Health-Promoting Potential of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Root Extracts: Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activities, and Nutraceutical Applications

Abstract

Despite industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) being long recognized for its diverse bioactive phytochemicals, most scientific studies have predominantly focused on aerial tissues, leaving the roots relatively underexplored. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical architecture, biological functionalities, and nutraceutical prospects of hemp root extracts. Characterized by a unique metabolic profile featuring pentacyclic triterpenoids, phytosterols, specialized alkaloids, and neolignans, hemp roots have demonstrated promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, cytotoxic, and cell-protective activities, primarily in preclinical studies. We further examine how advancements in extraction and formulation technologies, such as nano-encapsulation, are overcoming historical barriers to stability and bioavailability. By addressing current regulatory landscapes and research limitations, this review highlights the potential of hemp roots as a sustainable, high-value resource for the functional food and cosmeceutical industries. It proposes prospects for metabolomics-guided discovery and clinical validation.