Bhanga Beeja (Cannabis sativa L.): An Integrative Narrative Review of Ayurvedic Knowledge, Modern Scientific Evidence, and Future Research Perspectives

Abstract

Bhanga beeja (hemp seed; Cannabis sativa L.) is described in Ayurvedic literature as a nutritional and medicinal ingredient and is used in selected classical formulations. Contemporary research has focused increasingly on hemp seed and hemp seed oil because mature seeds are nutrient-dense and intrinsically contain negligible amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC); low cannabinoid concentrations detected in commercial seed products are generally attributable to surface contamination during harvesting and processing. This narrative review integrates classical Ayurvedic descriptions with contemporary evidence on nutritional composition, phytochemistry, preclinical pharmacology, clinical studies, safety, and Indian regulation. Classical sources describe attributes including Deepana, Pachana, Balya, Vajeekarana, and Dhatu Poshana and report their use in selected gastrointestinal and other formulations. Modern evidence supports the nutritional value of hemp seed and identifies bioactive lipids, proteins, phenylpropionamides, phenolics, and other constituents. Seed- or seed-oil-specific studies report preclinical neuroinflammatory and platelet effects and limited clinical findings relating to blood pressure, fatty-acid profiles, musculoskeletal outcomes, skin parameters, constipation formulations, and other conditions. However, the evidence base is heterogeneous and frequently involves multi-ingredient products, small studies, or preparations that are not directly equivalent to classical Bhanga beeja. Accordingly, contemporary findings should be regarded as supportive or hypothesis-generating rather than direct validation of Ayurvedic therapeutic indications. Standardised, authenticated seed preparations and well-designed clinical studies are required to clarify efficacy, dose-response relationships, long-term safety, and the correspondence between classical indications and measurable biomedical outcomes.