Prospecção de compostos bioativos úteis com potenciais terapêuticos a partir de substratos produzidos por endofíticos isolados da planta cannabis sativa

Abstract

The extracts of Cannabis sativa have great pharmacological and nutritional importance, recognized for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and neuroprotective activities, among others. In addition, the plant interacts with endophytic microorganisms that contribute to the production of a variety of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the ability of endophytic fungi isolated from C. sativa to produce cannabinoids, substances of great therapeutic interest, such as CBD, CBDA, and THC. Sixty- three endophytic fungi were isolated from C. sativa, which were grouped based on their macromorphological characteristics. Ethanol extracts of these fungi were subjected to screening using the Fast Blue B test, which revealed that 15 extracts produced cannabidiol (CBD) and 4 extracts produced ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). From these positive extracts, chromatographic techniques were employed to obtain and identify the metabolites, resulting in the identification of cannabinoid molecules, including CBD and THC, in four extracts: CS 6.2 C, CS 3.3 A, CS 4.3 A, and CS 4.1 D. The identified endophytic fungi were Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium oryzae, Aspergillus niger. Chromatographic analysis confirmed the significant presence of CBD, CBDA, and THC in these fungi, highlighting their potential for the biotechnological production of these compounds. The results suggest that these fungi may be explored as a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional C. sativa production, with great applicability in biotechnology and the development of new pharmaceutical and therapeutic products. This study contributes to the understanding of the interactions between C. sativa and its endophytic fungi, proposing that these microorganisms possess great potential for the sustainable production of cannabinoid substances, with vast prospects for the development of products aimed at health and well-being, as well as representing an innovation in the field of applied biotechnology.