Comprehensive Pharmacognostic Analysis and Quality Control Parameters of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa: Evaluating Leaves and Flowers for Medicinal Applications
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Abstract
This study establishes pharmacognostic specifications and quality control parameters for Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa leaves and flowers. Microscopic examination revealed distinctive structures, including stomata, trichomes, and vascular tissues. Physicochemical analysis quantified key parameters: leaf samples showed loss on drying (5.12 ± 0.13%), total ash (14.41 ± 0.43%), acid-insoluble ash (1.21 ± 0.08%), ethanol-soluble extractives (3.24 ± 0.06%), and water-soluble extractives (21.75 ± 0.38%), while flower samples yielded values of 5.25±0.01%, 12.61 ± 0.14%, 1.08 ± 0.08%, 4.06 ± 0.02%, and 19.51 ± 0.27%, respectively. TLC fingerprinting using silica gel 60 GF254 with hexane:acetate (9:1) identified four distinct spots with hRf values of 10-12, 18-20, 22-24, and 42-44. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids (+++), cardiac glycosides (+), tannins (+), and flavonoids (+) in both plant parts, with saponins detected only in flowers. The microbial analysis demonstrated contamination levels within acceptable limits, with total aerobic counts (8.4 × 10³ CFU/g) and yeast/mold counts (1.4 × 10⁴ and 8.0 × 10³ CFU/g for leaves and flowers, respectively), indicating a complete absence of pathogenic bacteria. Heavy metal concentrations were significantly below safety thresholds: arsenic (0.05-0.11 ppm), cadmium (≤0.01 ppm), lead (0.17-0.84 ppm), and mercury (0.09-0.23 ppm). These comprehensive parameters establish a scientific foundation for quality assessment and standardization of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa, supporting its safe and consistent application in medicinal preparations.
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