Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Composition of Thai Traditional Cannabis Longevity Recipes: In Vitro Evaluation of the Phontecho Remedy

Abstract

Thai traditional medicine has historically incorporated cannabis-based remedies to treat fever, pain, inflammation, insomnia, and to promote longevity. Because antioxidant activity is associated with anti-aging effects, this study investigated the antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of the Phontecho remedy using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Phytochemical profiling was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Phontecho exhibited notable antioxidant capacity, with a DPPH half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 50.33 ± 0.83 µg/mL, an ABTS IC₅₀ of 9.51 ± 0.36 µg/mL, and a FRAP of 382.47 ± 8.61 mmol Fe²⁺/100 g extract. The extract contained high total phenolic content (85.74 ± 2.49 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and moderate total flavonoid content (34.51 ± 0.11 mg quercetin equivalents/g extract). HPLC analysis identified cannabinoids (THCV, Δ⁹-THC, CBDV, CBGA, CBC) and phenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin), while GC–MS profiling revealed eugenol, (+)-2-bornanone, γ-sitosterol, and vitamin E. Antioxidant activity correlated with cannabinoid and phenolic acid contents. These phytochemicals provide a mechanistic basis for the antioxidant efficacy of the Phontecho remedy. The findings support its traditional use as a longevitypromoting remedy and highlight potential as a natural antioxidant for pharmacological applications.