Immunity-enhancing composition comprising supercritical extract of cannabis

The use of a cannabis supercritical extract obtained via supercritical extraction addresses safety and efficacy issues in conventional methods, providing immune protection and anti-inflammatory effects for treating diseases.

WO2026071786A1Undetermined Publication Date: 2026-04-02SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-26
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional cannabis extract-based products face issues of reduced safety and efficacy due to the loss of active ingredients and residue of organic solvents in room-temperature and Soxhlet extraction methods, posing a risk to consumer safety.

Method used

An immune-enhancing composition is developed using a cannabis supercritical extract obtained through supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, with optional supercritical methanol or ethanol as a co-solvent, at specific pressure and temperature conditions, to inhibit immune cell death and alleviate inflammation.

Benefits of technology

The composition effectively protects immune cells, enhances immune function, and reduces inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine expression, offering potential therapeutic benefits for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an immunity-enhancing composition comprising a supercritical extract of cannabis and, more particularly, to an immunity-enhancing composition comprising a supercritical extract of cannabis, which exhibits effects of inhibiting the death of immune cells and alleviating inflammation.
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Description

Immunostimulating composition containing cannabis supercritical extract

[0001] The present invention relates to an immune-enhancing composition comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0002]

[0003] Conventional cannabis extract-based products have primarily been produced using room-temperature extraction or Soxhlet extraction methods; however, these extraction methods carry the risk of reduced product safety and efficacy due to the loss of active ingredients or the residue of organic solvents. In particular, the residue of organic solvents can have a negative impact on consumer safety, and due to these issues, there is a pressing need to develop better extraction methods.

[0004]

[0005] Against this background, the inventors completed the present invention by developing an immune-enhancing composition that, while researching cannabis extracts, inhibits the death of immune cells, protects immune cells, and alleviates inflammation by including a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0006] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide an immune-enhancing composition comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a functional food composition for immune enhancement comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0009]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides an immune-enhancing composition comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0011] In the above composition, the hemp may be any one selected from the group consisting of Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

[0012] In the above composition, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted from one or more selected from the group consisting of cannabis flower buds, whole plant, roots, stems, leaves, bark, fruits, and seeds.

[0013] In the above composition, the cannabis supercritical extract may be included at a concentration of 0.2 to 1.5 μg / ml.

[0014] In the above composition, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent and supercritical methanol or supercritical ethanol as a co-solvent.

[0015] In the above composition, supercritical carbon dioxide and the auxiliary solvent may be used in a ratio of 6:1 (v / v) to 10:1 (v / v).

[0016] In the above composition, the cannabis supercritical extract may be prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a cannabis sample by drying cannabis flower buds at 30 to 70 ℃ for 24 to 120 hours; (b) decarbonizing the cannabis sample at 100 to 200 ℃ for 15 to 60 minutes; and (c) supercritical extracting the decarbonized cannabis sample at a pressure of 200 to 400 bar and a temperature of 30 to 80 ℃.

[0017] In addition, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases comprising any one of the above compositions.

[0018] In addition, the present invention provides a functional food composition for immune enhancement comprising any one of the above compositions.

[0019]

[0020] The composition of the present invention can protect immune cells by inhibiting the death of immune cells and can enhance immune function and alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS in immune cells.

[0021] Based on these immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can prevent or treat inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases.

[0022] Based on these immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, the food composition of the present invention can enhance immunity.

[0023]

[0024] Figure 1 shows the results of confirming cell viability after treating RAW 264.7 cells with cannabis supercritical extract, cannabis Soxhlet extract, and cannabis room temperature extract at concentrations of 0.3125, 0.625, or 1.25 μg / ml.

[0025] Figure 2 is a graph showing the quantification of the concentration of the inflammatory factor IL 1β in immune cells by measuring it with ELISA when treated with cannabis supercritical extract, cannabis Soxhlet extract, and cannabis room temperature extract at concentrations of 0.3125 or 0.625 μg / ml, respectively.

[0026] Figure 3 is a graph showing the quantification of the concentration of inflammatory factor IL6 in immune cells by ELISA when treated with cannabis supercritical extract, cannabis Soxhlet extract, and cannabis room temperature extract at concentrations of 0.3125 or 0.625 μg / ml, respectively.

[0027] Figure 4 is a process flow diagram of cannabis supercritical extraction.

[0028]

[0029] The present invention relates to an immune-enhancing composition comprising a cannabis supercritical extract, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases comprising the same, and a functional food composition for immune enhancement comprising the same.

[0030] The present invention provides an immune-enhancing composition comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0031] Cannabis is a type of plant belonging to the genus Cannabis, and there are various varieties, the major varieties of which include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis contains pharmacological components such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

[0032] Supercritical extraction refers to a method of extracting active ingredients using supercritical fluids. A supercritical fluid is defined as a substance existing under conditions above the critical point pressure and temperature, where the distinction between liquid and gas is difficult. Supercritical fluids possess unique characteristics distinct from ordinary liquids or gases; while their density is similar to that of a liquid, their viscosity is similar to that of a gas. Due to their liquid-like density, they have high solubility, and due to their gas-like low viscosity, their diffusion and penetration rates are rapid. Supercritical extraction is an extraction method that utilizes these properties of supercritical fluids.

[0033] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis may be any one selected from the group consisting of Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. For example, it may be Cannabis sativa.

[0034] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted from one or more selected from the group consisting of cannabis flower buds, whole plant, roots, stems, leaves, bark, fruits, and seeds. For example, it may be extracted from flower buds.

[0035] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be included at a concentration of 0.2 to 1.5 μg / ml, 0.3 to 1.25 μg / ml, 0.3 to 1.0 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.9 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.8 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.7 μg / ml, or 0.3125 to 0.625 μg / ml.

[0036] An immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention can exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the death of immune cells and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines in immune cells.

[0037] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted using one or more supercritical fluids selected from the group consisting of supercritical carbon dioxide, supercritical methanol, or supercritical ethanol as a solvent. For example, it may be extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent.

[0038] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent and supercritical methanol or supercritical ethanol as a co-solvent.

[0039] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide and an auxiliary solvent in a ratio of 6:1 (v / v) to 10:1 (v / v). For example, it may be extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide and an auxiliary solvent in a ratio of 8:1 (v / v).

[0040] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted at a pressure of 200 to 400 bar, 250 to 350 bar, or 280 to 320 bar. For example, it may be extracted at a pressure of 300 bar.

[0041] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted at a temperature of 30 to 80 ℃, 40 to 70 ℃, or 40 to 60 ℃. For example, it may be extracted at a temperature of 50 ℃.

[0042] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent at a pressure of 300 bar and a temperature of 50 ℃.

[0043] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be prepared by a method comprising the following steps:

[0044] (a) A step of obtaining a hemp sample by drying hemp flower buds at 30 to 70 ℃ for 24 to 120 hours,

[0045] (b) a step of decarbonizing the hemp sample at 100 to 200 ℃ for 15 to 60 minutes, and

[0046] (c) A step of supercritical extraction of the above decarboxylated hemp sample at a pressure of 200 to 400 bar and a temperature of 30 to 80 ℃.

[0047] In an immune-enhancing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be prepared by a method comprising the following steps:

[0048] (a) A step of obtaining a hemp sample by drying hemp flower buds at 55°C for 72 hours,

[0049] (b) a step of decarbonizing the hemp sample at 140°C for 15 to 60 minutes, and

[0050] (c) A step of supercritical extraction of the above decarboxylated hemp sample at a pressure of 300 bar and a temperature of 50 ℃ for 10 to 1 hour.

[0051] In step (c) above, supercritical extraction may be performed using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent and supercritical methanol or supercritical ethanol as a co-solvent. Preferably, extraction may be performed using supercritical carbon dioxide and a co-solvent in a ratio of 6:1 (v / v) to 10:1 (v / v). For example, extraction may be performed using supercritical carbon dioxide and a co-solvent in a ratio of 8:1 (v / v).

[0052] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram of a cannabis supercritical extraction for producing a cannabis supercritical extract of the present invention, and is composed of a CO₂ cylinder (1), an auxiliary solvent cylinder (1'), a meter (2), a pre-cooler (3), a CO₂ pump (4), an auxiliary solvent pump (4'), a preheater (5), an extraction vessel (6), an internal basket loading section (7), a pressure gauge (8), a back pressure regulator (9), a product collection valve (10), a cooling medium circulator (11), a heating medium circulator (12), and a data logger (13).

[0053] The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0054] The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases comprising the immune-enhancing composition of the present invention.

[0055] In a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the same applies to the cannabis supercritical extract of the present invention, unless it contradicts the previously mentioned matters.

[0056] In a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be included at a concentration of 0.2 to 1.5 μg / ml, 0.3 to 1.25 μg / ml, 0.3 to 1.0 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.9 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.8 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.7 μg / ml, or 0.3125 to 0.625 μg / ml.

[0057] In a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inflammatory disease or autoimmune disease is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, allergy, atopy, asthma, psoriasis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, gastric ulcer, gastritis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, hepatitis, cystitis, interstitial cystitis, nephritis, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, polymyositis, scleroderma, Addison's disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, cystic fibrosis, graft-versus-host disease, transplant rejection disease, autoimmune diabetes, diabetes It may be any one selected from the group consisting of diabetic retinopathy and Graves' disease.

[0058] A pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a suitable carrier, excipient, and diluent, etc., that are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions. The carrier may be used without limitation as long as it is known in the art, such as a buffer, preservative, analgesic, solubilizing agent, isotonic agent, stabilizer, base, lubricant, etc.

[0059] A pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formulated and used in the form of oral formulations such as powders, granules, tablets, capsules, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, and aerosols, as well as external preparations, suppositories, and sterile injectable solutions, according to conventional methods. Furthermore, it may be used in the form of external skin preparations such as ointments, lotions, sprays, patches, creams, powders, suspensions, gels, or gels. When formulating, it may be prepared using diluents or excipients such as commonly used fillers, extenders, binders, humectants, disintegrants, and surfactants.

[0060] The dosage of a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately adjusted according to the form and purpose of use, the patient's condition, the type and severity of symptoms, etc.

[0061] The present invention provides a method for preventing or treating inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, comprising the step of administering a cannabis supercritical extract according to one embodiment of the present invention to a subject requiring treatment.

[0062] A preventive or therapeutic method according to one embodiment of the present invention may be to administer a cannabis supercritical extract in a therapeutically effective amount.

[0063] The present invention provides a method for preventing or treating an inflammatory disease or an autoimmune disease, comprising the step of administering a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention to a subject in need.

[0064] A method for prevention or treatment according to one embodiment of the present invention may be to administer a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

[0065] In this specification, "subject requiring treatment" may mean mammals, including humans, and "administration" means providing a specific substance to the subject by any appropriate method. "Therapeutic effective dose" means an amount sufficient to treat a disease with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio applicable to medical treatment and that does not cause adverse effects, and this may be determined by a person skilled in the art based on factors including the patient's sex, age, weight, health status, type and severity of the disease, drug activity, sensitivity to the drug, method of administration, time of administration, route of administration, release rate, duration of treatment, drugs used in combination or concurrently, and other factors well known in the medical field. It is desirable to apply a specific therapeutic effective dose for a specific patient differently based on various factors and similar factors well known in the medical field, including the specific composition, including the type and degree of response to be achieved and whether other preparations are used in some cases, the patient's age, weight, general health status, sex and diet, time of administration, route of administration and release rate of the composition, duration of treatment, and drugs used with or concurrently with the specific composition.

[0066] The present invention provides a use of a cannabis supercritical extract according to one embodiment of the present invention for immune enhancement.

[0067] The present invention provides a use of a cannabis supercritical extract according to one embodiment of the present invention for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases.

[0068] The present invention provides a use of a cannabis supercritical extract according to one embodiment of the present invention in the manufacture of a drug for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

[0069] The present invention provides a use of a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases.

[0070] The present invention provides a use of a pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the present invention in the manufacture of a drug for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases. The present invention provides a functional food composition for immune enhancement comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

[0071] The present invention provides a functional food composition for immune enhancement comprising the immune-enhancing composition of the present invention.

[0072] In a food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the same applies to the cannabis supercritical extract of the present invention, unless it contradicts the previously mentioned matters.

[0073] In a food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cannabis supercritical extract may be included at a concentration of 0.2 to 1.5 μg / ml, 0.3 to 1.25 μg / ml, 0.3 to 1.0 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.9 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.8 μg / ml, 0.3 to 0.7 μg / ml, or 0.3125 to 0.625 μg / ml.

[0074] A food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may include conventional food additives, and unless otherwise specified, suitability as a food additive is determined in accordance with the specifications and standards for the relevant item, based on the general provisions and general test methods of the Food Additives Codex approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. In addition, a food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a suitable carrier commonly used in the manufacture of food compositions.

[0075] A food composition formulation according to one embodiment of the present invention is prepared according to a conventional method and can be encapsulated after drying with a carrier, or formulated into the form of powder, granules, pills, tablets, capsules, candy, syrup, and beverage.

[0076] A food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention can be prepared as any form of food. For example, the food may be any one selected from the group consisting of drinks, meat, sausage, bread, candies, snacks, noodles, ice cream, dairy products, soup, isotonic drinks, beverages, alcoholic drinks, chewing gum, tea, and vitamin complexes.

[0077] The present invention provides a use of a food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention for immune enhancement.

[0078] In the present invention, the matters mentioned regarding the cannabis supercritical extract, pharmaceutical composition, food composition, preventive or therapeutic method, and use are applied equally unless they contradict each other.

[0079] Hereinafter, to specifically explain the present invention, manufacturing examples and experimental examples will be described in detail.

[0080]

[0081] Preparation Example

[0082] Preparation Example 1. Pretreatment of hemp raw material and preparation of dried hemp sample

[0083] The cannabis (Cannabis Sativa L., Purple 52 variety) used in this study was cultivated at N.Thing, a legally licensed farm in Korea. The cannabis was cultivated and harvested under specific conditions, and the harvested flower buds were dried to remove moisture. The flower buds were dried using a dryer at 55°C for 72 hours. This process ensured the production of a uniform sample, making it suitable for storage and use. The dried sample was finely ground using a small grinder (RT-08, Hanil Electric, Seoul, South Korea) and stored in a sealed glass container under refrigerated conditions at 4°C.

[0084]

[0085] Preparation Example 2. Decarbonation Process

[0086] Decarboxylation of cannabis samples was performed as a pretreatment process to remove carboxyl groups in order to activate cannabinoids. This process was carried out using an oven maintained at 140°C. Depending on the desired level of activation, the samples were treated for a duration between 15 and 60 minutes. The samples were heat-treated at 140°C for the set duration, and after decarboxylation was completed, they were collected for a subsequent extraction process.

[0087]

[0088] Preparation Example 3. Particle Size Analysis

[0089] Particle size distribution was evaluated using a sieve separator (CISA BA 200 N, CISA Cedaceria Industrial, Barcelona, ​​Spain) and seven types of standard sieves (45 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, 180 μm, 250 μm, 300 μm, 500 μm; crystal sieve, Gunpo, South Korea). 8 g of decarboxylated sample was placed in the sieve separator and operated at a vibration amplitude of 2 mm. This process was repeated at 10-minute intervals until the particle size distribution became uniform. The weight of each fraction was measured using a precision balance (OHAUS Adventurer - Model AR2140), and the particle size distribution was evaluated based on these measurements.

[0090]

[0091] Preparation Example 4. Preparation of hemp supercritical extract through supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

[0092] Supercritical CO₂ extraction was used to extract cannabinoids from cannabis. In addition, to establish optimal extraction conditions, extraction efficiency was evaluated by adjusting various conditions, such as extraction time and the use of auxiliary solvents. The extraction conditions were set to a pressure of 300 bar, a temperature of 50 ℃, and an extraction time of 10 minutes to 1 hour. The solvent used was either pure supercritical CO₂ or a mixture of supercritical CO₂ and ethanol or methanol as auxiliary solvents. For extraction, 8 g of cannabis sample was loaded into a cylindrical inner basket measuring 187 mm in length and 13 mm in diameter. One end of the basket was constructed with a connecting joint, while the other end was filled with 0.2 g of glass fiber to prevent sample loss due to gravity and to facilitate the flow of supercritical CO₂. The cylindrical basket was mounted concentrically inside a cylindrical extraction vessel measuring 465 mm in length and 50 mm in diameter. One end of the extraction vessel was connected to a metering pump, and the other end was connected to an outlet and a back pressure regulator (BPR). The temperature of the extraction vessel was maintained at 50°C using a circulating water bath. The CO₂ flow rate was set to 8 mL / min using a high-pressure metering pump. CO₂ with a purity of 99.5% was used, and the pressure was raised to 300 bar using a high-pressure pump and then regulated via the BPR. The extract obtained during extraction passed through the BPR and flowed into a separator, where the pressure inside the separator was maintained at 30 bar via another BPR. After the extraction was completed, the extract remaining in the piping was collected by washing with an ethanol or methanol auxiliary solvent using a pump. When an auxiliary solvent was used, it was mixed with supercritical CO₂ at an 8:1 (v / v) ratio and injected in liquid form via a high-pressure pump.

[0093]

[0094] Preparation Example 5. Preparation of cannabis Soxhlet extract as a control

[0095] Cannabis Soxhlet Extract (CSE) was prepared by the following process. First, a condenser was attached to the top of the Soxhlet extraction apparatus, and a round-bottom flask containing 300 ml of 99.5 wt% ethanol was connected to the bottom. 8 g of finely ground cannabis sample was placed in a cellulose extraction thimble (CET Cellulose Extraction Thimbles, CHMLAB GROUP, Barcelona, ​​Spain), and this extraction thimble was inserted into the Soxhlet extraction apparatus. The round-bottom flask at the bottom of the Soxhlet extraction apparatus was set to be positioned on an Extraction Multi Heating Mantle (Misung Scientific Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea), and a recirculating chiller (Jeio Tech, Daejeon, South Korea) was operated to allow cooling water to circulate through the condenser. The heating mantle was set to the maximum temperature, and extraction was carried out for 3 hours at a solvent temperature of 78.4 °C. After the extraction was completed, the power to the heating mantle was turned off, and the round-bottom flask was separated to obtain the extract. Subsequently, the obtained extract was subjected to decarboxylation at 140 °C for 1 hour to finally obtain the hemp syllet extract.

[0096]

[0097] Preparation Example 6. Preparation of room-temperature cannabis extract as a control

[0098] Cannabis room temperature extract (CRE) was prepared by the following process. 8 g of finely ground cannabis sample was placed in a batch extractor and extracted three times at room temperature. The first extraction was performed in 150 mL of 99.5 wt% EtOH for 24 hours, the second extraction in 150 mL of 99.5 wt% EtOH for 24 hours, and the third extraction in 100 mL of 99.5 wt% EtOH for 24 hours.

[0099]

[0100] Experimental

[0101] Experimental Example 1. Immunoprotective and apoptotic inhibitory effects of cannabis supercritical extract

[0102] The cytoprotective and apoptotic inhibitory effects of the cannabis supercritical extract were confirmed in a cell model. First, mouse-derived macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells were cultured for 24 hours in complete medium (DMEM + 10% FBS + 1% Penicillin / Streptomycin) at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ environment. An immune response was strongly induced by treating the existing medium with 5 μg / ml of LPS (Lipopolysaccharide), and simultaneously, cannabis supercritical extract, cannabis Soxhlet extract, and cannabis room temperature extract were treated at concentrations of 0.3125, 0.625, and 1.25 μg / ml, respectively, and cultured for an additional 24 hours. After the incubation was finished, 20 μl of MTT labeling reagent (final concentration 0.5 mg / ml) was added to each well, and the 96-well microplate was incubated in an incubator (37 ℃ or higher, 5–6.5% CO2) for 4 hours. 100 μl of DMSO solution was added to each well, and after confirming the complete dissolution of the purple formazan crystals inside the 96-well microplate, the absorbance of the sample was measured at a wavelength of 575 nm using a microplate reader.

[0103] As a result, cell viability, which was reduced due to an excessive immune response induced by LPS, was statistically significantly increased with treatment with cannabis supercritical extract, and it was confirmed that it significantly increased at all treatment concentrations (0.3125, 0.625, and 1.25 μg / ml) (Fig. 1). In addition, this was statistically significantly higher than the efficacy of cannabis Soxhlet extract and cannabis room temperature extract at the same concentration.

[0104]

[0105] Experimental Example 2. Efficacy of Cannabis Supercritical Extract in Alleviating Inflammatory Response in Immune Cells

[0106] The anti-inflammatory efficacy of cannabis supercritical extract in immune cells was confirmed. First, mouse-derived macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells were placed in a 6-well microplate at 5 x 10 5 Cells were seeded at a cell / well concentration and cultured for 24 hours. After cell attachment, an immune response was induced using LPS (LPS concentration: 1 μg / mL). Simultaneously, supercritical cannabis extract (concentrations: 0.3125, 0.625 μg / mL) was added to each well and cultured for 24 hours. Upon completion of culture, culture medium was collected from each well, and an ELISA kit was used to measure the expression levels of IL1β and IL6. The collected medium was dispensed into each well of the ELISA plate, and the expression levels were analyzed by comparing them to standard samples of IL1β and IL6 according to the manufacturer's protocol. The expression levels of IL1β and IL6 were quantified via antibody-based ELISA analysis, and after all cultures and reactions were completed, the absorbance of the ELISA plates was measured at a wavelength of 450 nm using a microplate reader. Through this, we quantitatively evaluated the extent to which the cannabis supercritical extract inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory responses and analyzed the effect of the extract on regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines.

[0107] As a result, it was confirmed that the amount of IL1β, which had significantly increased due to LPS treatment, was significantly reduced by treatment with 0.3125 and 0.625 μg / ml of cannabis supercritical extract (Fig. 2). This was statistically significantly superior to cannabis Soxhlet extract at the same concentration. In addition, it was confirmed that the amount of IL6, which had significantly increased due to LPS treatment, was significantly reduced by treatment with 0.3125 and 0.625 μg / ml of cannabis supercritical extract (Fig. 3), and this was statistically significantly superior to cannabis Soxhlet extract and cannabis room temperature extract at the same concentration.

[0108]

[0109] [National R&D projects that supported this invention]

[0110] [Project ID] 1545027852

[0111] [Assignment No.] 122036032HD030

[0112] [Ministry Name] Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

[0113] [Project Management (Specialized) Agency Name] Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Technology

[0114] [Research Project Name] Technology Commercialization Support

[0115] [Research Project Title] Development of Production Technology for Cannabis for Food and Pharmaceuticals through Vertical Integration of Cultivation, Extraction, and Separation / Purification

[0116] [Name of Project Performing Organization] Bobsnu Co., Ltd.

[0117] [Research Period] April 1, 2022 ~ December 31, 2024

[0118]

[0119] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0120] 1: CO₂ cylinder 1': Auxiliary solvent cylinder

[0121] 2: Meter 3. Pre-cooler

[0122] 4. CO₂ Pump 4'. Auxiliary Solvent Pump

[0123] 5. Preheater 6. Extraction vessel

[0124] 7. Internal basket loading section 8. Pressure gauge

[0125] 9. Back pressure regulator 10. Product collection valve

[0126] 11. Cooling medium circulator 12. Heating medium circulator

[0127] 13. Data Logger

Claims

1. An immune-enhancing composition comprising a cannabis supercritical extract.

2. An immune-enhancing composition according to claim 1, wherein the cannabis is any one selected from the group consisting of Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

3. An immune-enhancing composition according to claim 1, wherein the cannabis supercritical extract is extracted from one or more selected from the group consisting of cannabis flower buds, whole plant, roots, stems, leaves, bark, fruits, and seeds.

4. An immune-enhancing composition according to claim 1, wherein the cannabis supercritical extract is included at a concentration of 0.2 to 1.5 μg / ml.

5. An immune-enhancing composition according to claim 1, wherein the cannabis supercritical extract is extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent and supercritical methanol or supercritical ethanol as a co-solvent.

6. An immune-enhancing composition according to claim 5, wherein the supercritical carbon dioxide and the auxiliary solvent are used in a ratio of 6:1 (v / v) to 10:1 (v / v).

7. In Claim 1, the cannabis supercritical extract is (a) A step of obtaining a hemp sample by drying hemp flower buds at 30 to 70 ℃ for 24 to 120 hours, (b) a step of decarbonizing the hemp sample at 100 to 200 ℃ for 15 to 60 minutes, and (c) An immune-enhancing composition prepared by a method comprising the step of supercritical extraction of the above decarboxylated cannabis sample at a pressure of 200 to 400 bar and a temperature of 30 to 80 ℃.

8. A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A functional food composition for immune enhancement comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 7.