Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil (HSO)

What Is It?

Hemp seed oil is extracted from cold-pressing seeds of the hemp plant. It is derived from the cannabis plants originated from Central Asia, but it differs from cannabis in that HSO does not contain significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) [15, 16].

How Does It Work in the Body?

Hemp contains chemicals that may affect the heart and might help reduce blood pressure [17, 18].

Hemp also contains terpenes, which may have the following benefits [18, 19]:

• Neuroprotective or brain-protective benefits.

• Anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Anti-tumor properties.

What Is It Used for?

Hemp seed oil contains a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 (Linoleic Acid (LA)) to omega-3 (Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and has anti-inflammatory properties which help with pain reduction [15, 16].

Hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA); studies have shown that natural herbs rich in GLA are effective in relieving symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS) [15, 16].  

Hemp seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acid. While omega-3 fatty acids are vital during pregnancy as they support healthy brain and eye development for the baby, there is not enough evidence to prove the safety of hemp during pregnancy or while breastfeeding [15, 18].

Precautions/Side Effects:

Hemp seed oil is used to lower blood pressure. However, in individuals with chronic hypotension, the use of HSO may potentiate hypotensive effects [15].

Evidence for and Against:

Callaway et al. performed a randomized, single-blind crossover study with patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. They found after 8 weeks, patients reported significant improvement in skin dryness and itchiness (p = 0.027) and dermal medications decreased (p = 0.024) [20].

Dosage:

The Food and Drug Administration has not issued a recommended daily allowance (RDA) for hemp seed oil. However, one should be advised to never exceed the recommended dosage on the package insert [15, 18].

Researchers estimate that three tablespoons of hemp seed oil per day can provide the amount of 3:1 fatty acid ratio needed for a healthy diet [15].  

One tablespoon (15 mL) of hemp seed oil contains [15]:

• Calories: 125.

• Total fat: 14 g.

• Saturated fatty acids: 1 g.

• Monounsaturated fatty acids: 2 g.

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 11 g.

Interactions:

The combination of cardiac glycosides (digoxin) and hemp seed may potentiate bradycardia effects and cause arrhythmias [18].

The use of diuretics and hemp together may result in severely hypokalemia (low potassium levels). This may lead to arrhythmias