The rise of CBD’s popularity from the USA to Europe has not only shifted perceptions of hemp’s potential in healthcare but also highlighted ongoing legal and regulatory challenges. Despite the prohibitionist stance in many countries, which places hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) in a precarious legal position, hemp seeds themselves continue to demonstrate considerable value. These seeds are well-regarded for their nutritional benefits, including high levels of protein, omega fatty acids, and fiber. Recently, hemp has shown potential in an unexpected area: the development of plant-derived blood plasma, which could have life-saving applications.
Blood plasma is a crucial component of the medical field, comparable to an essential backstage technician at a concert—unseen but vital. While red blood cells often receive more attention, plasma plays a critical role in clotting and maintaining blood volume, making it indispensable during transfusions. This component is especially important in treating patients after severe trauma, shock and burns, due to occur after accidents and increasingly in events of natural disasters. However, blood plasma can even be a preventive measure in cases of malnutrition and environmental stress, by giving back resilience to the human body.
Despite its importance, plasma is difficult to store and transport due to stringent temperature requirements and a limited shelf life. For instance, plasma must be stored at -30°C and, once thawed, used within 24 hours if kept at 1-6°C. These conditions are particularly challenging to maintain in disaster-stricken areas where infrastructure may be compromised. The difficulty in maintaining a reliable cold chain for plasma storage often leads to shortages, especially in less affluent countries.
Addressing these challenges, the Czech start-up Plasma4People has innovated a solution using hemp seed-derived edestin as a substitute for albumin in blood plasma. This breakthrough could democratize access to blood plasma, making it more available globally and particularly in regions with limited resources. Edestin, a highly digestible protein found in hemp seeds, offers a viable alternative to human plasma proteins. It can be processed into a pure protein powder (99.7%) that is stable at room temperature, eliminating the need for complex and costly refrigeration. This innovation could bridge the global gap, addressing the significant shortfall of approximately 100 million liters of blood plasma. While the medical tests are still underway to bring the plant-derived blood plasma to market, the Start-Up has made available the predecessor of the final, crystallised form of plant-plasma, a capsule that can be used as a food supplement, named Bloody-Vital.
Moreover, hemp-derived plasma offers additional benefits over traditional human plasma. It significantly reduces the risks associated with blood donations, such as transmission of infections and potential autoimmune reactions. These benefits make it an attractive option for medical treatments, especially in situations where human plasma may not be available or safe to use.
From an economic perspective, the production of hemp-derived plasma is also advantageous. The cost of producing conventional blood plasma ranges between 35-40 EUR per liter, whereas edestin-based plasma can be manufactured for as little as 5 EUR per liter. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the practical advantages of room-temperature storage, positions hemp-derived plasma as a potentially transformative resource in global healthcare.
On a Personal Note
Delving into the potential of hemp in healthcare highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding and approach to industrial hemp and its derivatives. Plasma4People’s innovative use of hemp not only addresses a significant gap in medical resources but also challenges preconceived notions about the plant. As global policies continue to evolve, the focus on hemp’s health benefits—independent of the controversies surrounding CBD—could pave the way for broader acceptance and utilization of this versatile plant. In navigating the complexities of healthcare and policy, the potential of hemp, as demonstrated by this initiative, offers a promising path forward for more equitable and sustainable medical solutions.
As a Climate Impact Storyteller, Maren Krings leverages her expertise in photography, filmmaking, content writing, and keynote speaking to highlight the potential of hemp for climate resilience and social justice. She holds a B.F.A. in Photography from the Savannah College of Art & Design, a degree in Climate Change Studies and Environmental Science from the University of Exeter, and multiple certifications in related fields.
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