Study: Fungus Found in Marijuana Leaves Produces Antioxidant, Antibacterial Compounds and Cannabinoid Precursors

Researchers from Qiqihar University and the Heilongjiang Industrial Hemp Processing Technology Innovation Center have identified an endophytic fungus living inside marijuana leaves that produces a range of antioxidant and antibacterial compounds, along with metabolites linked to cannabinoid production. The study, published in Natural Product Research, focused on isolating and analyzing a fungal strain labeled EFY14 from Cannabis sativa L. leaves. The strain was taxonomically identified as Chaetomium globosum and was found to generate significant levels of phenolic and flavonoid substances known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

According to the study’s findings, extracts from the fungus demonstrated strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity, a common measure of antioxidant capacity. The extract also showed inhibitory effects against three bacteria: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus, all of which are commonly used in laboratory testing for antibacterial activity.

Chemical profiling using non-targeted metabolomics revealed a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic substances such as xanthohumol, tricin, scopoletin, and sophoraflavanone G. Notably, researchers also detected cannabidiolic acid, a precursor to cannabidiol, suggesting that the fungus may play a role in producing or transforming cannabinoid-related compounds.

The research team used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to predict how these metabolites may interact with biological targets, identifying several promising candidates for further drug development and agricultural applications.

Quantitatively, the fungal extract contained 20.823 ± 1.449 mg gallic acid equivalent per liter of total phenolics and 0.230 ± 0.007 mg rutin equivalent per milliliter of total flavonoids. These levels help explain the observed antioxidant and antibacterial performance.

Researchers note that endophytic fungi, which live within plant tissues without causing harm, are increasingly recognized as rich sources of biologically active natural products. This study adds to that body of evidence by demonstrating that fungi residing in marijuana plants may offer new pathways for producing antioxidants, antibacterial agents, and even cannabinoid-related substances.

The authors conclude that Chaetomium globosum EFY14 represents a promising new biological resource for pharmaceutical development, agricultural biological control, and potential new methods of cannabinoid synthesis.