Title
Polysaccharides from Cannabis Sativa Active in Lowering Intraocular Pressure
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1985
Abstract
Aqueous extraction of air dried Cannabis sativa (marijuana) yields, after dialysis, a mixture of high molecular weight carbohydrate-containing components. This mixture has very potent intraocular pressure-lowering activity (antiglaucoma) when tested by intravenous injection into rabbits. Partial purification by DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration chromatography has yielded very active material (lowers intraocular pressure maximally at 1 μg/animal) with an estimated molecular weight of about 500 000. The active material contains mostly carbohydrate with a small amount of protein. Rhamnose, galactose and uronic acid are the major sugar constituents. The composition of components suggests that the active material is a pectic polysaccharide possibly derived from the cell wall.
Recommended Citation
Hodges LC, Deutsch HM, Green K, Zalkow LH. 1985. Polysaccharides from cannabis sativa active in lowering intraocular pressure. Carbohydr Polym 5(2):141-54.