Major gene expression and related metabolites (THCAS، CBDAS، PT, OLS) in cannabinoids biosynthesis pathway in Cannabis sativa L. influenced by a elicitor

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual dioecious plant of the Cannabiaceae family that produces various secondary metabolites and has numerous dietary fiber and pharmaceutical properties and nutritional value. Dela-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the important cannabinoids in hemp. One of the basic steps for the increased production of metabolites is to study the contents of important metabolites and the effects various elicitors have on their production. Moreover¡ employing simple and convenient methods in the application of safe and inexpensive elicitors with the purpose of increasing the content of a specific metabolite is a commercial and valuable treatment. The main purpose of this research was to confirm the role played by ascorbic acid (a small¡ inexpensive¡ and safe biomolecules) as an elicitor in stimulating expression of genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of cannabinoids in the valuable hemp plant¡ which leads to increased production of the key metabolites THC and CBD. Results showed a significant increase in the expression of the THCAS¡CBDAS¡ PT¡ and OLS genes as the key genes in the biosynthetic pathways of cannabinoids in hemp. Based on biochemical measurements¡ gene expression patterns matched metabolite production. The abiotic elicitor ascorbic acid significantly increased production of the two main cannabinoids THC and CBD¡ the two active ingredients that are used in drug manufacturing.