Cannabis may be recognized for its euphoric and therapeutic properties because of cannabinoids, but other compounds found in cannabis may contribute to the overall experience. You may know that terpenes have a role to play in the overall cannabis-consuming experience, but cannabis flavonoids are also involved.
So, what are cannabis flavonoids? Cannabis flavonoids are natural substances found in cannabis, and every strain can offer a unique collection of flavonoids. For example, if you have enjoyed Candyland Kush, you may have experienced a different set of flavonoids than if you were to enjoy 9# Hammer. At least 20 flavonoids are found in Cannabis Sativa plants. Let’s dig deep into the world of cannabis flavonoids, where they are found, and why this is one cannabis-related component that is well worth getting to know.
Flavonoids Are Abundant in the Natural World
Cannabis flavonoids may be garnering a great deal of attention because cannabis is so obviously the plant that everyone is talking about. However, flavonoids are found in abundance throughout the natural world and in many foods you likely already consume on a regular basis. So far, scientists have pinpointed more than 6,000 flavonoids in everything from medicinal plants and herbs to fruits and vegetables. You can even find flavonoids in things like red wine, tea, and grains. Therefore, the average person does consume some level of flavonoids on a regular basis.
Flavonoids Found in Cannabis
As noted, more than 20 unique flavonoids have been isolated from plants that come from the cannabis family. Each of these flavonoids is thought to play specific, valuable roles for the plant. Some of the flavonoids found in cannabis include:
- Quercetin
- Myricetin
- Kaempferol
- Luteolin
- Apigenin
- Naringenin
- Cannaflavin
Cannabis Flavonoids: A Look at Their Roles
In the natural world, flavonoids play critical roles in the health of the plant. These secondary plant metabolites have especially important biochemical properties that can protect the plant from various natural threats. In cannabis, flavonoids serve those same important roles. For example, one flavonoid may protect the growing cannabis plant from insects or UV rays. Another flavonoid may help the plant heal after exposure to free radicals or after an insect takes a chunk out of a plant’s stem. Some flavonoids are even thought to protect a plant from lack of water or freezing temperatures.
As far as discerning one flavonoid from another, you would be hard-pressed to make those discernments just with the naked eye if it weren’t for one important thing. Flavonoids can also be determinants of a plant’s color. For example, the bright purple you see in one cannabis bud or the deep orange found in another may be related to the flavonoids that the plant contains. Much like flavonoids are responsible for the red in red cabbage, the blue in blueberries, and the deep purple of an eggplant.
Flavonoids vs Terpenes
Much like terpenes, flavonoids can also play a role in determining the aromatics and flavor profiles of the cannabis plant, even though the two do have different molecular structures and values. Unlike terpenes, flavonoids have not been so thoroughly researched, and terpenes can be found in greater abundance in cannabis than flavonoids.
Potential Therapeutic Value of Cannabis Flavonoids
Those same valuable properties of flavonoids that plants rely on to thrive may offer profound therapeutic value to the human body. Even though the research is considered to be in its infantry stages, flavonoids have already shown to be especially valuable for a range of reasons. These cannabis compounds offer an extensive list of important properties, such as:
- Anti-oxidative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-mutagenic
- Anti-carcinogenic
Due to these valuable properties, flavonoids are considered to be both nutraceutical and medicinal in nature. Not only do flavonoids modulate some of the most important cellular functions in the human body, but they can also inhibit enzymatic activity that could cause the human body harm.
A few good examples of how cannabis flavonoids may be beneficial for the body come from medical journals with published studies on the flavonoids themselves, regardless of the plants those structures were pulled from.
- Quercetin is thought to reduce inflammation in the body, reduce strain on the heart, and even prevent infections
- Luteolin is thought to deter problems with brain fog and even help protect neural activity, which may be beneficial for age-related memory loss
- Apigenin is believed to help with sleep and to encourage muscle relaxation, while also offering cognition enhancement
Some flavonoids are undergoing critical research in clinical trials to determine their efficacy for certain hard-to-treat human ailments and diseases.
Cannabis Flavonoids: We’re Just Getting Started
For many years, cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis have garnered the most attention from researchers. However, cannabis flavonoids are rapidly gaining interest from scientific communities, and for good reason. Researchers are continually working to uncover fascinating new information about these components of cannabis plants.
If you want to experience the best flavonoids from your cannabis, always opt for a well-sourced, responsibly grown product. Flavonoids are not quite as resilient as other cannabis components like cannabinoids, which means their presence can be affected by specifically how a plant is cultivated. Therefore, finding high-quality cannabis is the key to also finding high-quality flavonoids. Take a look at our menu at Core Gardens, as we only procure the best of the best for our customers.
