Nutritional Contribution and Bioactive Properties of Romanian Monoecious Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa L.) Varieties for Potential Food Applications.

Vlaicu P.; Untea A.; Varzaru I.; Popa L.; Turcu R.; Saracila M.; Nenciu F. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026

**Background & Methods** This review study evaluated six Romanian monoecious hemp seed varieties (Dacia Secuieni, Secuieni Jubileu, Ratza, Zenit, Succesiv, and Olivia) to characterize their nutritional composition and bioactive properties for potential food applications. The analysis assessed crude protein, fat, fiber content, mineral composition (phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc), vitamins (α-tocopherol, total tocopherol), fatty acid profiles, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity across varieties. **Key Findings** • **Protein and macronutrient content**: Dacia Secuieni, Secuieni Jubileu, Ratza, and Olivia demonstrated the highest crude protein levels (24.79-25.57%), while Secuieni Jubileu contained the highest crude fat (30.96%). Ratza exhibited the highest crude fiber content (38.85%), and Succesiv had the lowest protein and fat proportions overall. • **Micronutrients and bioactive compounds**: Dacia Secuieni provided superior phosphorus (1.32%), manganese (138.91 mg/kg), and total tocopherol (227.44 mg/kg) content. Zenit contained the highest iron (105.21 mg/kg) and showed the strongest hydrosoluble antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (1.50 mg GAE/g). Olivia demonstrated the highest zinc content (90.35 mg/kg) and total antioxidant capacity (49.70 mmol AAE/kg dw). Succesiv exhibited the highest lutein content (79.46 mg/kg) and metal-chelating activity. • **Fatty acid profiles and omega ratios**: Dacia Secuieni demonstrated an optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratio (2.78) with the highest α-linolenic acid concentration (19.76% of total FA). Olivia and Succesiv contained the highest linoleic acid proportions (56.16% and 56.11%, respectively). Ratza exhibited the highest omega-6/omega-3 ratio (3.64), indicating cultivar-specific variability in lipid profiles. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. **Evidence Quality** This is a review-level study without clinical trial data or human intervention studies. The analysis focuses on compositional profiling of plant varieties rather than bioavailability, efficacy, or safety in human populations. Conclusions are limited to agronomic and nutritional characterization. Further research is needed to establish clinical relevance and optimal consumption recommendations for functional food applications.

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