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Nutritional Supplement

Shelled Hemp Seed

Also indexed as:Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa

  • Children's Health

    Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder

    Theoretically, shelled hemp seed may be useful for people with ADHD due to its essential fatty acid content.
    Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder
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    Though it has not been studied, theoretically shelled hemp seed may be useful for people with ADHD due to its content of essential fatty acids.8,9

  • Heart and Circulatory Health

    Atherosclerosis

    Shelled hemp seed or its oil may theoretically be useful for people with atherosclerosis due to its essential fatty acid content.
    Atherosclerosis
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    Though it has not been studied, shelled hemp seed or its oil may theoretically be useful for people with atherosclerosis due to its content of essential fatty acids.10

  • Skin Protection

    Eczema

    Theoretically shelled hemp seed or its oil may be useful for people with eczema due to its essential fatty acid content.
    Eczema
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    Though it has not been studied, theoretically shelled hemp seed or its oil may be useful for people with eczema due to its content of essential fatty acids.11

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Hemp is known from archeological and historical records to have been used for a very long time for making fiber for clothing and ropes. The edible seeds and oil expressed from the seeds are noted in ancient Chinese medicine for their medicinal effects as well. Known as huo ma ren (literally “fire hemp seed”), hemp seed is used primarily for alleviating constipation as a bulk-forming laxative.12 Hemp is also mentioned in ancient Egyptian medical texts such as the Ebers papyrus as well as other places for use in making rope.13

References

1. Fitzsimmons S. Hemp seed oil: Fountain of youth? Br J Phytother 1998;5:90-6.

2. Odani S, Odani S. Isolation and primary structure of a methionine- and cysteine-rich seed protein of Cannabis sativa. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998;62:650-4.

3. Luo J, Yin JH, Wei Q. The effect of calcineurin activator, extracted from Chinese herbal medicine, on memory and immunity in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75:749-54.

4. Luo J, Yin JH, Wu HZ, Wei Q. Extract from fructus cannabis activating calcineurin improved learning and memory in mice with chemical drug-induced dysmnesia. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2003;24:1137-42.

5. Leson G, Pless P, Grotenhermen F, et al. Evaluating the impact of hemp food consumption on workplace drug tests. J Anal Toxicol 2001;25:691-8.

6. Steinagle GC, Upfal M. Concentration of marijuana metabolites in the urine after ingestion of hemp seed tea. J Occup Environ Med 1999;41:510-3.

7. Fortner N, Fogerson R, Lindman D, et al. Marijuana-positive urine test results from consumption of hemp seeds in food products. J Anal Toxicol 1997;21:476-81.

8. Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Deck JL, et al. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62:761-8.

9. Fitzsimmons S. Hemp seed oil: Fountain of youth? Br J Phytother 1998;5:90-6.

10. Fitzsimmons S. Hemp seed oil: Fountain of youth? Br J Phytother 1998;5:90-6.

11. Fitzsimmons S. Hemp seed oil: Fountain of youth? Br J Phytother 1998;5:90-6.

12. Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., 2003.

13. Nunn JF. Ancient Egyptian Medicine. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1996:156.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.