organic hemp seed oil
Also known as: Organic Hempseed Oil, Hemp Oil, Cannabis sativa Seed Oil, Cannabis sativa L. seed oil
Overview
Organic hempseed oil is a nutritional oil supplement extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, specifically from varieties cultivated to contain negligible levels of THC. It is highly valued for its rich content of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including linoleic acid (LA, omega-6), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), typically presenting a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of approximately 3:1. This oil is used as a dietary supplement to support cardiovascular health, improve skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, and provide general nutritional support. It can be consumed orally or applied topically. Characterized by a nutty flavor, it serves as a functional food ingredient and a source of vital fatty acids, though large-scale clinical trials are still limited.
Benefits
Hempseed oil offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its essential fatty acid profile. For **cardiovascular health**, a 4-week randomized controlled trial (n=14) showed that 30 mL/day of hempseed oil significantly improved the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio, a key marker for reducing coronary heart disease risk. This suggests a potential role in lipid management, though the small sample size limits generalizability. In **skin health**, a 20-week single-blind crossover RCT (n=20) in patients with atopic dermatitis demonstrated increased serum levels of essential fatty acids and subjective improvements in skin dryness and itchiness, alongside reduced reliance on topical medications. This indicates its efficacy in managing inflammatory skin conditions. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to GLA content, contribute to both skin and cardiovascular benefits. Animal and mechanistic studies also suggest **metabolic benefits** by modulating the endocannabinoid system and improving intestinal barrier function, potentially aiding glucose and insulin homeostasis. While benefits are observed in healthy adults and those with atopic dermatitis, larger, more robust studies are needed to confirm effect sizes and clinical significance across broader populations.
How it works
Hempseed oil exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). These PUFAs are incorporated into serum lipids, modulating lipid metabolism and influencing various biological pathways. The oil's components interact with the cardiovascular system by improving lipid ratios, which can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. In the immune and skin systems, its anti-inflammatory effects, partly due to GLA, help alleviate symptoms of conditions like atopic dermatitis. Mechanistic studies also suggest that hempseed oil can modulate the endocannabinoid system and improve intestinal barrier function, thereby influencing metabolic and inflammatory pathways. These actions contribute to its observed benefits in cardiovascular and skin health.
Side effects
Hempseed oil is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials at dosages up to 30 mL/day. Common side effects (>5%) have not been documented in randomized controlled trials, nor have uncommon (1-5%) or rare (<1%) side effects been specifically identified in available research. While no significant drug interactions are formally documented, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants due to the potential effects of fatty acids on platelet aggregation. There are no specific contraindications, but individuals with known allergies to hemp or related plants should exercise caution. Data on its safety in special populations such as children, pregnant, or breastfeeding women are limited, warranting a cautious approach in these groups. Overall, hempseed oil has a favorable safety profile when used within recommended dosages.
Dosage
For cardiovascular and skin benefits, clinical trials have typically utilized dosages of approximately 20–30 mL/day of hempseed oil. Evidence suggests that lower doses, such as 2–3 g/day, may be insufficient to significantly alter lipid profiles. The maximum safe dose is not definitively established, but doses up to 30 mL/day have appeared safe in studies. There are no specific timing recommendations, but daily oral intake with meals is generally advised to enhance the absorption of fatty acids. Cold-pressed, unrefined organic hempseed oil is preferred to preserve its beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Co-ingestion with dietary fat is recommended to optimize absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as required, but overall nutritional adequacy supports efficient fatty acid metabolism.
FAQs
Is hempseed oil psychoactive?
No, hempseed oil contains negligible amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and therefore does not produce any psychoactive effects.
Can hempseed oil replace fish oil for omega-3?
Hempseed oil provides ALA (a plant-based omega-3), but its conversion to EPA and DHA (found in fish oil) is limited in humans. Thus, it is not a direct substitute for marine-derived omega-3s.
How long does it take to see benefits from hempseed oil?
Changes in lipid profiles may be observed within 4 weeks, while improvements in skin conditions like atopic dermatitis may take several months, typically around 20 weeks.
Is it safe to cook with hempseed oil?
Hempseed oil has a low smoke point, meaning it can degrade at high temperatures. It is best used raw in dressings or smoothies, or in low-heat cooking, to preserve its beneficial fatty acids.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2868018/ – This RCT investigated the effects of hempseed oil on lipid profiles in 14 healthy adults over 4 weeks. It found that 30 mL/day of hempseed oil improved the total cholesterol:HDL ratio and increased serum levels of LA and GLA, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. The study was well-controlled but limited by its small sample size and short duration.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.882455/full – This animal study explored the effects of hemp seed on metabolic health in mice on high-fat diets. It demonstrated that hemp seed improved intestinal barrier function, modulated the endocannabinoid system, and enhanced glucose homeostasis, providing mechanistic insights into its potential metabolic benefits. However, these findings are preclinical and require human validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891210/ – This narrative review summarized existing RCTs on hempseed oil, highlighting its efficacy in improving skin symptoms in atopic dermatitis and its potential to improve cholesterol:HDL ratio at higher doses (30 mL/day). It also noted the lack of lipid profile improvement at lower doses and emphasized the need for larger, more comprehensive clinical trials due to the small sample sizes and limited number of existing studies.
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