The effect of sowing rate on the bioaccumulation of biologically active compounds and their radical scavenging activity in Cannabis sativa L

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a very beneficial plant because it is characterised as easy adaptable and advantageous raw material for many products which are used in daily life. Hempseeds are investigated most of all, but there is no a lot of information about other parts of this plant (stem, leaves and inflorescences). In this study, polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids and the radical scavenging activity of Cannabis sativa L. were investigated. The influence of two different sowing rates (15 and 80 plants per square meter) and two solvents on the recovery of biologically active compounds was determined. Spectrophotometric tests were used for the identification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids content and their radical scavenging activity. It was found that industrial hemp which grew in the sparse area accumulated more biologically active compounds and was a better radical scavenger than the other one, which grew under denser conditions. Moreover, it was determined that polyphenolic compounds dissolved better in methanol and thus showed better radical scavenging properties while flavonoids dissolved better in ethanol.