Principal Investigator: Dr Heike Schwendel, Plant & Food Research

Collaborating Organisations: Hemp Connect Limited

High-Value Nutrition funding: $50,059

Hemp seed oil is reported to be high in a range of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, as well as other bioactives, including cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Scientific data on the bioactive composition of New Zealand hemp seed oil are not readily available. Hemp Connect Limited received funding for research to determine the composition of New Zealand-grown hemp seed oil.

Plant & Food Research characterised the chemical composition of New Zealand hempseed oil pressed using Hemp Connect’s proprietary processing methods, and hemp seed oils produced in other countries.

The composition information provided for Hemp Connect’s New Zealand-grown hemp seed oil will contribute to setting the foundation for future food-health relationship claims. The results will also provide a platform for Hemp Connect to plan future research on the benefits of hempseed oil.