Seed composition of non-industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties from four regions in northern Morocco

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds of two varieties cultivated in four different regions of northern Morocco. The content of protein, insoluble fibre, ash, total phenols and flavonoids was found to be 19.25%-24.18%, 26.40%-37.40%, 3.72%-5.39%, 134.57-199.90 mg 100g(-1) and 39.40-69.54 mg 100g(-1) respectively. Oil contents ranged from 26.42 to 35.19 g 100 g(-1) of seeds in the four collection sites with variable oxidative stability at 100 degrees C from 9.73 to 15.42 h. Total tocopherol content was between 376.46 and 796.06 mg kg(-1) of oil, with a dominance of gamma-tocopherol. Fatty acids consisted mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (87.30-88.96%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (48.26%-55.39%). Triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition analysis revealed the presence of 18 TAGs with an equivalent carbon number of 38-48. The composition of TAGs was predominated by LLL (14.34%-22.62%), OLL (12.77%-18.78%) and LLLn (12.32%-18.59%). Furthermore, the majority of the evaluated parameters were strongly influenced by the varietal factor, growing area and their interaction. The knowledge of this composition variability in seeds of non-industrial Cannabis sativa varieties cultivated in northern Morocco could be useful in new Cannabis variety breeding programmes potentially valuable as non-conventional oil in cosmetic and agro-industry.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the chemical composition of hemp seeds from two varieties cultivated in four different regions of northern Morocco. The results showed that the composition of the seeds was strongly influenced by the variety, growing area, and their interaction. The findings could be valuable for breeding programmes aiming to develop non-conventional oil varieties for cosmetic and agro-industrial use.