Hemp Seed Oils in Stem Cell Therapy: Cold Pressed vs. Supercritical­ CO2 Extraction?

OpenAlex · English

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the effects of hemp seed oil (HSO) on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to enhance tissue repair, regulate inflammation, and promote angiogenesis. Background HSO, rich in bioactive compounds, was obtained via cold press (CP) and supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) methods to assess its effects on cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ASCs. Methods Chemical composition were assessed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the % radical scavenging activity (RSA) with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). ASCs were treated with HSO and, cell viability was measured at 24, 48, and 72 h using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and VEGF was quantified by real-time PCR. Results The CP-fixed HSO had higher linoleic (48.48%) and oleic acid (29.33%) content than ScCO2-extracted HSO. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity were greater in CP-fixed HSO [57.85 mgGAE (mgGallic Acid Equivalent)/g, 68.8%] than in ScCO2-extracted HSO (58.5 mgGAE/g, 19.9%). Cell viability increased significantly with 75 and 100 µL of CP-fixed HSO at 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). CP-fixed HSO up-regulated IL-10 and reduced IL-6 at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05), while also increasing VEGF with 50 and 100 µL at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). ScCO2-extracted HSO primarily up-regulated IL-10 but had limited effects on IL-6 and VEGF. Conclusions CP-fixed HSO had superior phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and enhanced ASC viability, anti-inflammatory effects, and angiogenesis, suggesting strong therapeutic potential for stem cell use.