News: Molecular Profiling Highlights the Untapped Power of Wild Cannabis.
- Manuel Basegla
- Oct 17
- 1 min read
Published 12:00 AM EST, Fri Oct 17, 2025
Through advanced molecular profiling and in vitro propagation, the study revealed that noncommercial genotypes produce stronger activity in late-stage phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes, including CHS7, FNS6, and F3’H3, which are essential for cannabinoid and flavonoid synthesis.
A new molecular analysis comparing commercial and non-commercial Cannabis sativa genotypes has found that wild and uncommercialized varieties produce higher levels of valuable bioactive compounds.
Researchers cultivated both genotype groups through in vitro micropropagation, then compared gene expression and metabolite profiles in their leaves. The study revealed that non-commercial genotypes expressed higher levels of late-stage phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes such as CHS7, FNS6, and F3’H3, which are linked to flavonoid and cannabinoid synthesis. In contrast, commercial strains showed increased expression of early pathway genes like PAL4, PAL7, and 4CL1, indicating divergent metabolic priorities.
Untargeted metabolomics identified over 100 differentially abundant metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, cannabinoids, and lignanamides. Non-commercial genotypes were especially rich in flavonoids and cannabinoids—compounds associated with plant defense and pharmaceutical value.
The findings underscore the untapped potential of non-commercial Cannabis sativa lines as “natural factories” for high-value bioactives, opening new avenues for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and sustainable material applications. Source: Science Direct
