Raman spectroscopy characterization and hepato-protective traits of bioactive phytochemicals in Cannabis sativa essential oil fractions

The steam-extracted hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) essential oil (HEO) and its fractions, obtained by fractional distillation, were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy linked with principal component analysis (PCA). The unique features recorded in the Raman spectra were applied to identify components in the HEO and its fractions. PCA was used to identify the biochemical features responsible for the differentiation between HEO fractions. The hepato-protective activity of HEO and its fractions was evaluated using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced liver fibrosis model in rats. The hepatotoxicity induced by CCl 4 administration is inhibited by HEO and oil fractions, with evidence of decreased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. The histopathological findings showed that HEO prevents the development of liver injury. In addition, changes in the body weights supported these histopathological and biochemical findings. Therefore, it could be concluded that HEO and its different fractions have a potent hepato-protective action against CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis. Fraction-5 had the maximum concentration of β-caryophyllene indicated by Raman spectroscopy. The findings are consistent with the results of the hepato-protective test, indicating maximum effect due to treating this fraction of HEO in the rat models. Graphical abstract