Cannabis sativa is an annual plant in the Cannabaceae family. The Cannabis plant deeply rooted in Indian tradition
named as Bhang which is often associated with Lord Shiva and considered holy by Hindus. The industry use of
Cannabis sativa dates back to ancient china, where it was one of the oldest recorded pharmaceuticals used for treating
ailments like rheumatic pain, constipation, female reproductive disorders and malaria. By the 19th century, its
therapeutic potential had garnered attention in the western world, with the first clinical conference on Cannabis sativa
held in 1860(1). Cannabis sativa is a medical plant that has attracted much attention for its possible therapeutic uses.
This is primarily because its flowers and seeds are high in cannabinoids like CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Numerous medical uses for these cannabinoids, such as pain management, anti- inflammatory properties, and
neuroprotection, have been investigated in depth. According to Hanuš (2009), such an investigation can reveal new
therapeutic compounds and enhance our understanding of the plant's complete medicinal range. Apart from their
phytochemical component, Cannabis sativa leaves also possess antibacterial properties that have not been thoroughly
Hemank KC, etal. Phytochemical screening and evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant activity of Cannabis
sativa leaves extract .IASR J.Med.Pharm.Sci.,5(2):1‐15, 2025
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studied. With conventional antibiotics losing their effectiveness against some bacterial and fungal infections,
antimicrobial resistance is a major worldwide health concern (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The varied
chemical structures and methods of action of plant-based chemicals have made them attractive candidates for
development as novel antibacterial agents. One significant gap in the field is the lack of thorough study on the
phytochemical composition and antibacterial qualities of Cannabis sativa leaves. Closing this disparity will help us better
understand the plant's therapeutic qualities and create useful applications that may improve public health(2).
Antibacterial agents are the substances that fight against pathogenic bacteria by killing the metabolic activity of the
bacteria and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Due to their distinctive structure, Gram negative bacteria are more resistant
than the Gram positive bacteria and cause a significant morbidity and motality over worldwide(3).
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation by neutralizing free radicals. Oxidation can create free radicals that
initiate damaging chain reactions, leading to cell injury and death. Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to various
chronic and degenerative diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and atherosclerosis.
Antioxidants help combat these effects by neutralizing free radicals and blocking oxidation reactions that drive disease
progression. By inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species, antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage.
Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are key indicators of antioxidant activity. Their effectiveness is largely due to the
hydroxyl groups in phenolic compounds, which donate hydrogen atoms through electron transfer to halt oxidation
processes(4). Phytochemical screening helps in identifying the active compounds responsible for the plant's biological
activity. The identification of effective antimicrobial compounds from Cannabis sativa leaves could lead to the
development of new, plant-based treatments for bacterial and fungal infections. The results may lead to the identification
of fresh antibacterial agents and bioactive chemicals, which would ultimately promote sustainable medical practices and
result in more successful therapies.