Edestin, (also known as Edistin [1] ) is a highly-digestible, hexameric legumin protein with six subunits, [2] [3] [4] and a seed storage protein, [5] with a molecular weight of 310 kDa. [6] This protein is primarily found in hemp seeds. [2] Edestin is a globular protein (biologically active) as opposed to fibrous protein (structural).
Globular proteins found in edestin (and in Alpha 1 globulins, Alpha 2 globulins, Beta globulins, and Gamma globulins) are long peptide chains, precursors for biological proteins essential for life. Edestin is similar to serum globulin (blood plasma), and the biologically active protein of edestin is metabolized in the human body and capable of biosynthesizing: [7] [8]
Edestin can also be broken down to edestan. [9]
It has been discovered that there are seven cDNAs encoding edestin in Cannabis sativa L., the sequences are distinguished by globulin characteristic. There is a type 1 and type 2 of edestin that are both used in process of the development of hemp seeds. Edestin has been used to help the nutritional quality of plant consumption. [10] Hemp seeds are considered to be fruits from hemp plants, [11] and can be used in several different methods: medicine, food, fiber, or psychoactive adjuvants. [12]
Commercial hemp seeds (for human consumption) contain an average 30-35% protein, of which 60-80% is edestin (the remainder being albumin). [13] A particular strain of Korean hemp, Cheungsam, because it contains 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, has been suggested for utilization as "a superior antioxidative nutrient". [7]
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized: Cannabis sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis. Alternatively, C. ruderalis may be included within C. sativa, all three may be treated as subspecies of C. sativa, or C. sativa may be accepted as a single undivided species. The genus is widely accepted as being indigenous to and originating from Asia.
The globulins are a family of globular proteins that have higher molecular weights than albumins and are insoluble in pure water but dissolve in dilute salt solutions. Some globulins are produced in the liver, while others are made by the immune system. Globulins, albumins, and fibrinogen are the major blood proteins. The normal concentration of globulins in human blood is about 2.6-3.5 g/dL.
Transcortin, also known as corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) or serpin A6, is a protein produced in the liver in animals. In humans it is encoded by the SERPINA6 gene. It is an alpha-globulin.
Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. It can be used to make a wide range of products. Along with bamboo, hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth. It was also one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 50,000 years ago. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed.
Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to Eastern Asia, but now of cosmopolitan distribution due to widespread cultivation. It has been cultivated throughout recorded history, used as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods and medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use. The species was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The word sativa means "things that are cultivated."
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or sex steroid-binding globulin (SSBG) is a glycoprotein that binds to androgens and estrogens. When produced by the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testis, it is called androgen-binding protein (ABP).
Cannabis indica is an annual plant species in the family Cannabaceae which produces large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is cultivated for purposes including hashish in India. The high concentrations of THC provide euphoric effects making it popular for use both as a recreational drug, alternative medicine, and a clinical research drug.
Stearidonic acid (SDA: C18H28O2; 18:4, n-3) is an ω-3 fatty acid, sometimes called moroctic acid. It is biosynthesized from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA: C18H30O2; 18:3, n-3) by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase, that removes two hydrogen (H) atoms from a fatty acid, creating a carbon/carbon double bonding, via an oxygen requiring unsaturation. SDA also act as precursor for the rapid synthesis of longer chain fatty acids, called N-acylethanolamine (NAEs), involved in many important biological processes. Natural sources of this fatty acid are the seed oils of hemp, blackcurrant, corn gromwell, and Echium plantagineum, and the cyanobacterium Spirulina. SDA can also be synthesized in a lab. A GMO soybean source is approved by the European Food Safety Authority.
Albumin is a family of globular proteins, the most common of which are the serum albumins. All the proteins of the albumin family are water-soluble, moderately soluble in concentrated salt solutions, and experience heat denaturation. Albumins are commonly found in blood plasma and differ from other blood proteins in that they are not glycosylated. Substances containing albumins are called albuminoids.
Soy protein is a protein that is isolated from soybean. It is made from soybean meal that has been dehulled and defatted. Dehulled and defatted soybeans are processed into three kinds of high protein commercial products: soy flour, concentrates, and isolates. Soy protein isolate has been used since 1959 in foods for its functional properties.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 120 identified cannabinoid compounds found in the plant genus Cannabis. Cannabigerol is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized.
Cannabis strains are either pure or hybrid varieties of the plant genus Cannabis, which encompasses the species C. sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis.
Olivetol, also known as 5-pentylresorcinol or 5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol, is an organic compound found in certain species of lichen; it is also a precursor in various syntheses of tetrahydrocannabinol.
Cannabaceae is a small family of flowering plants, known as the hemp family. As now circumscribed, the family includes about 170 species grouped in about 11 genera, including Cannabis (hemp), Humulus (hops) and Celtis (hackberries). Celtis is by far the largest genus, containing about 100 species.
The cupin superfamily is a diverse superfamily of proteins named after its conserved barrel domain. The superfamily includes a wide variety of enzymes as well as non-enzymatic seed storage proteins.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active component of cannabis.
Cannabidiolic acid synthase is an enzyme with systematic name cannabigerolate:oxygen oxidoreductase . It is an oxidoreductase found in Cannabis sativa that catalyses the formation of cannabidiolate, a carboxylated precursor of cannabidiol.
Hemp protein is a plant-derived protein from the cannabis plant and is isolated from hemp seeds. The protein in hemp seeds is made up of the two highly digestible globular types of proteins, edestin (60–80%) and 2S albumin, with edestin also being rich in the essential amino acids.
Cannabitriol ((+)-CBT, (S,S)-9,10-Dihydroxy-Δ6a(10a)-THC) is a phytocannabinoid first isolated in 1966, an oxidation product of tetrahydrocannabinol which has been identified both as a trace component of cannabis and as a metabolite in cannabis users. Its pharmacology has been little studied, though it has been found to act as an antiestrogen and aromatase inhibitor.
Cannabis (/ˈkænəbɪs/) is commonly known as marijuana or hemp and has two known strains: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, both of which produce chemicals to deter herbivory. The chemical composition includes specialized terpenes and cannabinoids, mainly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). These substances play a role in defending the plant from pathogens including insects, fungi, viruses and bacteria. THC and CBD are stored mostly in the trichomes of the plant, and can cause psychological and physical impairment in the user, via the endocannabinoid system and unique receptors. THC increases dopamine levels in the brain, which attributes to the euphoric and relaxed feelings cannabis provides. As THC is a secondary metabolite, it poses no known effects towards plant development, growth, and reproduction. However, some studies show secondary metabolites such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes are used as defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic environmental stressors.