition of hemp seed oil and its potential as an important source of nutrition. Journal of Nutraceuticals, functional & medical foods.2000 Dec 1;2(4):35-53. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J133v02n04_04 

4. Cerino P, Buonerba C, Cannazza G, D’Auria J, Ottoni E, Fulgione A, Di Stasio A, Pierri B, Gallo A. A review of hemp as food and nutritional supplement. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. 2021 Feb 1;6(1):19-27. Available from: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/can.2020.0001  

5. Damkier P, Lassen D, Christensen MM, Madsen KG, Hellfritzsch M, Pottegård A. Interaction between warfarin and cannabis. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology. 2019 Jan;124(1):28-31. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30326170/  

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