The effect of Sodium HydrogenSulfide (NaHS) on some phytochemical characteristics and the production of THC and CBD alkaloids in the cell suspension culture of Cannabis indica.

Abedini, Maryam; Iranbakhsh, Alireza; Saadatmand, Sara; Ebadi, Mostafa; Oraghiardebili, Zahra

doi:10.22034/jpr.2025.8473.3363

The effect of Sodium HydrogenSulfide (NaHS) on some phytochemical characteristics and the production of THC and CBD alkaloids in the cell suspension culture of Cannabis indica.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Maryam Abedini ¹

Alireza Iranbakhsh ¹

sara saadatmand ¹

Mostafa Ebadi ²

zahra oraghiardebili ³

¹ Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I.R. of Iran.

² Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, I.R. of Iran.

³ Department of Biology, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, I.R. of Iran.

10.22034/jpr.2025.8473.3363

Abstract

Cannabis indica is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly due to its secondary metabolites like cannabinoids. This study explored the use of cell suspension culture technology to identify, produce, and extract these compounds. It specifically examined the impact of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), a hydrogen sulfide donor, on cell suspension cultures of hemp. The research involved treating callus cultures with varying NaHS concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg/L) and assessing their effects on phytochemical traits and cannabinoid production, particularly Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Results showed that NaHS treatment elevated the levels of enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and proline, while decreasing phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and phenolic compounds compared to control groups. Protein and soluble sugar levels increased, except in the 50 mg/L treatment. Cell growth rates improved from the second week onward, with 100 mg/L and 150 mg/L treatments enhancing cell survival rates. However, the alkaloid levels did not increase relative to controls.

Overall, the study concluded that sodium hydrogen sulfide mitigates growth-inhibiting factors like reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative damage. This leads to an increase in defensive compounds, such as proline and antioxidant enzymes, helping hemp cells better withstand stress conditions in cell suspension culture. Thus, NaHS shows potential in optimizing the production of valuable cannabinoids from Cannabis indica through enhanced cellular resilience and metabolic activity.

Keywords

sodium hydrogen sulfide

tetrahydrocannabinoid acid

cannabidol

cellular suspension

cannabis indica

Subjects